Jane Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall as a governess, determined to forge her own path despite an unforgiving world. Her employer, the enigmatic Edward Rochester, broods over the grand estate, concealing shadows of the past. Their connection grows undeniable—until a buried secret threatens to unravel it all. In A Noise Within’s highly anticipated production of Jane Eyre, opening March 29 in Pasadena, director Geoff Elliott promises an adaptation that is both exhilarating and deeply affecting.
“I read the adaptation first, having never read the novel, and I couldn’t put it down—it set me on fire,” Elliott says of Elizabeth Williamson’s take on Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 classic. “It’s a deeply affecting love story that’s also a Gothic horror tale, at once stirring, terrifying, with an impending sense of violence, and, in the end, uplifting.” His enthusiasm led him to revisit the novel three times, affirming the adaptation’s ability to distill its essence into an urgent, fast-moving two-hour experience.
Leading the production, Jeanne Syquia steps into the role of Jane, bringing the character’s signature resilience and fiery independence to life. Opposite her, Frederick Stuart portrays Rochester, balancing charm and torment in equal measure. The cast also features Deborah Strang as Mrs. Fairfax and a versatile ensemble—including Bert Emmett, Julia Manis, Trisha Miller, and Riley Shanahan—who take on multiple roles throughout the production. Young Stella Bullock appears as Jane’s younger self and Rochester’s ward, Adele.
A Noise Within’s reputation as “an oasis for those who love classic stories” (Los Angeles Times) underscores its commitment to reinvigorating timeless works. This production upholds that mission with a robust creative team: scenic designer Frederica Nascimento crafts Thornfield’s haunting grandeur, while Angela Balogh Calin’s period costumes evoke the novel’s moody aesthetic. Lighting by Ken Booth and a score by Robert Oriol heighten the play’s Gothic tension, immersing audiences in the eerie romance of Jane’s journey.
Performances run through April 20, with previews beginning March 23. Preview performances are scheduled for March 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with Pay What You Choose pricing starting at $10. Regular performances take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. (no matinee on March 29). Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m., and interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org for more details.
Attendees can enhance their experience through A Noise Within’s INsiders Discussion Group on March 30 at 12:30 p.m. or post-show conversations with the cast every Friday (except preview night) and on Sunday, April 6.
Tickets start at $51.50, with student tickets available from $20. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets to the preview performances on March 26 and 27 will be available as Pay What You Choose starting at $10, available online the Monday prior to each performance and at the box office on the day of the show.
Jane Eyre embodies the enduring power of a woman’s search for self-determination, love, and truth—a story as compelling today as it was nearly two centuries ago.
Performances run March 29 through April 20 at A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA. (626) 356-3100. Tickets and information available at www.anoisewithin.org.
