By ROGER SMITH
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Play House audiences aren’t easy. However, they know good theater when they see it.
Two years ago, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” filled the seats with folks who rang down the curtain with applause. Austen’s novel, “Emma,” — transformed into two hours of delightful stage play by the playwright pen of Artistic Director Michael Bloom — stood the audience on its feet.
Sarah Nealis, in the role of the title character, held herself to the highest level of professionalism in her very entertaining portrayal of what might be described as Yenta in an Empire waistline. Professing that “common sense and I have had little to do with each other,” Nealis’ Emma worked hard and long at making sure 1) that her minions would fall in love with informed minds rather than handsome faces; and 2) that she would not succumb to Cupid’s arrow.
In a ‘mixed-emotions’ role, Mark L. Montgomery as Mr. Knightley, Emma’s neighbor and friend and from afar admirer, steadfastly balanced his character’s advising and wooing, eventually becoming the one who rode in on the white horse to sweep Emma off her colorfully shod feet.
Long and loud rounds of applause are appropriate for Carolyn Faye Kramer in the role of Harriet, Suzanne Lang as Miss Bates, and Patrick Clear as Mr. Woodhouse.
The third-year graduates of the Case Western Reserve University MFA Actor Training program, Lindsay Iuen, Leigh Williams, Zac Hoogendyk's and Tom White all deserve notice for their outstanding performances.
Kudos are well earned and well deserved for those who designed and built the set and the costumes for this production. These eye-catchers contribute to what will be the overwhelming success of this production.
One hundred ninety-five years after it was published, Emma still entertains audiences either on paper, on the stage, or on the tube. If you want to be up close and personal, I recommend the production at 8500 Euclid Ave., location of the nation’s oldest regional theater.
“Emma” runs through March 21. Tickets may be ordered by phoning the theater at 216-795-7000, or by visiting http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com.
