Photo from Playbill Online; photo by John Johnson
Marla Schaffel and James Barbour

TWO NEW UPDATES AS OF DECEMBER 20, 2000
Opening was moved to December 10
The atmospheric, darkly romantic world of Jane Eyre, the musical, opens Dec. 10 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway, and audiences are in for a visual surprise. Designer John Napier's conception (along with co-directors John Caird and Scott Schwartz) for the new musical by composer lyricist Paul Gordon is to have Jane's world appear around her via projections on a series of screens that rise and fall around her. A massive carousel above the stage spins and drops black screens that catch lighting and images, creating ever-shifting scenes and perspectives. Everything from windows to moonlit clouds to wallpaper patterns to sunny gardens are created in the 2-hour-45-minute production in which English orphan Jane Eyre grows to become a governess at Thornfield Hall — and falls in love with the troubled master of the estate. Previews began Nov. 9 after a two-day delay that accommodated refinements in the complicated scenic design, which also uses turntables on the stage. At several points in the show, the shifting floor and descending screens, doused in light, create the effect of a hallway, making the world even more fluid and dimensional. Due to the technical issues, the official opening night of the show was moved from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10. Caird, who co-adapted and co-directed Nicholas Nickleby and Les Miserables, adapted the classic 1847 Charlotte Bronte novel and also contributed lyrics. The project has been around for five years, going through rewrites and changes since first seen in a formative production in Wichita, KS. It was also seen in 1996 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto (produced by the Mirvishes) and, after script and score refinements, at the La Jolla Playhouse in summer 1999, where it was a smash audience favorite. Leads Marla Schaffel (as Jane), James Barbour (as Rochester) and Mary Stout (as Mrs. Fairfax) are holdovers from La Jolla. Schaffel has been attached to the show for five years. Playbill.com

Broadway Inspires Reissue of Novel
The Modern Library will release "The Official Broadway Edition" of Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" Nov. 14, coinciding with the run of the new Broadway musical at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. The 717-page softbound volume's cover reflects the musical's logo and art, which shows Marla Schaffel and James Barbour as Jane and Rochester, respectively, standing by a reflecting pool but not making the passionate connection that the classic novel — and new musical — promises. The English countryside is seen in the background, with a horse running free. Jane Eyre, with a score by Paul Gordon and book, co-direction and additional lyrics by John Caird, began previews Nov. 9 (two days later than expected) toward a Dec. 3 opening. Scott Schwartz co-directs with Caird. The tie-in book edition is $7.95 and features a new introduction by Diane Johnson, author of "Le Mariage" and "Le Divorce." The easy-read type is larger and cleaner than other editions of the novel from other publishers. The book also includes notes, commentary and discussion questions for reading groups. The book first appeared in 1847 under Bronte's pseudonym Currer Bell. The novel tells of a plain but smart woman — a governess — falling in love with the mysterious, secretive Rochester in provincial England. Playbill.com

Bway Jane Eyre Tix on Sale by Phone
July 10 10-JUL-2000
You loved the book, now see the Broadway musical.
Tickets for John Caird and Paul Gordon's musical adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre go on sale by phone July 10, four months before the Nov. 7 first preview at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Tony Award-winning lighting designers Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (Ragtime, Cabaret, Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk) have joined the design team of John Napier (set) and Andreane Neofitou (costumes), who had previously contributed to the hit tryout staging at the La Jolla Playhouse in 1999.
Sound designers are Tom Clark and Mark Menard. Steve Tyler is music director, Larry Hochman is orchestrator. James Barbour, Marla Schaffel and Mary Stout played Rochester, Jane and Mrs. Fairfax, respectively, in La Jolla, but no casting has been announced for Broadway. Caird will be on hand for auditions in New York in late July.
The 2000 Broadway opening for the show about a 19th-century heroine orphan trying to find her place in the world will be Dec. 3. The show's sprawling set (by Cats designer Napier) needs 32 feet of wing space, which the Atkinson has. The show has 36 changes in scenery, including the "burning down" of Thornfield Hall.

She made it!!! 19-MAY-2000
Throughout the novel, "Jane Eyre," the 19th-century heroine searches for a sense of home, and the same can be said of the musical Jane Eyre: She wants a house on Broadway.
Well, now she has one. The musical will become the next tenant at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre beginning Nov. 8 (a previously mentioned Nov. 7 date has been nixed because it is Election Day, producer Annette Niemtzow told Playbill On-Line). Official opening is Dec. 3. James Barbour, Marla Schaffel and Mary Stout will be in the cast.

Jane Eyre Reaches for Fall-Winter 2000 Bway Booking
13-MAR-2000
Throughout the novel, "Jane Eyre," the 19th-century heroine searches for a sense of home, and the same can be said of the musical Jane Eyre: She wants a house on Broadway.
Her wish to be there before the 1999-2000 season ends in May burned brightly as late as January, but the glut of shows on the Great White Way is preventing wish-fulfillment.
Jane Eyre producer Annette Niemtzow told Playbill On-Line (March 13) that fall 2000 is now the target. "We are in active negotiations with all three theatre owners," she said. "Jane's friends need not fear. She won't be a homeless orphan for too much longer. We are looking to announce for a fall/winter opening but we may announce ticket sales to begin soon."
The John Caird-Paul Gordon tuner based on the Charlotte Bronte classic was a hit in its summer 1999 tryout at the La Jolla Playhouse in California. The show's sprawling set (by John Napier) needs 32 feet of wing space, and Broadway theatres with such a backstage capacity are currently filled.
Playbill Online

Jane Eyre Still Looking for a Home
28-JAN-2000
Throughout the novel, "Jane Eyre," the 19th-century heroine searches for a sense of home, and the same can be said of the musical Jane Eyre: She wants a house on Broadway.
Despite published reports saying Jane was dead this season, producers of the John Caird-Paul Gordon tuner based on the Charlotte Bronte classic are still hoping a suitable Broadway theatre becomes available before May 3, the Tony Award nomination deadline.
Producer Annette Niemtzow told Playbill On-Line Jan. 27, "We're trying to come in this season, in New York." The fact that Finian's Rainbow, Wise Guys and Martin Guerre have fallen away from the early 2000 schedule lessens competition, but time is running out if a Tony deadline is the goal.
However, the show's sprawling set (by John Napier) needs 32 feet of wing space, and theatres with such a backstage capacity are currently filled.
"We have some promising situations," said Niemtzow.
If hope fades, the producer would not rule out an out-of-town run later in the year prior to sitting down on Broadway, but she remains as hopeful as Eyre herself that the musical romance might come in by May.
Jane Eyre was a three-hanky hit in its tryout at the La Jolla Playhouse in summer 1999. It was one of the biggest-sellers in that theatre's history.
Jane Eyre is drawn from Bronte's 1847 novel of a plain woman falling in love with the mysterious, secretive Rochester in provincial England.
The music and lyrics are by Paul Gordon, with additional lyrics by Caird, who serves as librettist and co-director (with Scott Schwartz).
Previews began July 13, 1999, at the La Jolla Playhouse in coastal La Jolla, CA., near San Diego. It closed Sept. 5.
Jane Eyre will be produced on Broadway by Annette Niemtzow, Janet Robinson, Pam Koslow, Jennifer Manocherian and Alan Novich, in association with Margaret McFeeley Golden.
Composer-lyricist Gordon's work has been sung by Bette Midler, Amy Grant, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle and more. He wrote the chart topping songs, "Next Time I Fall" and "Friends and Lovers." Caird might be best known for staging Nicholas Nickleby and co-directing and co adapting Les Miserables. His most recent London staging was a fresh adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's Candide.
The La Jolla cast, expected to be the same for Broadway, was led by James Barbour (Carousel, Beauty and the Beast) as Rochester, Marla Schaffel (a onetime Fantine from Les Miserables) as Jane, Mary Stout as Mrs. Fairfax, and Elizabeth DeGrazia as Blanche.
Observers consider this a good season for a big, serious-minded show to come in. The major competition for Tony Award nominations would seem to be the yet-unseen George C. Wolfe staging of The Wild Party; the intimate "musical play," The Dead, with some songs culled from pre-existing material; and the lauded, so-called "dance play," Contact, which does not have a new score.
Marie Christine has already closed and Saturday Night Fever, though popular, is generally considered not artistically ambitious enough to be a serious contender for a Best Musical Tony win.
By Kenneth Jones

Megan Drew Wins Award for Jane Eyre; Bronte on Bway by April 2000? 08-NOV-99
Child actress Megan Drew, who played the inspiring role of Helen Burns in Jane Eyre at the La Jolla Playhouse over the summer, was given a YoungStar Award Nov. 7 in Los Angeles.

The industry awards, sponsored by Back Stage West and The Hollywood Reporter, focus on young film and TV performers but there are also special honors for stage actors, nominated by southern California critics. Will Rothhaar was also honored with a stage YoungStar for his performance in The Cryptogram at the Geffen Playhouse.

Drew is expected to repeat her Jane Eyre role on Broadway this season. Jane Eyre producer Annette Niemtzow confirmed that she and fellow producers are expecting to open before the end of the 2000 season (by late April), depending on the vacancy of a Broadway theatre.

She told Playbill On-Line that she's had encouraging conversations to indicate Jane Eyre, the John Caird Paul Gordon tuner based on the Charlotte Bronte novel, will find a home in a medium-sized house that's currently occupied.

Despite the intricate and imposing set by John Napier (Cats, Les Miserables), the show would fit perfectly in a 1,300-seat theatre, rather than a cavern, Niemtzow said.

Meanwhile, The Music Man, Finian's Rainbow and Martin Guerre are all looking for homes, and have not announced where they will land.

Jane Eyre was a three-hanky hit in its tryout at the La Jolla Playhouse. The final week was sold out. It closed there Sept. 5.

Jane Eyre is drawn from Bronte's 1847 novel of a plain woman falling in love with the mysterious, secretive Rochester in provincial England.

The music and lyrics are by Paul Gordon, with additional lyrics by Caird, who serves as librettist and co-director (with Scott Schwartz).

Previews began July 13 at the La Jolla Playhouse in coastal La Jolla, CA., near San Diego. Jane Eyre will be produced on Broadway by Annette Niemtzow, Janet Robinson, Pam Koslow, Jennifer Manocherian and Alan Novich, in association with Margaret McFeeley Golden.

Composer-lyricist Gordon's work has been sung by Bette Midler, Amy Grant, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle and more. He wrote the chart topping songs, "Next Time I Fall" and "Friends and Lovers." Caird might be best known for staging Nicholas Nickleby and co-directing and co adapting Les Miserables. His most recent London staging was a fresh adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's Candide.

The La Jolla cast, expected to be the same for Broadway, was led by James Barbour (Carousel, Beauty and the Beast) as Rochester, Marla Schaffel (a onetime Fantine from Les Miserables) as Jane, Mary Stout as Mrs. Fairfax, and Elizabeth DeGrazia as Blanche.

-- By Kenneth Jones

The 'Three-Hanky' Jane Eyre is SRO in CA Thru Sept. 5; NYC is Next
03-SEP-99 The Broadway-bound musical version of Jane Eyre, by John Caird and Paul Gordon, is a three-hanky hit in its tryout at the La Jolla Playhouse, producer Annette Niemtzow told Playbill On-Line Sept. 1.

The final weekend of the California run, part of its one-week extension, is sold out, to Sept. 5, she reported. Standing room tickets are available.

Niemtzow said all the money is in place for its move to Broadway, but the only thing standing in the way of Jane in New York is real estate: When a theatre becomes available, she said, the gothic heroine will sing there. Niemtzow said representatives from the major theatres in Manhattan have come to La Jolla to see the show, and her hope is for a January 2000 move.

Until then, the show's complicated set by John Napier (who was in residence in La Jolla for a month) will be stored until rehearsals and preparation for the New York run. Niemtzow said librettist and director Caird (who also wrote additional lyrics) has been working with songwriter Gordon to strengthen the storytelling, and that the La Jolla run has, as tryouts should, shown the creators what needs to be addressed for the New York production.

"They haven't tweaked it (in La Jolla)," said Niemtzow, "but they know what the tweaking will be."

The show is very different, she said, from its 1996 Toronto staging and had changed significantly since its spring 1999 reading in New York City (new songs have been introduced since the New York reading).

Jane Eyre is drawn from Charlotte Bronte's 19th-century novel of a plain woman falling in love with the mysterious, secretive Rochester in provincial England. A secret locked in his attic threatens to destroy all.

Still intact, Niemtzow said, is the emotion of the tale, which prompts tears from theatregoers who can't help but sniffle over a romance in which the heroine finds clarity after years of pain.

Previews began July 13 at the La Jolla Playhouse in coastal La Jolla, CA., near San Diego. Jane Eyre performances were originally going to end Aug. 29.

The reworked-since-Canada musical opened July 25 with mix of new and previous cast members -- including Toronto holdover Marla Schaffel in the title role -- at the La Jolla Playhouse, birthplace of the recent How to Succeed in Business and Tommy.

The fall 1999 Broadway staging of Jane Eyre will be produced by Annette Niemtzow, Janet Robinson, Pam Koslow, Jennifer Manocherian and Alan Novich, in association with Margaret McFeeley Golden.

Composer-lyricist Gordon's work has been sung by Bette Midler, Amy Grant, Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle and more. He wrote the chart topping songs, "Next Time I Fall" and "Friends and Lovers." Co-director and librettist John Caird (who also wrote additional lyrics for the piece) might be best known for staging Nicholas Nickleby and co-directing and co-adapting Les Miserables. His most recent London staging was a fresh adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's Candide.

The La Jolla cast, expected to be the same for Broadway, is led by James Barbour (Carousel, Beauty and the Beast) as Rochester, Marla Schaffel (a onetime Fantine from Les Miserables) as Jane, Mary Stout as Mrs. Fairfax, and Elizabeth DeGrazia as Blanche. San Diego native Tiffany Scarritt plays Young Jane.

Schaffel has been with the project since it was first seen in Kansas in 1995. She was Jane in Toronto, too. The La Jolla company also includes Jayne Paterson (Jane's mother), Nell Balaban (Amy), Rachel Ulanet (Louisa), Lee Zarrett (John Reed), Bill Nolte (Mason), Bruce Dow (Robert) and Christopher Yates (Jane's father), all of whom appeared in a workshop reading of the show in New York in February 1999. Others in the La Jolla and Broadway cast are Anne Allgood, Marguerite MacIntyre and Don Richard. MacIntyre had a featured role in the York Theatre's revival of No Way To Treat A Lady, which was directed by Jane Eyre's co-director, Scott Schwartz. Schwartz, who co-stages the piece with librettist and co-lyricist Caird, is the son of composer Stephen Schwartz (Pippin).

Jane Eyre was previously seen with Schaffel and Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman) in December 1996 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. Holdovers from Toronto currently in La Jolla are Balaban, Elizabeth De Grazia, Dow, Nolte, Richard and Stout.

Technically, its world premiere was at the Wichita (KS) Center for the Performing Arts in December 1995. The show's first post-Toronto staging was to be September 1998 at Tennessee Repertory Theatre, but it did not materialize.

Songs in the workshop that were holdovers from Toronto include: "Deep in My Secret Soul," "I'm Painting a Portrait," "Oh, Sister," "Brave Enough to Love" and "Forgiveness." The convention of having the ensemble separately tell Jane's story in the first person (using the formal "gentle audience" greeting) is a holdover from Toronto, as well.

A Toronto cast album had a limited release.

The Toronto leads played the same roles in the 17-performance world premiere in Wichita, KS, far from the glare of New York media.

The original Canadian-production designers recreate their work this year: Set designer John Napier (Sunset Boulevard), costume designer Adreane Neofitou (Miss Saigon) and lighting designer Chris Parry (Tommy). Tom Clark and Mark Menard are sound designers.

Napier has designed a new set, now including three turntables. There are no less than 36 set changes in the production, which follows Jane from childhood to maturity, pain and fulfillment.

The Canadian producers Ed and David Mirvish are no longer involved with the project.

-- By Kenneth Jones

17-JUN-99 Bway-Bound Jane Eyre Producers Lined Up As Musical Preps For La Jolla, July 13

The long-awaited Paul Gordon and John Caird musical, Jane Eyre, has lined up its producing team, who expect to bring the Charlotte Bronte based tuner to Broadway in the fall. According to the Boneau/Bryan-Brown press office, Jane Eyre will be produced on Broadway by Annette Niemtzow, Janet Robinson, Pam Koslow, Jennifer Manocherian and Alan Novich, in association with Margaret McFeeley Golden.

The cast is led by James Barbour (Carousel, Beauty and the Beast) as Rochester, Marla Schaffel (a onetime Fantine from Les Miserables) as Jane, Mary Stout as Mrs. Fairfax, and Elizabeth DeGrazia as Blanche.

Before New York, Jane Eyre will try out at CA's La Jolla Playhouse, July 13-Aug. 29, with July 25 slated as the official opening night.

The La Jolla company also includes Jayne Paterson (Jane's mother), Nell Balaban (Amy), Rachel Ulanet (Louisa), Lee Zarrett (John Reed), Bill Nolte (Mason), Bruce Dow (Robert) and Christopher Yates (Jane's father), all of whom appeared in a workshop reading of the show in New York this past February. Others in the La Jolla and Broadway cast are Anne Allgood, Marguerite MacIntyre and Don Richard. MacIntyre had a featured role in the York Theatre's revival of No Way To Treat A Lady, which was directed by Jane Eyre's co-director, Scott Schwartz. Schwartz, who co-stages the piece with librettist and co-lyricist Caird, is the son of composer Stephen Schwartz (Pippin).

Jane Eyre was previously seen with Schaffel and Anthony Crivello in December 1996 at the Royal Alexandra Theare in Toronto. Technically, its world premiere was at the Wichita (KS) Center for the Performing Arts in December 1995. The show's first post-Toronto staging was to be September 1998 at Tennessee Repertory Theatre, but it did not materialize. Songs that remain from Toronto include: "Deep in My Secret Soul," "I'm Painting a Portrait," "Oh, Sister," "Brave Enough to Love" and "Forgiveness." The convention of having the ensemble separately tell Jane's story in the first person (using the formal "gentle audience" greeting) is a holdover from Toronto, as well. Jane Eyre is drawn from Charlotte Bronte's 19th-century novel of a plain woman falling in love with the mysterious, secretive Rochester in provincial England. Insiders suggest this new version of the show is more of a traditional book musical than the sung-through, darkly-designed (by John Napier) production that played the Royal Alex in Toronto. A Toronto cast album had a limited release. Jane Eyre has long been promised for Broadway but has yet to announce any definitive dates or theatre.

The 1996-97 Toronto production starred Schaffel (a onetime Fantine in Broadway's Les Miz) and Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman) as Rochester.

The Toronto leads played the same roles in the 17-performance world premiere in Wichita, KS, far from the glare of New York media.

The original Canadian designers were scenic designer Napier (Sunset Boulevard), costume designer Adreane Neofitou (Miss Saigon) and lighting designer Chris Parry (Tommy). The Canadian producers Ed and David Mirvish are no longer involved with the project, and have sold the sets and costumes to the La Jolla production, according to a Mirvish spokesman. The three designers are still credited, with Mark Menard on board as sound designer.

Composer Gordon is best known as a pop songwriter, with the likes of Amy Grant, Bette Midler and Smokey Robinson recording his tunes. Co-director, co-lyricist and librettist Caird won a Tony for staging Les Miserables and is currently represented in London by Candide.
-- By David Lefkowitz and Kenneth Jones

July 6 - August 22, 1999, Jane Eyre will open at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California. (Jane Eyre: A New Musical)

"Christopher Innvar (Javert/Les Miserables) graciously stepped in for an absent Anthony Crivello and gave a stellar performance. Considering how little time he had to prepare, Chris' Rochester was at times entrancing. His variation of Sirens was quite possibly the best performance of the first act. Topped only by the always dynamic duet of Secret Soul." (Jane Web)

New updates as of February 20, 1999:
The show has changed so much - many of the songs I have list are no longer in the show and there are many new ones. James Barbour (currently The Beast in Beauty and the Beast) is now Rochester. He will play the part for the LaJolla run as well. (Lori Schlader)