Philadelphia Premiere
From the novel by Jane Austen
Adapted by Michael Bloom
Directed by Kathryn MacMillan
September 19 - November 3, 2013

Emma Woodhouse is Jane Austen's most maddening, endearing heroine. Clever and effervescent, young Emma is also a bit too accustomed to having her own way, although only her friend Mr. Knightley seems to notice. Nearly 200 years after its publication, Emma continues to delight, both as a coming-of-age tale and a lively satire of Austen's elegant and quirky characters. This sparkling adaptation features a spectacle of Regency dance, revelry, and romance that will welcome audiences into Austen's witty, captivating world.

Jake Blouch as Frank Churchill/Robert Martin  •  Peter DeLaurier as Mr. Woodhouse/Ensemble  •  Trevor William Fayle as Mr. Elton  •  Nathan Foley as Mr. Weston  •  Lee Minora as Jane Fairfax/Ensemble  •  Charlotte Northeast as Mrs. Weston/Miss Bates  •  Mary Beth Shrader as Dancer  •  Angela Smith as Harriet/Mrs. Elton  •  Harry Smith as Mr. Knightley  •  Lauren Sowa as Emma Woodhouse

Meghan Jones, Production Manager  •  Dirk Durossette, Scenic Designer  •  Alisa Sickora Kleckner, Costume Designer  •  Shelley Hicklin, Lighting Designer  •  Christopher Colucci, Original Music & Sound Designer  •  K. O'Rourke, Choreographer  •  Monique Gaffney, Wig & Makeup Designer  •  Anthony Giruzzi, Properties Master  •  Mark Valenzuela, Associate Sound Designer  •  Marla Burkholder, Dialect Coach  •  Gigi Naglak, Dramaturg  •  Rebecca Smith, Stage Manager  •  Elaina Di Monaco, Assistant Director

"The production is ambitious, full, and rich, and every second is thoroughly engaging. Director Kathryn MacMillan captures all the detailed observations, upper-class spectacle, and lively characters of the novel with satiric wit and 19th-century British decorum. A light and airy pleasure in every way, and a brilliant start to the Lantern's landmark season." –Phindie

"Lauren Sowa...makes an excellent Emma, transmitting all the coyness, naiveté and judgmental qualities the character embodies. She's just a girl who can't stay out of other people's business although she hasn't really got her own in order – a paradox you can see in Sowa's body language, but mostly in her eyes." –WHYY NewsWorks