Cal State Fullerton's Department of Theatre & Dance Will Kick Off its Spring Slate of Productions With JANE EYRE

Cal State Fullerton's Department of Theatre & Dance kicks off its Spring slate of productions in March when Charlotte Brontë's most famous and beloved literary heroine comes to life in "Jane Eyre: The Musical." With a book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, direction by James R. Taulli, and musical direction by Corey Hirsch, the play runs March 13-29 in the Little Theatre on campus.

Nominated for five Tony awards, "Jane Eyre: The Musical" is a sweeping tale of hope and passion. It follows strong-willed and resilient Jane as she overcomes unimaginable pain on a journey to find her independence, bringing her face to face with love, death, and revealed secrets. Librettist and co-lyricist John Caird is perhaps best known for his direction of "Les Misérables" and "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby," which garnered him two Tony awards. Lyricist Paul Gordon won the 2015 Jeff Award for Best New Work for his book, music and lyrics for "Sense and Sensibility," and is also the recipient of the 2009 Ovation Award. Professor James R. Taulli has directed over 200 productions and events for various professional and university theatres across the country and internationally and was nominated for an NAACP award for his direction of "24 Hours: A Rock Musical." "Jane Eyre: The Musical" marks his 48th theatre production at California State University, Fullerton.

The cast of "Jane Eyre: The Musical" includes Gabrielle Adner, Laurel Bollard, Brianna Clark, Audrey Lyn Crabano, Enrique Duenas, Brooke Gatto, Natalie Giannosa, Abigail Hellman, Allison King, Gabe Manley, Marlon James Magtibay, James Meske, Jonah Meyer, Kainoa Miller, Kaden Narey, Jack O'Leary, Katherine Paladichuk, Steven Ruvalcaba, Cara Sanchez, Madison Stirrett, Corinn Szostkiewicz, Emily Tripp, Dylan Whitaker, and Taylor Evans

Set design is by Mauri Anne Smith, costume design by Carson Julian, and hair/makeup design by Samantha McCabe. Lighting design is by Edgar Alamo, with sound design by Mitch Tharp.

"Jane Eyre: The Musical" plays at 8 pm on March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and at 2 pm on March 15, 21, 22, 28, 29. General admission tickets are $24/ $22 with Titan Discount (advanced purchase). All tickets are $24 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday or online.

Following "Jane Eyre: The Musical," Cal State Fullerton presents "Vinegar Tom" by Caryl Churchill. With potent images of cruel injustices, the play examines gender and power relationships against the backdrop of a 17th century witch-hunt. It tells the story of two women living on the fringes of acceptable norms who are named as witches by a man they have spurned sexually. Churchill illustrates how marginalized women were often villainized for mere non-conformity, drawing parallels to contemporary events. The play runs from March 27 through April 19, 2020 in the Hallberg Theatre on campus.