A musical version of Sense and Sensibility, based on the classic Jane Austen novel, is coming to the Minack Theatre as part of its UK premiere.
Written by Jeff Haddow (book/lyrics) and Neal Hampton (music), this is produced by Surrey Opera.
I wanted to find out more from Jeff and Neal, plus Jonathan Butcher, the director of Surrey Opera.
Where: Minack Theatre, Cornwall
When: 17-21 Jun
Ticket link: https://www.minack.com/whats-on/sense-and-sensibility-musical
What’s the appeal of Jane Austen and this novel that led you to create a musical?
[Jeff] Neal and I were both members of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop in New York City when I reread the novel after many years.
Right away it sang to me, and I could see where the songs would be. Having heard his work in class, I knew Neal was the right composer for the project, and I was happy to learn that he had been wanting to work with me as well.
The structure of the story was rock solid (crucial to the book of a musical), and I knew I could condense it and adapt it for the stage without losing the unique flavor of Austen’s prose.
There’s a very good reason why her work has endured for over 200 years and will likely go on delighting readers for many more.
[Neal] As a composer, my first question when considering a work for adaptation is, does it need to sing – would it be enhanced by a musical treatement?
I immediately heard music when I read the novel, seeing that the characters could express through song what they couldn’t express directly in words.
You’re playing in the lovely setting of Minack Theatre. How has that informed this production?
[Jonathan] The World famous Minack Theatre, in Cornwall, is an ideal setting for Sense & Sensibility.
Its various stage entrances and exits mirror almost exactly the production we staged in last year in Surrey.
It has wonderful acoustics, which are enhanced by excellent amplification; meaning that, even at the very top of the Theatre, every word can be heard!
It’s a magical place to stage a very special piece of musical theatre, and I feel sure our audiences will love the musical as much as we do.
[Neal] I’m writing from Devonshire, not too far from places mentioned in the novel and where many of the films and TV adaptations were shot.
There are several scenes in our show that take place on a hill overlooking the ocean, and Minack’s stunning landscape will provide the perfect backdrop for them.
The UK premiere of your musical, given by Surrey Opera, was last year. Have UK audiences reacted any differently to those in the US?
[Neal/Jeff] The World Premiere at the Denver Center Theater Company played to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences.
To be honest, we were a little concerned how British theater-goers might regard an adaptation of one of their most revered authors by two Americans, but Jonathan cast and directed a beautiful production and we were beyond delighted with its reception in Surrey last year.
We hope we can look forward to many more productions on this side of the pond.
How would you describe your version of Sense & Sensibility?
The spirit of Jane Austen is, of course, irrepressible and we reveled in it.
Our goals were to make her story resonate even more fully with today’s audiences; capturing her signature wit while giving voice to her classic tale of young love with a lush, romantic score – accompanied by an orchestra of strings, winds, harp, piano and percussion.
It’s a show people of all ages will enjoy.
More information about the production can be found at www.senseandsensibilitymusical.com