Emma (adapted by Kate Hamill)
by Austin Playhouse
May. 31 - Jun. 30
Thursdays-Sundays
Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with an impeccable track record, much to the chagrin of her dear friend Mr. Knightley. Her latest scheme revolves around the sweet Harriet Smith, whom Emma advises to reject a perfectly good marriage proposal in favor of another eligible bachelor. However, her best-laid plans are turned upside down by unpredictable displays of affection, unexpected rivals and Emma’s sudden realization that true love may have been under her nose all along.
With screwball comedy and surprises aplenty, this fresh, fast-paced new adaptation interprets the Jane Austen classic with delightfully unconventional flair. Not your grandmother’s Emma, this playful twist on a classic had its world premiere at Minneapolis’s Guthrie Theatre in 2022. Hamill’s Emma approaches the work in radical ways, leaning into the comedy to producea joyous fast-paced take on the classic that shows the Regency Era with quirky, modern twists that speak not only to then but to now.
Ella Mia Carter is Emma, Michelina Haralson is Harriet Smith; Stephen Mercantel is Mr. Knightley, David Stahl, Mr. Woodhouse; Hans Venable is Mr. Weston, Bailey Ellis is Mr. Elton. Sarah Zeringue is Anne Weston, Nick Hunter, Frank Churchill, Sarah Chong Dickey, Jane Fairfax, and Laura Walberg is Miss Bates.
Review by Shannon G., Bat City Stage Reviews, June 2, 2024
Review by Cliff Cunningham, Sun News Austin, June 19, 2024
Director Toner Haddock says, "We’re in this cultural moment where Barbie dominated the box office and Taylor Swift and Beyoncé had wildly successful world tours. Of all Jane Austen's heroines, Emma is undoubtedly the one who naturally fits into this empowered female superstar moment. With this adaptation, Kate Hamill has created an updated Emma that's still set in Regency England but embraces a connection to today’s world, making the play feel so relevant and also this vibrant celebration. We look forward to creating an unforgettable theatrical experience that will be a real treat for die-hard Austen fans, but just as welcoming and rewarding for folks coming to this story for the first time.”
Directed by Lara Toner Haddock, the production team also includes lighting design by Mark Novick, scenic design by Mike Toner, sound design by Robert S. Fisher, and costume design by Buffy Manners. Dramaturgy is by Margaret Hoard, choreography by Erin Ryan. Robert Tolaro is stage manager and Grace Ramsden is assistant stage manager.
Emma (adapted by Kate Hamill)
by Kate Hamill
Austin Playhouse
May 31 - June 30, 2024
Austin Playhouse west campus, 405 West 22nd St.
Thurs – Sat at 7:30 p.m. | Sun June 2, 23 & 30 at 2:00 p.m. | Sun June 9 & 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Austin Playhouse (new West Campus location) | 405 West 22nd St. | Austin TX 78705
Tickets are $24-46; with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets are available at austinplayhouse.com; group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com
Age Recommendation: Emma is entertaining for the whole family, but best suited for ages 8+
Children under 5 are not permitted.
Ticketing Information: Tickets for the 2023-2024 Season range from $24-46 with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and Half-Price Student Tickets. Group discounts are available for parties of 10+. Group inquiries can be made at boxoffice@playhouse.com. Single tickets on sale now at austinplayhouse.com.
Free street parking is available. Paid parking is conveniently located one block away at the UT Co-Op Parking Garage at 2214 San Antonio St.405 West 22nd St. Free street parking is available with paid parking conveniently located one block away at the UT Co-Op Parking Garage at 2214 San Antonio St.
