Staying True To Herself, JANE EYRE Opens DreamWrights' 2018 Season

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts kicks off its 2018 season with Charlotte Bronte's classic story, Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre survives a meager childhood to be employed at Thornfield as governess to the spoiled ward of an absentee guardian. Sparks fly when Mr. Rochester returns from abroad, but Jane's trials continue as she searches for love and belonging without sacrificing her true self.

Guest Director, Jessica Crowe, says she's a big fan of classic literature and is "beyond excited" to direct the production. She reveals, "Jane is such a strong character with a moral core that never waivers. I am eager to have a chance to share her lessons with the community in my own unique way." Making her directorial debut, Crowe is also inspired by artists like Tim Burton who bring a dark fantasy aspect to their work. Crowe says, "My vision is to bring a slight twist of fantasy to the tale of Jane Eyre while still keeping the classic romance of this story very much alive. I also wanted to add a small nod to the classic feel of the silent film era, so we have added this into the overall tone of the play."

Lydia McCleary, who plays Jane, is also to bring this production to the stage. "Jane Eyre is my favorite book. I've read it a billion times. And Jane is my favorite character ever in literature. I've always dreamed of playing Jane!" She says that the play is a little different than the book but she's enjoying the new perspective. "In the book Jane does a lot of thinking. There are pages and pages where she's just thinking. In the play, the narrator part fits in to reflect this introspection." McCleary and Crowe both agree that Andrea Unger who plays the narrator, an older and wiser version of Jane Eyre, and Sara Youcheff who plays the younger version of Jane, are both incredible in their roles.

Crowe believes audiences will enjoy DreamWrights' version of these timeless characters, the lessons found within the story, and the unique set design. She says it will be an emotional and empowering journey. "I hope that everyone will see how important it is to be true to yourself. It is very easy to let society shape who you are, but it is much more rewarding to stand strong in the face of adversity. Always listen to your heart, and remember that love and forgiveness are gifts that should always be given graciously."

Don't miss the dramatic retelling of this classic story written by Charlotte Bronte and adapted by Thomas Hischak. Jane Eyre opens Friday, February 2 and runs February 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 at 7:00 pm and February 3, 10, and 11 at 3:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dreamwrights.org or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $10 for general, $15 for reserved. Seats purchased at the door cost an additional $2. Advance reservations at no additional cost are required for a touch tour and audio description for those with sight challenges on February 10 at 3:00 pm.

About DreamWrights Center for Community Arts

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, Pennsylvania has been offering interactive performing arts experiences for people of all ages since 1997. By serving as an educational theatre and performing arts resource, DreamWrights offers opportunities to explore all aspects of performance arts from theatre acting and designing to crewing and stage managing. DreamWrights fosters and inspires growth, creativity, responsibility and an appreciation for live performance in people of all ages and cultures. To learn more about how to participate in, or attend one of DreamWrights' upcoming productions, visit www.dreamwrights.org or Facebook.com/DreamWrights.

Photo: Lydia McCleary plays Jane in DreamWrights' Jane Eyre.

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