EMMA Will Be Performed at Players Ring as Final Show of 2025-26 Season
The Jane Austen adaptation will be staged at the Portsmouth, NH theater.
“Emma,” a reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, will be on stage at the Players Ring May 29 through June 21.
Written by Kate Hamill and directed by Ro Gavin, the audience will see Emma Woodhouse as clever, charming, and perhaps a little too confident in her matchmaking abilities. Determined to orchestrate the romantic lives of everyone around her – while insisting she’ll never marry herself – Emma soon discovers that love has a habit of ignoring even the best-laid plans.
Playwright Kate Hamill infuses Austen’s world with razor-sharp humor, contemporary energy, and delicious theatricality, turning Emma into a fast-paced comedy of vanity, flirtation, and glorious social missteps.
Director Ro Gavin said “Emma” had always been their favorite classic novel.
“It is so empowering to see a script with dynamic and incredible roles for women in theatre,” they said. “The Ring is also one of my favorite venues, and it always challenges me as a director and creative. I felt like this piece would reap the greatest rewards for myself as a director and for our team as creatives in this space.”
The biggest challenge is finding the balance between the screwball comedy and the honesty of the piece,” Gavin said.
“When directing a comedy, you can't just go for a laugh; you have to really understand the depth and severity of the situations for the characters. Kate Hamill does an excellent job in her adaptation of staying true to the story while leaving room for comedic home runs, but it takes a group of very smart and witty artists to really be able to nail it.”
Gavin credits the cast as “by far, the most incredible group I've had to work with.”
“Everyone brings a very ‘yes and’ attitude into the space and I feel connected with everyone and able to coalesce between all our different working styles,” they added. “Furthermore, as a director, I have never felt safer with a group of actors to pitch some absolute insanity and to be met with welcoming and willing attitudes. The room is completely electric.”
Gavin said Ciara L. Neidlinger, who plays Emma, is a tour de force. This is Neidlinger’s debut at the Ring.
“She is carrying this show with ease and poise; we couldn't present this piece without her expertise. And our Harriet, (played by Gabby Bubrick), is without a doubt one of the most talented young women I've had the pleasure to work with. She has such a warm collaborative energy and a thoughtful professionalism about her. If she is the model of what is to come for the theatre industry, I can't wait to see where we are heading.”
Neidlinger said she is “ecstatic to be making my Players Ring debut.” “I am looking forward to the intimacy between performer and audience that The Ring naturally creates. And our production team has more up their sleeves to make Emma even more interactive for audiences,” she said.
Neidlinger said Emma is tumultuous. “We see her bursting with love, to brimming with feminine advocacy, to manipulating her friends, and chewing out one of her dearest teachers,” she said. “What we see is the battle that all young women seem to face, between what society has set aside for us and where our own inclinations lead. As Mrs. Weston (played by Olivia Sowell) says, a lady who is trapped between worlds ‘eats too much, she over-primps, she engages in silly dramas, she meddles with her friends' lives And yes, she takes out her frustrations on others.’ I love her dearly because I see and understand her frustrations. At the same time, she is not always a good friend. Emma is a complex character and I’m so excited to bring her to life onstage.”
Curious about the process? The first Sunday matinee show (May 31) will be followed by an optional talkback with the director and cast.
The Ring’s neighbor, The Puddle Dock restaurant, and its sister restaurant, Tour on Lafayette Road, are both offering a 10% discount on food to Players Ring patrons. Visit their websites to reserve, and present your ticket when you ask for your check.
The Players Ring is grateful for the support of its donors and sponsors. Kristina and Doug Brendels are “Emma”’s Production Champions. Patrons of the Arts: The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, The Rosamond Thaxter Foundation, Tour Restaurant, The Puddle Dock Restaurant, RAKA Creative. Supporters: Ace Handyman Services, Business Cents, City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, Dowling HVAC, Port City Makerspace. Media Partners: Portsmouthnh.com and Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. The Ring Works New Play Lab is supported by Kennebunk Savings Bank.
Videos
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"Emma" Players Ring (5/29-6/07) |
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Kanin Wren's Taylor Swift Experience Claremont Opera House (8/08-8/08) |
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Count Arthur Strong - And it''s Goodnight from Me! Key Theatre (5/12-5/12) |
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KISS/POISON Tribute Concert – Sat, May 30, 7:30pm The Park Theatre (5/30-5/30) |
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O.A.R. Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion (9/13-9/13) |
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Shear Madness The Barnstormers Theatre (8/20-8/29) |
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Count Arthur Strong - And it''s Goodnight from Me! Portsmouth New Theatre Royal (3/11-3/11) |
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