Synopsis
A new musical adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s much loved novel. The musical follows the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan of no consequence.
Abused by her own relations, (‘Somewhere’) Jane is eventually sent her away to Lowood School where her mistreatment and humiliation continue at the hands of the wicked schoolmaster, Mr Brocklehurst (‘Wicked Children). She finds sympathy and love in her friendships with Helen Burns, who dies tragically (‘Tomorrow In Heaven’) and Miss Temple (‘Gentle Shepherd’), a teacher at Lowood, who teaches Jane many important life lessons including forgiveness and hope. Though she excels and eventually becomes a teacher at the school, she is restless and seeks a new situation (‘Journey On, part one’). She boldly advertises, and becomes governess to a young girl - Adèle Varens, who is the ward the enigmatic Edward Rochester. Jane settles in at Thornfield and hears some guarded comments regarding strange noises in the house (‘Madness Up The Stairs’). Some months after arriving, Jane finally meets Mr Rochester, but nor before Mrs Fairfax, the Housekeeper has ensured that the house is thoroughly prepared for his return (‘The Master’s On His Way’). Though Jane is just eighteen years old, and he in his thirties, an undeniable attraction develops between the two of them, and Rochester reflects on the situation (‘This House’).
Meanwhile, Jane receives news that her Aunt Reed, with whom she lived unhappily as a child, is dying. Jane returns to Gateshead and learns from Aunt Reed on her deathbed that Jane has an uncle—John Eyre of Madiera—who wishes to adopt Jane. The letter is dated three years back, but was concealed by Aunt Reed because of her dislike for Jane. Jane finds the strength to forgive her. Aunt Reed dies and Jane returns to Thornfield, finally sure that she belongs there. Rochester introduces her to some of his acquaintances at a soireé (‘Le Papillon’), whilst below stairs, servants John and Sophie declare their love for each other (‘Simple Man’). After leading Jane to believe that he loves another, Rochester confesses his love for Jane and proposes. Jane doubts him, but finally accepts him (‘Finally Home’). Jane discovers at the wedding altar that he has a wife still living, though a lunatic. Bewildered and confused (‘What Kind Of Love’), Jane flees Thornfield in the night and is discovered cold and starving by the Rivers family—St. John, Diana, and Mary.
Under the pseudonym Jane Elliot, Jane stays on with them. St. John, a minister, offers her a teaching position at the parish school, which she accepts gratefully. After a few short months, St. John hears of a search for a runaway governess by the name of Jane Eyre. He confronts Jane who confesses the alias. He informs her that her uncle has died leaving her £20,000. She is incredulous, and proposes to divide the inheritance with her newfound family. St. John tries to persuade her to marry him and accompany him to India when he intends to pursue missionary labors (‘Missionary Wife’). She refuses him - seeing in him a self-righteousness like that of Mr Brocklehurst. When it is clear that she is still in love with Edward Rochester, he scorns her. She can see that he knows more of Mr Rochester than he has disclosed, and presses him until he tells her the distressing news of a great fire at Thornfield Hall. He tries to convince her that Mr. Rochester cannot have survived. She returns to Thornfield to find Edward (whose mad wife perished in the blaze). Though he is blind and maimed, she declares her love and they are reunited (‘Journey On, finale’).
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Information for Production Administrators
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Here's a list of all the supporting material available and some other information you might need. Pricing for the production materials is supplied automatically with a Perusal Set. Royalty pricing can only be provided as a formal quotation.
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Available now (see below) ... |
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Preview Script/Libretto |
You can download straightaway a shortened copy of the script/libretto to read and get a relatively good picture of whether you would like to proceed to the next step. The Preview E-Script is made available to you as a pdf file sized for A4 paper and contains just over half of the script/libretto. |
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Perusal Set |
These are available for customers in European Union countries only to borrow free of charge (but you have to pay the postage to return the set to us). The set contains ... |
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- Printed Libretto
- Printed Piano/Vocal Score
- Studio Recording Double CD Sampler
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Available after Perusal ... |
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Libretti/Vocal Scores |
Available to purchase in this form ...
- Rehearsal Master Set on a Data CD (Cast). This contains the script and piano vocal score for your cast and crew provided as A4 pdf files. No problem about possible loss of deposit on sets of rented books, as they are yours to print out and mark up as required. The price includes a multiple copying licence allowing you to copy the Data CD itself (enabling you to give or sell copies to your cast for them to make up their own rehearsal books) or to make multiple prints of the pdf's on the Data CD for your production company to organise and provide to your cast or crew.
To order this, create account with us, then go to the 'Order Rehearsal Material' page
Please note that we do not sell printed copies of libretti, nor do we hire sets of printed rehearsal libretti or scores.
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Available after Rights Obtained ... |
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Backing Tracks |
This musical has the benefit of a set of professionally recorded backing tracks that can be used for performances. When the musical is played in the USA, these tracks are often used as an alternative to obtaining a pit band where the size of pit or the availibity of musicians is a constraining factor. |
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Orchestrations |
These are available for a 15 piece orchestra as below, for hire to production companies only, who hold a valid, unexpired, licence to perform. |
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- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Double Bass
- Flute
- Harp
- Horn in F
- Oboe / English Horn
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- Percussion
- Piano
- Trombone
- Trumpet in Bb
- Viola
- Violin 1
- Violin 2
- MD's Full Score
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Royalty Type |
Royalties for this title are 'variable fee, post paid', and will be calculated on a percentage of your box office income once your production has finished. See our pricing policy for details. We work on a quotation system for royalties, based on information you supply to us. Complete a printed application form or create account with us, and use the online version. |
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Video Licence |
We have secured the rights to video productions of this title from the Author, and we manage them on his behalf. Once a 'Licence To Perform' has been granted, and then on payment of a fee, we will be able to issue a 'Licence To Record'. There are some strings attached to this, but these are far outweighed by the benefits. |
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- Record one or more live performances and mix down to a single video
- Give or sell copies to your cast and crew
- Sell copies to your audiences (take advance bookings on the night)
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Please Note : This musical is only available from us to our customers in UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Please Contact Us if you are not in one of these countries.
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