Emma 2018- musical review
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Emma (2018)
Runtime- 1hr 59min
Air date- October 3rd, 2018
Director- Tim Kashani and Kent Nicholson
Writers- Paul Gordon
Filming locations- Westside Theatre, New York City, NY, USA
Where to watch- stream on Tubi or rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video
Starring Kelli Barrett as Emma Woodhouse
A Brief Summary
Jane Austen musicals are either a hit or a miss. This one however is a twist compared to the other two musical adaptations reviewed. Emma, a Regency-Era story plucked as is and implanted into a mid-century modern timeline… with music and songs.
Initial Thoughts
I did not know what to expect. On one hand, the Pride and Prejudice musical was a bust. On the other hand, the Sense & Sensibility musical was actually enjoyable. So when I saw Emma was adapted into a musical, I also saw it had the same writer Paul Gordon as the other two, I went in with no expectations.
I thought it was all right. I am guessing if you are really into musicals, you will enjoy this one. It was faithful to the story for the most part. It was interesting that they set it in a mid-century modern timeline. Did it work? Sure.
Harriet Smith…
In terms of characters, I really had no real strong feelings about any of them. They all did a decent job, no complaints… except for one. I was not too crazy with how they made out Harriet Smith. The whole time she was hung up on Robert Martin, which is fine, but it did not do anything for her character who was supposed to be easily influenced. Some of the songs she sang were annoying, and it was intentionally done. I just thought that this character written and directed in this production was done unjustly.
Music
I thought the music was okay, nothing really created an earworm. Which depending on who you ask may or may not be a problem. Just one of two nasally-sung Harriet Smith solos was the only tragedy of this musical. I am just irritated that it was even a creative choice.
Final Thoughts
Overall it was a nice adaptation and a nice musical. Maybe one rant and no real rave about it. But let me know what you think.
Comment below!
