Overview
An abridged version of James’s JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES with optional scenes to extend its length.
In this uproarious, clever, engaging comedy, narrator Jane Austen and a madcap cast of ladies and gents deliver condensed versions of all six of Jane Austen’s beloved novels at a lightning pace, including modern day zingers about Austen’s fame—and fandom. Jane Austen enthusiasts will be delighted, although no knowledge of her work is required to enjoy the play, which basks in the glory of Austen’s major works, while also poking fun at their pitfalls—a hilarious and loving homage to the celebrated English writer whose insightful wit and romantic stories are treasured across the world today.
Casting & Production
Casting
Roles can be swapped/reassigned if preferred, or the cast can be smaller or larger.
JANE AUSTEN — The Narrator
LADY #1
Elinor Dashwood
Elizabeth Bennet
Mary Crawford
Emma Woodhouse
Isabella Thorpe
Anne Elliot
LADY #2
Marianne Dashwood
Lucy Steele
Lydia Bennet
Fanny Price
Harriet Smith
Catherine Morland
Mary Musgrove
Louisa Musgrove
LADY #3
Mrs. Dashwood
Mrs. Bennet
Lady Catherine
Mrs. Norris
Miss Bates
Mrs. Allen
Lady Russell
Mrs. Smith
GENTLEMAN #1
Edward Ferrars
Mr. Darcy
Edmund Bertram
Mr. Elton
Frank Churchill
Henry Tilney
William Elliot
GENTLEMAN #2
Willoughby
Wickham
Henry Crawford
Mr. Knightley
John Thorpe
Captain Wentworth
GENTLEMAN #3
Colonel Brandon
Mr. Bennet
Mr. Collins
Sir Thomas
Mr. Woodhouse
General Tilney
Sir Walter Elliot
Captain Harville
Setting
The play takes place in a wrinkle in time, the present day intermingled with England’s Regency Era, 1811–1816.
Reviews
Praise for JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES:
“Jane Austen fans are guaranteed to go gaga for JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES, Syrie James’s deliciously clever retelling of every single novel Jane ever published.”
—StageSceneLA
“Outrageously funny… [with] emotional depth and wit… a timeless celebration of Austen’s enduring influence.”
—Stage and Cinema
“The broad humor is countered by James’s deep knowledge of her subject, which gives unexpected depth to this diverting and informative enterprise.”
—Stage Raw
“A lavish treat! Roars of audience laughter coming non-stop… There is something delicious about the light-heartedness of this production, its whimsy and mischievous playfulness.”
—Discover Hollywood Magazine
