EMMA Book, Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon Directed by Robert Kelley
2008—2009 SEASON
EMMA Book, Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon Directed by Robert Kelley
CONTENTS 2 The 411 3 A/S/L 4 FYI 5 HTH & RMAI 6 F2F 7 B4U 10 IRL 11 RBTL 12 SWDYT?
MISSOURI ARTS COUNCIL At The Rep, we know MIHYAP: Top Ten Ways to that life moves fast— Stay Connected at The Rep okay, really fast. 10. TBA Ushers will seat your school or class as a group, But we also know so even if you are dying to mingle with the group from the that some things all girls school that just walked in the door, stick with your are worth slowing friends until you have been shown your section in the theatre. down for. We believe that live theatre is one of those pit stops worth making and are excited that you are 9. SITD The house lights will dim immediately before the performance begins and then go dark. Fight off that oh-so- going to stop by for a show. To help you get the most bang immature urge to whisper, giggle like a grade schooler or yell for your buck, we have put together WU? @ THE REP—an at this time and during any other blackouts in the show. IM guide that will give you everything you need to know to get at the top of your theatergoing game—fast. You’ll find 8. SED Before the performance begins, turn off all cell character descriptions (A/S/L), a plot summary (FYI), phones, pagers, beepers and watch alarms. If you need to biographical information (F2F), historical context (B4U), text, talk or dial back during intermission, please make sure and other bits and pieces (HTH). Most importantly, we’ll to click off before the show resumes. have some ideas about what this all means IRL, anyway. 7. TMI Not to sound like your mom, but “if you need to go now, you needed to go then.” Leaving the theatre during the performance is disruptive, so take care of any personal needs before the show starts. 6. RTM When you arrive at the theatre, read the production program. It’s like a deluxe version of liner notes and a free souvenir, all in one. 5. P-ZA? NW! Though your ability to eat ten slices at one sitting may impress your friends, no one wants to listen to The Teacher’s you chew, slurp or smack, so please leave all food, drink and Lounge gum outside the theatre. In an effort to make our 4. TLK-2U-L8R We know that you will be dying to discuss educational materials more what you see onstage with your friends, but please wait until intermission. Any talking—even whispering—is very accessible to students and easier for distracting for both the actors onstage and the audience educators to incorporate into the seated around you. classroom, our study guide is written in a student-oriented format. We hope that you will circulate this guide among 3. LOL Without you, we really wouldn’t have a show. It’s your students in the weeks preceding your visit to The your job to laugh when a scene is funny or maybe even shed Rep, encouraging them to browse it before and after a tear or two in a tender moment. However, since you are not class and as time allows, using it as a launch point for the audience at The Jerry Springer Show please refrain from inappropriate responses such as talking, whistling, making both pre- and post-performance discussions.You may also catcalls or singing along with the performers. want to visit our website, www.repstl.org, for additional information including educational games, activity 2. SOP While it’s great that you want a celeb picture of suggestions and behind-the-scenes information. Any your day at The Rep, the theatre is off-limits to the paparazzi. materials, either from this guide or from our website may Flash photography interrupts the performance and along with be reproduced for use in the classroom. As always, we videorecording is prohibited by Actors’ Equity rules. You can appreciate your making live theatre a sneak a peek at production photos on our website, www.repstl.org. part of your classroom experience and welcome your feedback and 1. LLTA Let the actors know that you respect their work by questions. remaining for the curtain call at the end of the performance. Show your appreciation through applause. Show Me Standards: CA 2, 3, 5, 6; FA 2, 3, 4, 5; SS 2, 3, 6 and Illinois Learning Standards: 1, 2, 5, 14, 15, 16, 18, 25, 27. A self-proclaimed matchmaker, A kindhearted but poor soul who loves the EMMA WOODHOUSE is a clever and company of friends and family, MISS BATES competent young woman bent on finding the happily cares for her mother (MRS. BATES) perfect mates for all those around her. and for her niece, Jane Fairfax. GEORGE KNIGHTLEY, Emma’s close Looking for love in all the wrong places friend and neighbor, is skeptical of Emma’s (or at least as guided by Emma), poor young meddling in the affairs of others. He watches HARRIET SMITH bounces from suitor to Emma’s every move, judging her actions with suitor. his moral superiority. One of Miss Smith’s attempts at marriage, As the play opens, Emma loses her dear PHILIP ELTON is the attractive new vicar companion and governess MRS. WESTON in town. to marriage. Though Emma is sad to see When Mr. Elton runs off to get married, Mrs. Weston go, she revels in the fact that he finds a match in AUGUSTA ELTON, an she made the match between Mr. and Mrs. arrogant, loud-mouthed matron who feels it Weston. is her duty to inform those around her. As handsome as he is mysterious, A mild-mannered man of little wealth FRANK CHURCHILL is the only man that and standing, ROBERT MARTin courts Emma could ever imagine marrying. Miss Smith even after she rejects him. Equally mysterious and attractive, Through it all, Emma’s affluent but anxious JANE FAIRFAX arrives about the same father HENRY WOODHOUSE fears being time as Frank Churchill, quickly gaining the left alone by his daughters. admiration of George Knightley. MR. WESTON, a good-natured and optimistic man, is the father of Frank Churchill (a child from his previous marriage).
3 As the play begins, Mrs. Weston is A mysterious gift (a pianoforte) seems leaving the Woodhouse household to marry to solidify Mrs. Weston’s intuition, Mr. Weston, a match of Emma’s design. though Emma cautions her not to play so Inspired by this success, Emma believes it irresponsibly with such a pairing. There’s is her purpose in life to go out and find something about Miss Fairfax that Emma just matches for all those around her, starting doesn’t like, though she can’t seem to put with her new friend, Harriet Smith. She her finger on it. immediately sets to scheming on pairing Miss Though enchanting in the beginning, Smith with the young, attractive new vicar Churchill seems to lose his luster for Emma in town, Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley, Emma’s very quickly. When he leaves town to care close friend and neighbor, disapproves of her for his sick aunt, Emma finds that absence meddling, asserting that she was only lucky makes her heart go yonder. All the while, with the Weston match. Robert Martin continues to attempt to woo Happy to rise to the challenge, Emma Miss Smith, in spite of Emma’s continued seems to successfully match Mr. Elton and misgivings with the man. Late one night at Miss Smith. Meanwhile, rumors start to fly a ball, Knightley rescues Miss Smith from that both Frank Churchill (son of Mr. Weston severe humiliation at the hands of Mr. Elton, by a previous marriage) and Jane Fairfax setting Miss Smith in pursuit of Knightley. (niece of the charming Miss Bates) will be Later that night, he realizes his affections blowing into town soon. Intrigued by the for Emma, and longs privately for her to mythical pair, Emma is sure that the only reciprocate his feelings. man she’d ever marry would be Churchill, if Returning home, Churchill finds Miss only she could finally meet him. Smith forlorn on the side of the road and Trouble quickly arises in the saves her from certain doom. When Miss supposed paradise between Mr. Elton and Smith confronts Emma about pursuing Miss Smith, as another suitor (Robert Martin) the man who rescued her, Emma sees an proposes to Miss Smith. Under Emma’s opportunity to match her up with Churchill. advice, Miss Smith rejects Mr. Martin, as Not knowing that Miss Smith is referring to she looks forward to better prospects in Knightley, Emma encourages Miss Smith to Mr. Elton. When Knightley catches wind pursue her savior. Later, at a picnic, Emma of Emma’s advice, he severely admonishes shuns Miss Bates, sending Knightley off her, stating she has no business to prevent into a fury against Emma. Emma quickly the happiness of Mr. Martin and Miss Smith realizes her mistake, and that all this time together. Unfortunately, Knightley is correct she has loved her good friend Knightley! It’s in chastising Emma, as Mr. Elton reveals his only then that Miss Smith reveals her true true affections are for Emma not Miss Smith. pursuit, also Knightley. When Emma rejects him, Mr. Elton flees the For better or for worse, Knightley city for other prospects, leaving behind a suddenly leaves town for his brother’s house bewildered Emma and a heartbroken Miss in London. As Emma stews over her mistakes, Smith. All too soon he is married and returns word arrives that Miss Fairfax and Churchill with a domineering, pretentious wife. have been married. The Westons fear It’s not long before both Churchill and that the news will crush Emma, given her Miss Fairfax arrive as promised. As Emma supposed love for Churchill. However, when expected, Churchill is a stunning man and he Knightley returns, the feelings they share are swiftly sweeps Emma off her feet. Meanwhile, finally revealed. They set off to be married, Mrs. Weston observes a certain fondness while Miss Smith finally lands on her own between Miss Fairfax and Knightley, setting true love—Mr. Martin. her off on a bit of her own matchmaking. Vex: make someone feel annoyed, frustrated Platitudes: remarks or statements, or worried, especially with trivial matters especially ones with moral content, that have been used too often to be interesting or Governess: a woman employed to teach thoughtful children in a private household Lament: a passionate expression of grief or Vicar: a representative or deputy of a sorrow bishop in the Catholic Church; a pastor Demure: reserved, modest and shy Mirth: amusement, especially expressed in laughter Typhus: an infectious disease characterized by purple rash, headaches, fever and usually Viceroy: a ruler exercising authority in a delirium colony on behalf of a more powerful leader Conjoin: join or combine Genteel: polite, refined or respectable Resplendent: attractive and impressive, Creed: a set of beliefs or aims that guide richly colorful or sumptuous someone’s actions Sublime: of such excellence, grandeur or Vernacular: the common language or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe dialect spoken by the people in a particular country or region Enigmatic: difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious Fortnight: a period of two weeks Impertinence: not showing the proper Insidious: harmful but enticing respect; rude Countenance: a person’s face or facial expression
READ MORE ABOUT IT We encourage you to explore the following books, movies and websites for more information.
Austen, Jane. Emma, Clueless, 97 minutes, http://www.erasofelegance. Oxford University Paramount, 1999. You’ve seen com/history/regency.html Press, 2003. Want the play, but what about a film If you’re looking for more on to see where the play version of Emma? Check out the Regency Era, check out this gets its story? Check out this Oscar-winning, iconic film nice overview of various areas of the original novel by Jane adaptation of Jane Austen’s Regency life. Austen! classic starring Alicia Silverstone, http://www.jasna.org/ Brittany Murphy and Paul Rudd. Ray, Joan Elizabeth Klingel. Want to know more about Jane Jane Austen for Dummies, For Becoming Jane, 120 minutes, Austen? Check out the official Dummies, 2006. Didn’t catch Miramax, 2008. Interested in website of the Jane Austen a lick of what’s going on in this seeing more about Jane and the Society of North America. story, or any other Jane Austen Regency Era? Check out this story? This book may be for you, Oscar-winning biographical film as it explains in plain English what starring Anne Hathaway and the heck is going on. James McAvoy.
5 While Emma is full of the kind of As early as age 12, Austen began dramatic twists and unexpected turns we writing poems, stories and plays. While find in great plays and films, Emma actually her more celebrated works come from later is a stage adaptation of the Jane Austen periods of writing, a collection of this very novel of the same name. In fact, the strength early work exists in a compilation now and intrigue of Austen’s work earns her the known as Juvenilia. The work included distinction of being one of the most adapted 29 “fair copies” (Jane’s assessment of the writers today. So who is this great writer so work) of various pieces bound into three often the subject of book, film and stage notebooks, all written between 1787 and adaptations? 1793 (though Austen revisited the works as late as 1811). Jane Austen was an English novelist born on December 16, 1775 to George and Though she never married (as she Cassandra Austen in rural Hampshire. She rejected her only proposal at age 27), Jane was one of many Austen children, having led a fairly normal life as an adult. Living six brothers and a sister. Of her siblings, at home with her parents, Austen took up Jane was closest to her sister Cassandra all the usual activities for a woman of her Elizabeth Austen, though her brother Henry standing, from lending a hand in managing (who served as her literary agent) was also a the house to practicing the pianoforte and defining presence in Jane’s life, providing her being a seamstress. She attended church with a glimpse of various outside worlds she regularly and enjoyed socializing with could not find by herself. friends. She was particularly fond of dancing, and relished parties and balls. It wasn’t until A child of fair social status, Jane 1798 that Jane decided to take up writing as was privileged to an open-minded and a sort of profession. encouraging father. Though most of her education was home schooling, Jane spent A series of displacements due to her three years at boarding school with her father’s retirement and then later death sister, studying French, spelling, needlework, forced the confused young writer to dancing, music and drama. Her father confront and battle a lack of inspiration. generously granted his daughters full By 1811, however, Jane emerged from her access to his extensive library at home, and trials with her first published novel, Sense provided all of the expensive paper and other and Sensibility. The book was met with fair materials for the girls to explore writing reviews and a demand that sold out the and drawing. The family also participated in edition by mid-1813. She continued writing, various private theatricals over the course producing several novels that met various of Austen’s childhood—small plays that levels of success. Though she was stricken Jane would observe at first though probably ill early in 1816 (the diagnosis isn’t entirely perform in eventually. certain, it’s often guessed she had Addison’s disease), Austen continued to work until her death in 1817.
6 Often compared to such great writers as Homer and Shakespeare, Jane Austen has had an often tumultuous ascent into popularity with both the masses and scholars. Because she was published anonymously in her day, she received little personal acclaim during her lifetime. However, over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, both scholars and popular culture cozied up to Austen, making her one of the most celebrated writers ever to take up the pen. Below you’ll find a few of Austen’s contributions to the literary world. If the titles and stories sound familiar, it’s probably because they are. Most of Austen’s work has been honored with modern day film, play and book adaptations. Sense and Sensibility cousins. After a tangled web of deception and revelation, Fanny’s true value is Jane Austen’s first novel, Sense and acknowledged. Considered one of the most Sensibility, was published in 1811 under controversial of Austen’s works, the book the pseudonym “A Lady.” It follows two contains a great deal of social satire. sisters as they are forced to relocate at the passing of their father. In a complex set of persuasion twists, turns, romance and heartbreak, the two sisters find a new happy home (and Austen’s last completed novel, Persuasion husbands) as they negotiate life and love. is centered around Anne Elliot, a young woman considered to be past her prime. At Pride and Prejudice the insistence of her family, Anne turned down the proposal of marriage by a young Considered the most famous of Austen’s naval officer, Frederick Wentworth. Broken- novels, Pride and Prejudice was published in hearted, Wentworth leaves, only to return a 1813 as her second book. The story revolves wealthy man many years later. Anne clearly around the Bennet sisters, all unmarried still has feelings for her former love, but he when a handsome, rich young man blows is still hurt from her rejection. Through her into town. It seems apparent that the eldest goodness and patience, however, Anne is able (Miss Jane Bennet) has found her new to win him over and give them both another husband in the amiable newcomer, but the chance at love. match is foiled by his arrogant friend, Mr. Darcy. While Darcy is busy disapproving of northanger abbey the match, he falls in love himself, with the second Bennet sister, Elizabeth. In The first of Austen’s completed novels, his haughtiness he offers a condescending Northanger Abbey was not actually published proposal of marriage to Elizabeth, which until after her death. The story’s heroine, she swiftly shoots down. Per Austen’s style, Catherine Morland, is invited by friends to however, a series of complex turns wind the visit Bath. The exciting new place produces pairs together in the end. the intriguing Henry Tilney, who lives in Northanger Abbey. After reading about such Mansfield Park places, Catherine is thrilled to go stay with them in the gothic, possibly haunted home. The third of Austen’s published novels, Her imagination, however, runs away with Mansfield Park was written between 1812 her and fills her with suspicion of the Tilney and 1814 and published in July of 1814. family until Henry helps her to see the harm The book follows the virtuous and poor in confusing fact with fiction. Fanny Price on her journey through the scandalous world of her wealthy
7 Set amidst the mannered elegance and perfectly tailored than in prior eras. Elegance beauty of the Regency Era, Emma comes in design was found in simplicity rather than from a time in history that echoes classical over adorning, as natural lines became the ideals and style. During this era, there was a ornamentation of one’s attire. heavy emphasis on rules and manners, while As in the play, dance was also a fashion, literature, architecture and other prominent part of the Regency Era. Early on arts all stringently clung to Greek and Roman in the era, country dance ideals. was popular (a kind of Sandwiched folk dancing), though between the later in the period Georgian and Victorian popular dance began to eras (named for transition to the waltz. corresponding rulers The consciousness of of the times), the dance in this era is Regency Era is typically often credited to Jane acknowledged to have Austen, whose novels run from about 1795 frequently include balls to 1825. During the and parties. Mention of time, English society the dominant styles of attempted to more the era may be found in or less insulate itself her works. from turmoil in and Speaking of the around the country, storytelling of the namely the Napoleonic day, popular examples wars and the French of fiction during the Revolution. It was Regency Era were within this isolation written by Jane Austen, that the British rediscovered the classic Sir Walter Scott, Susan Ferrier and Maria notions of art, grounded in simplicity and Edgeworth. Neoclassicism was on display specific rules and guidelines. prominently in literature, as stories upheld This rediscovery (also known as classical ideals put forth by philosophers like neoclassicism) is most visually evident in Aristotle. In fact, while Austen’s work stands the architecture of the day. Arches, terraces as a brilliant beacon for depth of character, and crescents melded the popular style of all of her books fit the classical model for the day (Georgian Style of architecture) with comedy—characters and the community that of the ancients, yielding buildings and plunged through turmoil en route to a happy monuments that still stand today. Popular resolution, typically a marriage or marriages examples of the style can be seen today in in the end. Regent’s Park and Cumberland Terrace in The stories of the period did update the London. classical notions of storytelling by focusing Sense of fashion was also completely on prominent issues of the day—social rethought during the Regency Era, going standing, manners and other class issues. from the more opulent, aristocratic styles of Just as neoclassicism reshaped the arts by earlier days to something more casual and refocusing on simplicity and guidelines, the light. Clothing was typically constructed Regency Era applied strict rules for social from lighter materials and was often more engagement between individuals. The social structure of the Regency station) though often at the expense of Era essentially went from the nobility and happiness and true love. aristocrats on the top down to landowners Also important to Regency Era in the middle down to those who did not social interaction is the sense of complete own land below. To fully understand the governance over who speaks to whom, social structure of the Regency Era, you must and how they communicate. Intricate forget our modern sense of social mobility, rules determined everything from a simple or the notion that you can move up or down courtesy to professions suitable for both the social scale. While it may be true that men and women. Social conventions that today you can go from being poor and not may be charted out over pages and pages owning land to becoming a millionaire who determine such simple things as how to owns thousands of acres (or vice versa), such address someone passing in the street, if at mobility was not possible in Austen’s day. all appropriate. Typically, women and the The Regency Era carried over the historic lower social strata did not initiate contact sense that one was born into his or her social with men and those of higher standing, class, and that you lived and died as you as a sort of “speak only when spoken were born. That is to say, if you were born to to” ideal governed formal interaction. a family that did not own land, you were not One of the central keys to understanding destined to ever become nobility. the underpinnings of such a society is to Jane Austen’s Emma (along with her understand that the core is maintaining other stories) focuses on the land-owning respectability and dignity in public. class, also known as the landed gentry. Among this class, women often did not possess money individually, so they often had to seek refuge and financial support through prosperous marriages. The system lent some hope for even a little social mobility, (which is why in the play Emma refuses to let Harriet marry Robert Martin, whom she believes to be below Harriet’s love and marriage
In Emma, marriage and relationships are male. And with the growing encouragement the by-product of social considerations for women to be independent and successful and a lot of meddling on the part of self- in their given trade, remaining unmarried is proclaimed matchmakers. Though love seems becoming less of a social stigma and more of to win out in the end, courting during the conscious choice. Regency Era was more about social standing Another comparison to be drawn and a random hand of fate guiding you to is the way in which couples get together. the right match. While we’d like to think In Emma, it seems that the wind blows we’re past all of that nonsense, how far have potential suitors in and out of town, and we really come? that one is best to trust his or her fate The first thing to consider is the role to an experienced and knowledgeable of women in the process of wooing. As you matchmaker like Emma. Of consideration may recall from the play, women play a to the matchmaker is the social standing of very passive roll in dating. All contact is each member of the couple, as fairly equal initiated by the man and pressed forward positioning is the key to a happy and lasting by the man. That is to say, the guy has to connection. ask the girl out, and keep asking her out if In today’s world, there are many he wants things to progress. While women forms of matchmakers out there. Some seem to have voice in the matter, examples are as personable and small as a friend or like Harriet show that women were typically acquaintance matching up those around forced to snatch up the best offer (by social them, while other matchmakers may scope standards, not love) for fear that a better entire websites in the form of internet offer may not come along, leaving them personals sites. While social standing plays alone for the rest of their lives. a role in how many people choose their It could be said that some of the same mate, it tends to take a back seat to other standards still apply in today’s world, as compatibility considerations. Some people men are typically called upon to initiate and are drawn to certain characteristics while further relationships. However, society has others are more impressed by personal warmed up to the notion of women being achievements. In the end, most relationships empowered in the process. In fact, it’s not seem to be solidified by the overall makeup uncommon for women to boldly take the of a partner—including a person’s character, driver’s seat in initiating contact with a looks and other personal merits.
You’re in high school now—you’re old enough to have a relationship of your own. Thankfully you don’t have to worry like Emma about who someone’s family is or how much money they have. ] How have you negotiated the complicated world of dating? Have you taken the reins and pursued that guy or girl who’s caught your eye? What do you take into consideration when choosing a match? Women in Marriage Society Emma demonstrates an understanding of marriage In the play, women tend that is rooted in social and to be relegated to a lower economic utility, not love. status than corresponding That is to say, marriages are male characters. In fact, a arranged between couples woman’s well being often of similar social status hinges upon the whims and guarantee a woman of the men around her, as financial security that women have no money or she could not have being social status without the single. For many women, marriage is simply men. Acceptance or denial by a man means an opportunity to move up in the world and everything, evidenced most strongly in the make sure they can survive. How does this play by the many trials of Harriet. What is understanding of marriage compare/contrast a woman’s role in society today? How does with today’s understanding? Why do people that compare to a woman’s role in Emma? get married today? Social Status Imagination A defining quality of every individual in In spite of the many constraints placed upon the play, social status determines how her, Emma spends most of the play acting on much money characters have, their friends, her dreams (while continually dreaming big). their rights and their privileges. While for While her imagination is what pushes the most characters in the play social status play towards a resolution, it’s also the very isn’t overly inhibitive, it seems to hold the thing that causes problems. How does your potential to ruin lives as with Harriet and imagination sometimes get the best of you? Robert. Due to social status, they were not When does it help you? How can you best able to initially get together. In our more use it to not only help yourself, but to help enlightened, free society, does social status those around you? play such a prominent role in determining who we are? Does it ever get in the way of our happiness or our ability to pursue our dreams?
11 “You’ve misaligned her features “He is a most fortunate man! That isn’t quite her face Everything turns out for his good! She’s all out of proportion He behaves abominably yet with Whatever is she dressed in? no cost to himself.” She looks more like Miss Bates or ] Releasing a little frustration, Knightley I dare say Mr. Weston.” tells Emma that Frank Churchill seems ] As Emma paints for Mr. Elton, Knightley to catch all the breaks, despite behaving sets to judging Emma’s work. While badly. Are there people around you who he goes down a list of logical criteria, always seem to get what they want, Elton defends the artfulness of Emma’s especially by breaking the rules? How do work. How do you judge art? Is it about you react to these kinds of people? What a feeling? Or is there a list of logical responsibility do you have to yourself criteria that you check off in order to and society as you pursue your own certify something as good (or not good)? dreams and ambitions?
“Relations “Mr. Robert Martin Some are just acquaintanships Never gave up hope Relations that I’d return his love Turned into relationships And I have indeed All of it impossible Isn’t it lovely?” Forever closing doors ] In the closing moments of the play, Relations Harriet swoons of Robert’s devotion to Relations her, despite her rejection of his proposal. Relations What in your life are you devoted Are best when they’re not yours.” to? Are you willing to face rejection ] Harriet and Jane sing about their and potential sadness to honor that families (or their lack thereof). In the devotion? world of the play, relations play a big role in how a person fits into the world (or doesn’t fit into the world). What kind of importance does your family have in your life? How do they help you to find your place in the world?