Back by popular demand (and understandably so), “Jane Austen in 89 Minutes” is a hilarious and insightful review of all six of Jane Austen’s published novels. Written and directed by Syrie James, this encore performance of Theatre 40’s hit play is made all the more enjoyable by its venue, the Minstrel Gallery of the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.
Although the mansion was built in the 1920s in the Tudor Revival style, the surroundings enhance the play’s Regency-era costumes (by James) and sometimes antiquated language. In lieu of a dark theater with stage lighting, the audience is seated in a large hall with towering, vaulted ceilings and fully lit by chandeliers. If the audience were also in costume, it would be like traveling back in time to Regency-era England.
Branda Lock plays a vibrant, charismatic and approachable Jane Austen. Writer and director James uses Jane’s character as a guide to all of Austen’s works, giving both historical and personal context to the texts.
Lock delivers an impressive performance; her Austen is warm and inviting, like a close friend sharing juicy gossip over a bottle of wine. On top of it all, the audience is treated to Lock’s impressive singing voice in a short musical segment.
The rest of the cast is comprised of three ladies and three gentlemen (Michael Mullen, Megan Deford, Stephen G. Frankenfield, Alison Blanchard, Todd Ball and Holly Sidell), all of whom play various characters from the novels. It is difficult to give specific praise since each actor plays a minimum of three characters and everyone brings considerable talent to their roles.
That said, Michael Mullen is very memorable as the celebrated Mr. Darcy. With his booming delivery and imposing figure, he does the character justice while at the same time poking fun at modern versions of the character in film and television adaptations.
The same can be said of the show as a whole. “Jane Austen in 89 Minutes” is an earnest look at Austen and her novels. It is also an engaging conversation with present and modern interpretations of her work. Jane the character engages with modern criticism and praise for her writing throughout the show, especially when two characters from the present, members of the Jane Austen Society of North America (a real organization), suddenly appear to pepper her with questions from present-day Austen fans.
Jane Austen enthusiasts will love every minute of this show that is as much about Austen as it is about her readers' relationship to her novels. And those who aren’t already Austen devotees may likely be converted after the cast’s final bow.
Theatre 40’s “Jane Austen in 89 Minutes” continues through Feb. 9 at Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly Hills, with shows Wednesday through Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $65. For tickets and information, call (310) 364-0535 or visit Theatre40.org. Run time is 89 minutes.
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