Jane Eyre

[Elfie]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 1:29pm

I don't post often but was compelled to write after seeing this musical in a local production last night. (CM Center for Performing Arts on Long Island) What a glorious show! This has been a favorite book of mine for many years and I was happy to see that the show stayed faithful to the book for the most part. The music was beautiful and touching and the acting and singing was superb. Unfortunately, today was the last performance. The only complaint I had was that I felt the orchestra was sub par, hitting wrong notes and often drowning out the magnificent voices. Watch for Brianne Boyd and Timothy Conway (J.E. and Rochester). They are sure to make it on Bway.

I will definitely be adding this CD to my collection if I can find it. Why didn't this show have a successful run on Bway? I'm kicking myself for not seeing it a few years back. Any chance it will ever return? Any other fans out there?

[BroadwayDoc]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 1:44pm

I take it this the Paul Gordon/John Caird musical version? I'd say why it was successful (and this is just my opinion) was that by the time it made it to Broadway, the pop-opera musical was out, and the musical comedy was back. Remember, it opened the same year THE PRODUCERS swept the Tonys. I still think it is one amazing piece of work. The original Witchita prodction is still one of my favorite nights of theater.

[rose&lark]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 1:54pm

I am definitely a fan, though, sadly, I got interested in the show after the show had pretty much run its course. I saw the performance by Marla Schaffel and James Barbour on the Tony Awards, and was compelled to purchase the CD from there. Such beautiful music, and so haunting!

[jasonf]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 2:30pm

I saw it on Broadway and loved it. One of my all time favorite songs from any show is still As Good As You.

[stylinbohemian]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 2:37pm

how does the musical differ from the book? I do remember hearing the music and enjoyed it quite a bit, however after reading the novel for British Literature this year, I am not sure if i would enjoy it seeing as in my opinion the book was a pile of rubbish

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 2:43pm

I hate how the Broadway cast recording is so incomplete. I always have to have my Toronto cast recording handy to hear some of the additional material... although that CD is missing a lot too...

[jasonf]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 2:47pm

Where can you get a copy of the Toronto Cast Recording?

[Dre2387]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 2:53pm

i'm sorry to say but I saw that and hated. everyone with me (it was a class trip) hated it too. And I love the novel! I sort of thought all the songs sounded the same except for the one sung at the party with the old woman.

[rose&lark]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 3:15pm

Hmm...I thought that, while they each had the same flavor, they each sounded different. "Finer Things" sounded WAY different than "Sirens," which sounded different than "Sweet Liberty." But maybe that's just me :/

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 3:33pm

all of the songs are gorgeous but as with any show it's a matter of opinion.

[Elfie]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 4:36pm

CATSNY - what did you mean when you said that the cast recording (OBC) was incomplete? I just bought it and have yet to compare it to the program.
I did notice that many of the songs were similar sounding, but since it was the first time I was hearing the music, I just figured I had to listen to it more.

[Demitri2]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 4:48pm

The Toronto cast recording is now out of print. Jane is played by the same actress but Anthony Crivello (from "Kiss of the Spiderwoman") has the male lead. I sold my extra copy on eBay last month for 35 bucks. It appears on eBay every now and then. Unfortunately I can't comment on either version since I haven't really listened to either completely yet.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/23/05 at 4:53pm

Elfie, both the OBC and Toronto cast recordings are basically highlights from Jane Eyre. they would need to make a two disc recording to preserve the entire score.

The Toronto cast recording has the opening number, "Let Me Be Brave" and Helen's Death recorded but other than that the OBC still has more songs...

MTI has the complete song list... except they mixed up "Sirens" and "Secret Soul" I'm pretty sure the song order is still as it is on the CD...

http://www.mtishows.com/show_songs.asp?ID=000237

[BroadwayDoc]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 8:00am

CATSNY is right, both are basically highlights disc. The Broadway Cast Recording was also recorded before the show opened in New York and includes some things that were changed by the time it opened. Cast in point, the song "Poor Sister" near the end of the show was changed to "Poor Master" and instead of being sung by Mason it was sung by Mrs. Fairfax. It was also almost entirely sung through. And while it was a much bigger production when it was mounted in Witchita, then Toronto and finally La Jolla. The Broadway Production was actually scaled down and had a shorter running time. One hopes if ever a London Production is mounted the entire score will finally be preserved, not just an equity approved soundboard recordings.

Updated On: 10/26/05 at 08:00 AM

[Shoshana BeanieBaby]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 10:54am

I would love a full recording. Forgiveness reprise is my favorite. Why not a reunion concert? I'd go!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 11:00am

It was a gorgeous show that definitely deserved a longer run as well as a couple of Tonys. I think lack of marketing and the rather overwhelming success of The Producers simply doomed a show that few people even knew about. The reviews were mixed, praising its score, performances and/or design, while many felt the direction and book lacked warmth. Personally, I thought it was sumptuous and the scenic and lighting design were innovative and breathtaking. I have no idea how The Producers won the Tonys for those two design elements over Jane Eyre other than the voters simply forgot about the show.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 11:07am

Marla Schaffel should have won for best actress in a musical that year.

[Elfie]

Posted: 10/24/05 at 7:01pm

The CD is wonderful, but I'm so disappointed that the entire score is not included. Yes, I noticed the change from "Poor Sister" to "Master". Mrs. Fairfax did sing it in the production I saw. I do miss the songs I remember from the show: Helen Burn's Death, the Forgiveness song with Mrs. Reed when she's dying, etc.

Would love to see this revived someday, or a concert version!

[BroadwayDoc]

Posted: 10/26/05 at 8:40am

Sadly this is what happens to a lot of Broadway Shows. Many shows like FOLLIES, DREAMGIRLS, SIDE SHOW just to name a few were basically cut to get on a single LP (in the early days) and now a single CD. Luckily the first two were given other recordings with the full score, other shows like SIDE SHOW still have get to get the whole score presented. It is a bit dishearting when you see the show and you realize what is presented on stage is not what you have been listening to.

But, like I said, hopefully a London production will someday see the light of day. One hopes that Marla Schaffel will get to reprise her role, as she performed it in Witchita, Toronto, La Jolla as well as Broadway. (And DottieD'Luscia, I agree, while I love Christine Ebersole, I do think Marla should have one the Tony that year.)
Updated On: 10/26/05 at 08:40 AM