Review: JANE EYRE at Hale Center Theater Orem is Engaging and Uplifting

Hale Center Theater Orem's production of the Broadway musical adaptation of JANE EYRE engages the senses and uplifts the soul.

JANE EYRE (music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, book and additional lyrics by John Caird) is based on the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre is an orphan who moves to Thornfield Hall to become a governess. She becomes intrigued by and attracted to the enigmatic Edward Rochester, who is the owner of the house and the guardian of her pupil. Dark secrets abound, but so do forgiveness and redemption as Jane overcomes the tragedy of her life.

Kenna Lynn Smith as Jane Eyre (double cast with Elizabeth Dabczynski-Bean) splendidly depicts the inner turmoil of her character and sings the impactful score with beauty.

Her husband, David Matthew Smith, is the understudy for Edward Rochester (played at most performances by Equity performer Dallyn Vail Bayles). He gamely attacks the role and succeeds in winning over the audience.

Rachel Bigler deserves special recognition for her delicious portrayal of Rochester's fiancé, Blanche Ingram (double cast with Alicia Pann).

Also making a wonderful impression are Lynne Bronson as Mrs. Fairfax (double cast with Melany Wilkins), Alex DeBirk as St. John Rivers (double cast with David Matthew Smith), and Malia Mackay as Grace Poole (single cast).

Some of the dialect pronunciation is spot on, but unfortunately many of the actors' accents were hit-or-miss throughout the reviewed performance.

The music direction by Justin Bills and sound design by Cody Hale keep the music and dialogue sounding their best and add a thrilling aural ambiance to the proceedings.

The costume design by MaryAnn Hill (assisted by Patti Glad), along with the hair and makeup design by Janna Larsen (assisted by Heather Jones), are striking and appropriate.

The scenic design by Bobby Swenson and Cole McClure and companion lighting design (by Swenson) and projection design (by McClure) are artistic and captivating. The visuals of the production are sometimes haunting, sometimes glowing--encapsulating the wide range and depth of emotion in the piece.

Interesting stage pictures from director Christopher Clark and choreographer Cory Stephens heighten and intensify this emotion, resulting in a very satisfying production.

JANE EYRE plays through June 4, 2016. For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.haletheater.org.

Photo Credit: Suzy Oliveira, Suzy O Photography. Kenna Lynn Smith (Jane Eyre)