In 1847, Charlotte Brontë wrote a marvelous novel called Jane Eyre. Now, here in 2025, A Noise Within has brought a remarkable retelling of this story to life at its home theatre in Pasadena. Successful writer Elizabeth Williamson breathed new life into this wonderful, gothic story that feels fresh and new even though, thankfully, it is still set in the mid 1800’s.
We meet Jane Eyre, having been raised in a girls school after her parents’ early deaths. When she applies for a job as a private teacher and is hired, she arrives at the Manor house of her employment with high expectations, but soon feels unease, as buried secrets reveal themselves. Jane is portrayed by Jeanne Syquia as a naive but strong young woman with sensitivities beyond her 19 years. Frederick Stuart plays her employer, Rochester, a strong enigmatic man who comes to reveal hidden depths. Their relationship evolves, particularly in a favorite scene in a palm reading scenario where Jane and Rochester begin to reveal their feelings for each other.
I love A Noise Within’s theater space. It is completely open with all raked seating giving every seat an unbroken sight line to the entire staging area. Scenic designer Frederica Nascimento and lighting designer Ken Booth did a fabulous job of setting each scene designated only with outstanding lighting cues. The actors are also the stagehands responsible for bringing on and off all their props and smaller set pieces. Director Geoff Elliot guided all the actors in bringing life to all the deep emotions that the characters live through. Jane Eyre, brought to life by Jeanne Syquia, showed a woman emerging from her own miserable past to become a strong, loving woman. Frederick Stuart portrayed a man with much pain in his past, willing to look for love when presented by the charming and charismatic Jane Eyre.
Everyone in the cast is dynamic in various roles, especially ANW’s veteran, Deborah Strang. As Mrs. Fairfax she demonstrates skill and stamina throughout the 2 1/2 hour performance.
Jane Eyre continues one more weekend at A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena 91107, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm. Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm through April 20, 2025. For information or tickets call (626) 356-3100 or go online to: www.anoisewithin.org.
