Playwright: Robert Kauzlaric; Music and lyrics: George Howe. At: Lifeline Theatre 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Tickets: 773-761-4477; Llifelinetheatre.com; $20-$40. Runs through: July 17
I was carried away on an alluring and fascinating adventure to the High Society world of Bath and the mystery and intrigue of Northanger Abbey in Gloucestershire. Stephanie Stocksill, as Catherine Morland, drew me in and immediately made me feel the innocence and excitement of a young girl discovering the love and heartache of this coming-of-age tale.
The ensemble cast brilliantly captured the essence of Jane Austen in bringing this magical tale to the musical stage. Despite a few barely audible words in a few musical numbers, I was blown away by each of the voices who drew me in leaving me to want more and moremost especially with the magical and hypnotic mood set by the cellist, violinist and pianist.
The connection between Catherine and Javier Ferreira's dashing Henry Tilney was instantly felt and carried throughout the entire show wonderfully, reminding the audience of the excitement and anticipation of a beautiful young love. Act One's final scene of Northanger Abbey wonderfully showed the dark and sinister anticipation of Catherine's vivid imagination of what lay before her. Of particular mention are the muses who help propel Catherine's imagination throughout the story.
Act Two of Northanger Abbey took the audience on an exploration of both the abbey and its inhabitants, showing the heartache of young love, loss and final lesson of taking control of the direction of one's own life. Catherine, Henry and his sister Eleanor, played by Shelby Lynn Bias, displayed a beautiful arrangement of "The Symmetry of Flowers," having tugged at the heart even further by Eleanor's "A Mother Would Have Been a Constant Friend." By the end of the show, this lover's tale has come full circle with the happiest of endings in "Let Me Offer My Hand" after Henry also learned his own life lesson of standing out on his own and taking control of his own chapter.
Director Elise Kauzlaric sets the audience on a magical and delightful journey into the world of Jane Austen, making this an absolute gem in Rogers Park at the Lifeline Theater. Northanger Abbey is indeed a must-see! It is running through July 17 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.
While parking is free, public transportation may be recommended as the theater is just steps away from the CTA Red Line and only minutes away from several bus routes. Be sure to get out and see this awesome ensemble while you can.