Julie Benko, who played Ruth in the recent Broadway musical Harmony, stars in the title role of Theatre Raleigh's chamber version of the 2000 Broadway musical Jane Eyre beginning May 29.
Directed by Megan McGinnis, performances continue through June 9 at the North Carolina venue. Benko, also acclaimed for being
the alternate Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, stars opposite the Rochester of Matt Bogart (Jersey Boys).
The two are joined by Soraiah Williams as Jane’s Mother/Abbot/Sophie/Blanche Ingram, Stacia Fernandez as Mrs. Reed/Mrs. Fairfax, Anne Scaramuzzo as Scatcherd/Grace Poole/Lady Ingram, Ella Frederickson as Agnes/Helen Burns/Bessie/Mary Ingram, Chanda Branch as Leah/Bertha Mason, Ada Manie Williams as Young Jane/Adèle, Tedd Szeto as John Reed/Robert/Vicar, Rob Adelman Hancock as Brocklehurst/Thomas/Lord Ingram/St. John Rivers, and Elliot Lane as Jane’s Father/Mason with swings Allie Jessee, Florence Owen, and Chandler Vance.
Video: Watch Julie Benko Belt Out 'Luck Be a Lady' at 2024 Broadway Backwards Concert
Based on the Charlotte Brontë novel, Jane Eyre features a book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, and additional lyrics by Caird. The musical played Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre November 2000-June 2001 and was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
"Julie Benko has really made a name for herself on Broadway in the last few years, and we consider ourselves truly lucky to have gotten her for this production," said Lauren Kennedy Brady, executive director of Theatre Raleigh, in an earlier statement. "She’s the cherry on top of the already impressive Broadway pedigree of this production, including Megan McGinnis directing, Matt Bogart staring as Rochester, and the involvement of creators Paul Gordon and John Caird in this premiere of the chamber version of their Broadway hit."
The production also has choreography by Tracy Bersley, stage management by Mette CJ Schladweiler, music direction by Andy Collopy, scenic design by Elizabeth Newton, sound design by Eric Alexander Collins, costume design by Mark Sorensen, wig design by Christal Schanes, property design by Elizabeth Newton, and lighting design by Jeremy Diamond.
For ticket information click here.
