LOGAN – Music Theatre West has announced the cast list for its upcoming production of the musical Emma.
Director Celeste Baillio has selected a mix of veteran performers and newcomers to bring to life the Regency romance adapted from the writing of renowned author Jane Austen.
Based on Austen’s beloved novel of oh-so-mannered matchmaking gone awry, this musical adaptation of Emma was created by Paul Gordon, the composer and lyricist behind Daddy Long Legs – which was superbly performed recently by the Cache Theatre Company at LionHeart Hall — and also a stage adaptation of Jane Eyre.
Chloe Allen has been cast in the title role of Emma Woodhouse, a high-spirited and surprisingly intelligent member of the English landed gentry. But Emma is also somewhat spoiled and convinced that she’s always right.
Ms. Allen was previously seen as the adorable ballet dancing nun Sister Mary Leo in the MTW production of Nunsense in 2021.
Other veterans in the cast of Emma are Rachel Worthen, Dallin Clark, Logan McKenna, Morgan Nadauld and Cary Youmans.
Ms. Worthen will appear as Jane Fairfax, a cultured young woman whose lack of resources dooms her to life as a governess. She previously had a leading role in the MTW production of Catch Me If You Can.
Clark will portray the scamp Frank Churchill, who is secretly engaged to Miss Fairfax. He has memorably performed leading roles in previous productions of Anastasia, Mary Poppins and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
McKenna will undertake the role of the businessman Mr. Weston, who is married to Emma’s former governess.
He has previously played principle roles in Ragtime, Catch Me If You Can and Singin’ in the Rain.
In her first principle role, Ms. Nadauld will portray Miss Bates, a friendly, garrulous spinster who is humiliated by Emma on a day in the country. She previously performed ensemble roles in Something Rotten! and Catch Me If You Can.
Finally the always watchable Youmans will appear as Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s hypochondriac father. He was previously in the cast of Something Rotten! and appears as Santa Claus in this holiday season’s Pickleville on Tour production of Juanito Bandito and the Shootout at Jingle Junction.
Newcomers in the cast of Emma will include Sam Petersen as Mr. Knightley, Kensie Beus as Mrs. Weston, Dillion Weatherston as Robert Martin and Elizabeth Samuels as Mrs. Elton.
The Music Theatre West production of Emma is slated to run from Friday, Jan. 31 to Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Utah Theatre.
The Utah Theatre is located at 18 West Center Street in downtown Logan.