“Jane Eyre” presented at Penn on Oct. 12-13

Penn High School Theatre Instructor Crystal Ryan looked over an English class reading list supplied to her by English Instructor and fellow actor Michael Coffee, and immediately spotted what would be an ideal play for October.

The Penn High School Fine Arts Department will present “Jane Eyre” on Thursday, Oct. 12, and Friday, Oct. 13, in the Studio Theatre. The play is slated to start at 7 p.m. on both nights. Cost is $5 and may be purchased online at www.ticketracker.com or at the door.

“Jane Eyre is a Gothic love story!” Ryan said. “Be ready for ghosts, eerie shadows, fantastic lights and a soundscape that might make you jump in your seat a little!”

Ryan read through several adaptations of “Jane Eyre” and then chose a version by Thomas Hischak to challenge her students.

“The major reason I found this version so enticing was the 90-minute run time, combined with its intrinsically dramatic feel,” Ryan said. “The script calls for three different Janes. One as a young girl, one as a young woman, and one who is a mature woman looking back at the past. These three Janes even interact with one another.”

Ryan said that working with Penn’s students on the play has been a rewarding experience.

“One thing I am most proud of is the incredible work ethic of our students that matches some professionals I have worked with outside of Penn,” Ryan said. “The show has student technicians, designers, and performers, but some have also even done things such as design our posters and the cover for our programs.”

Cast

Jane Eyre: Kala Key

Jane: Caroline Carrier

Young Jane: Katie Byers

Mrs. Reed: Cali Katzenberger

Georgiana, Girl at Lowood, Girl at Morton: Madison Lacy

 Eliza, Girl at Lowood, Girl at Morton: Paige Mihalick

 The Ghost of Mr. Reed, Rev Wood: Easton Meyer

 Mr. Brocklehurst: Dawson Best

Miss Temple, Leah: Jessica O’Brien

 Miss Miller, Bertha Rochester: Deborah Arnett

 Helen Burns, Girl at Morton: Jasmine White

 Bessie, Lady Ingram: Sky Taylor

 Mrs. Fairfax: Sam Grocock

 Mr. Rochester: Ian Janowsky

 Grace Poole: Emmalee McConnell

Adele, Girl at Lowood: Melody Shimba

 Blanche Ingram, Girl at Morton: McKenna Yankel

 Mary Ingram, Marie Rivers: Angie Ramirez

 Richard Mason: Kenny Collymore-Williams

 St. John Rivers: Monte Teeple

 Diane Rivers, Lady Guest: Logan Pritchett