BRONTE
Subject: Quicktake - "Bronte" by Polly Teale
Date: Thurs, Jan 11, 11:32 PM
Quicktake on BRONTE
Wellesley Summer Theatre is currently presenting the American premiere of the third part of British playwright Polly Teale's trilogy. This award winning ensemble has previously presented her "Jane Eyre" and "After Mrs. Rochester," also directed by Nora Hussey. "Bronte" focuses on the author Charlotte Bronte, the author of "Jane Eyre", as well as her younger sisters; Emily, whose only published novel was the controversial "Wuthering Heights," and Anne who wrote "Agnes Grey" and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," two somewhat sentimental efforts. Alicia Kahn, one of WST founders, is back to play Charlotte, while Wellesley grad Catherine LeClair, who's been working in Maine but has relocated to New York, has returned to play Emily. Wellesley senior Kelly Galvin, with several WST credits, plays Anne. WST veteran Melina McGrew, who appeared in both of the earlier Teale productions recreates her role as Rochester's first wife, Bertha, and also becomes Heathcliff's Cathy. In several scenes, Kahn once again plays Jane Eyre.
The men in this production are John Gavin as Rev. Patrick Bronte (nee Brunty), Dan Bolton as his curate, Arthur Bell Nichols, who married Charlotte, and Derek Stone Nelson, who plays the French schoolmaster who inspired Charlotte to develop her innate writing skills and also recreates his role as Rochester. Davin and Nelson also appeared in "After Mrs. Rochester." The important part of Branwell Bronte, the pampered son of the family, who lead a dissolute life of failure, falls to Greg Raposa, who also appears as Heathcliff. Branwell was probably Emily's inspiration for that unfortunate free spirit.
As in past productions, the set and lights are in the expert hands of Ken Loewit, while Nancy Stevens does another fine job of effective period costuming. George Cook from BC's Robesham Center has supplied an effective sound design of music and sound effects. WST's production is up to their usual standard. The author has supplied a timeline of events in the lives of the Brontes which should be scanned before the show for a fuller understanding of their unique situation and achievements.
"Bronte" by Polly Teale, Jan. 10 - Feb. 3
Wellesley Summer Theatre in Ruth Nagel Jones Theater
Alumni Hall, Wellesley, (781) 283 - 2000
Wellesley Summer Theatre
posted by will at 11:32 AM
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