You On The Moors Now Premieres at Providence’s Barker Playhouse

Categories: ArtEvents/What's HappeningNewsTheater

A captivating moment from the play 'You On The Moors Now' at the Barker Playhouse.

News Summary

The Players at Barker Playhouse in Providence are presenting ‘You On The Moors Now,’ a satirical play by Jaclyn Backhaus, until May 18th. This humorous reimagining of classic heroines from literary works like ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’ explores themes of independence through witty interactions and entertaining performances. Directed by Morgan Salpietro, the production features a talented cast and impressive costumes, making it a must-see for theater lovers.

Providence’s Barker Playhouse Hosts “You On The Moors Now” Through May 18th

“You On The Moors Now”, a satirical play by Jaclyn Backhaus, is currently being staged by The Players at the Barker Playhouse in Providence, running until May 18th. The production offers a humorous reimagining of classic heroines from well-known literary works, inviting audiences to engage with characters from “Jane Eyre,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Little Women,” and “Wuthering Heights.”

The narrative focuses on iconic characters Jane (from “Jane Eyre”), Elizabeth (from “Pride and Prejudice”), Jo (from “Little Women”), and Cathy (from “Wuthering Heights”). Each has recently declined a marriage proposal, promoting a theme of independence as they decide to live life on their own terms. Their male counterparts—Laurie, Mr. Darcy, Heathcliff, and Rochester—embark on a journey to find them, setting up a humorous conflict between the sexes.

Engaging Performances and Themes

Directed by Morgan Salpietro, the production features a series of riveting performances. Emma Dunlop portrays Jane with a compelling mix of sensitivity and tenacity, while Stephanie Rodger embodies Elizabeth, showcasing intelligence and vulnerability. Tali Russell’s portrayal of Jo combines amusement with an intimidating presence, and Rosalynde Trammell delivers a commanding performance as Cathy.

The play’s first act is particularly noted for its witty interactions that evoke a feel reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live skit. Major themes such as unrequited love, rivalry, betrayal, and grief are present throughout the narrative, ensuring that the original stories remain recognizable while being infused with new humor.

Costuming and Production Design

Liv Hill has designed plush costumes that effectively reflect the era and mood of the play, enhancing the visual experience for the audience. The production’s design communicates the time period of the characters while remaining engaging and imaginative.

Complex Narrative and Moral Ambiguity

As the story unfolds, the women escape to the wild moors, leading to additional subplots that introduce humor but may feel somewhat unnecessary. The second act revisits the characters a decade later, reuniting them with their suitors and paying homage to the endings of the original texts. Throughout, the play explores women’s roles in society and the complexities of relationships without providing a definitive moral conclusion.

Production Review and Ticket Information

While the overall reception of the production has been positive—highlighting its entertainment value, impressive acting, and imaginative storytelling—certain aspects of the script have been noted as needing fine-tuning. Nonetheless, the performances continue to resonate with audiences, making it a noteworthy experience at the Barker Playhouse.

Tickets for “You On The Moors Now” can be obtained by calling 401-273-0590 or visiting the Players’ website at www.PlayersRI.org. The Barker Playhouse is located at 400 Benefit Street, Providence.