WHAT FUN GETTING LOST IN AUSTEN
Fresh from its smash hit engagement at Theatre 40, Jane Austen in 89 Minutes has moved into the artistically appropriate Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills for a limited 10-performance run. Performed by a cast of seven madcap ladies and gents who bring all six of Jane Austen’s beloved novels to comedic life, the play is hosted by the author herself, who, along with the other actors, shares modern day zingers about Jane Austen’s fame, fandom, movies, and adapted TV series. You see, writer/director Syrie James sets her play in a wrinkle in time, with the present day intermingled with England’s Regency Era, 1811-1816, during which, at several points, Jane Austen reins in her characters when they run amok and try to take over to rewrite the show.
With all but Lock playing several characters in Austen’s six novels, the cast clearly enjoys enjoy all the madness and fun. Quick costume changes—designed, along with props, by James from her personal collection—take place offstage with numerous hats, scarves, coats, and smaller pieces helping to keep track of which characters are onstage, especially since they change so frequently. The funniest moments were when actors rushed onstage, completely confused about which character they were playing, until Jane Austen reminded them to keep the action moving with required briskness.
Portrayed to the hilt by Branda Lock, Jane Austen remains onstage throughout, opening the play by introducing the concept, the characters and basic storyline in each of her six novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Picture trying to follow the plots of her six novels in just 89 minutes, with a bell ringing each time a title is mentioned in the dialogue, and you’ll grasp the fast-paced nature of the performance. Taking on the role of a circus ringmaster, Lock keeps the actors in check, answers their questions about Austen’s creative choices, and shares intriguing facts about various media adaptations of the novels. Adding to the hilarity, the audience even gets to vote on which actors best portrayed Austen’s beloved characters.
With over-the-top emotional depth and wit, Holly Sidell masterfully embodies many of Austen’s leading ladies on a quest for love. Striking a perfect balance between exaggerated emotion and sharp humor, the entire cast embraces a delightfully melodramatic style—flailing arms for effect, playing up costumes and props for comedic impact, frequently breaking the fourth wall to remind the audience not to take things too seriously. A prime example is Todd Andrew Ball, decked out in a red coat as a pirate or ship’s captain, snarling out as many hearty “arghs” as possible while tipping his three-pointed hat to us.
Alison Blanchard is every maiden aunt or mother in Austen’s romantic novels, delivering “the voice of reason” with perfect comedic timing—often punctuated by a knowing wink to the audience. Michael Mullen, a prolific costume designer who has been popping up on stages across LA, steals the show with his outrageously funny physicality as Austen’s leading men, proposing to more women than even Steven G. Frankenfield, who brings to life many of the author’s most swoon-worthy dream men. Megan Deford takes on Austen’s younger, flighty women, capturing their naivety to perfection. She and Sidell revel in their comedic exchanges, frequently playing sisters, cousins, or rivals competing for the same suitor.
The very busy Stage Manager Peter Miller added sound effects, music for the many balls, and kept track of the entire facility including lighting for evening performances. Indeed, arrive early to walk through and admire the glorious gardens on your way to the mansion.
In Jane Austen in 89 Minutes, Ms. James—who has authored thirteen novels, including Jane Austen Made Me Do It—cleverly highlights the common threads running through Austen’s novels, such as grand balls and at least one (or two) marriage proposals—hallmarks of classic gothic romance. However, Austen’s true legacy lies in her portrayal of strong, independent women who take charge of their own destinies—a radical notion for the era in which she wrote. These powerful heroines continue to resonate with modern audiences, making James’s play a timeless celebration of Austen’s enduring influence.
photos by Syrie James
Jane Austen in 89 Minutes
Theatre 40
Greystone Mansion, 905 Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills
Wed-Fri at 7; Sat at 2; Sun at 1
ends on February 9, 2025
for tickets ($65) call 310.364.3606 or visit Theatre 40
tickets are not sold at the door; free onsite parking
