LOGAN — The popular novel Emma, by Jane Austen, has been adapted in numerous ways. From movies closely following the story to modern adaptations, even if a person thinks they do not know the story of Emma, they know the story of Emma. It was not until recently I learned that Paul Gordon, of Daddy Long Legs fame, made a musical adaptation of the story. Having previously been impressed by the works of Music Theatre West, I gladly made the drive through Sardine Canyon to see what Gordon’s adaptation of Miss Woodhouse’s (played by Chloe Allen) meddling ways in would bring to the musical stage in Emma The Musical.

Show closes February 15th, 2025. Photo taken by Shanda Call.

Directed by Celeste Baillio, I must say that I was quite surprised that this production was an absolute delight. While I knew the talent would not disappoint, I am not a romantic and tend to lean into the deeper storytelling of other shows.  What I discovered was Baillio’s directing, the live music, and much of the ambiance led to a particularly enjoyable evening. Added to those elements the impeccable performances and unanticipated lessons within the production, what I left with was an enchanting evening and pleasant escape from the dreary January that seems to have been entrapping us all.

The live pit, under the direction of music director Afton Whitney, was a remarkable way to have this production stand out. The end of act one has Emma’s dealing with her feelings of jealousy toward Jane Fairfax, played by Rachel Worthen, and Jane’s ability to sing and play piano. The choice of having a live piano player in the pit rather than canned music made such a difference in that most amusing scene. As a musician, I promise you, these things make a difference. For a ticket price that is one-third of what larger theatre companies in this state charge without providing live music, the fact that Music Theatre West has always used the local musical talent has impressed this critic.

Music Theatre West ; EMMA THE MUSICAL ; 2025 ; Cache County ; Logan

Photo taken by Shanda Call.

The character of Harriet Smith, played by Baylie Hendry, had so many iconic moments in this rendition of Emma. The repeating refrain she sings of her prospect of Mr. Robert Martin, played so well by the unassuming yet affable Dillon Weatherstone, was full of humor and impressive comedic timing. Additionally, there was a trope used mostly by Allen as Woodhouse, where Allen would imaginatively direct others in puppet-like fashion with hopes of their love and romance where Woodhouse would have the praise in the end as a matchmaker. At a key moment in the show, Hendry utilizes the same trope with a biting sort of humor that I have only seen with great comedians on stage and screen. As for Allen, the ability to play a character like Emma Woodhouse, who has a level of deep conceit and yet still likeability is truly a difficult balancing act. Allen had the essential amount of charm, vocal talent, poise, and affectionate nature making her role a charming thing to watch, not an annoyance.

Of course, one of the most important roles in Emma is that of Mr. Knightley, played by Sam Petersen in this production. It was Petersen’s interpretation that opened my mind and heart to allowing more space for Emma and Austen in my life. One of the moments that stood out was near the end when Knightley tells Emma she is “faultless in spite of all of her faults”. Peterson’s charming delivery of this line impressed upon me how a beautifully crafted story, just like a well-built relationship, can be faultless despite, or even because of the faults. There is such beauty in the imperfections that make something real, like in the scene where the couple was walking down the path and other cast members moved the trees, fences, and light posts. In a richer theater, that might have been done with projections or other technology, but the human aspect felt more intimate and real in its simplicity.

Music Theatre West ; EMMA THE MUSICAL ; 2025 ; Cache County ; Logan

Photo taken by Shanda Call.

The second moment is the most famous Knightley moment, when Emma has made fun of one of their friends who is lower in social class, and Knightley calls her out for it. In a song called “Badly Done”, Petersen delivers this important lesson. Being no stranger to this story, I found myself taken aback by Petersen’s humble and humane delivery and the impact it had on me. The reminder that when someone may not have the privileges we are afforded we should naturally have compassion for them was not lost on me. It made me reflect upon myself and the world in general, and if we all need to be taking more lessons from Mr. Knightley.

I left the theater smiling. It has been a cold and dreary January. For a small ticket price, one can see a strong production with a live orchestra and gain a good moral lesson with a lot of heart. While it may have been badly done by Emma, Emma The Musical was nicely done at Music Theatre West.

 

The Music Theatre West production of Emma The Musical plays Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays through February 15th at 7:30 PM at the Utah Theatre (18 West Center Street, Logan). Tickets are $15-25. For more information, visit musictheatrewest.org