The current production at Masquers Playhouse in Richmond showcases Jaclyn Backhaus’ On the Moors Now, March 17-April 8. As part of their 2023 season tribute to women, the show features a female playwright (Backhaus), director (Angelina LaBarre) and protagonists.
Backhaus brings together familiar Victorian literary characters, matches them with “modern sensibilities” and transports them to “an in-between world of the 1800’s and today” according to LaBarre. In this surreal place, Jo (Little Women), Cathy (Wuthering Heights), Elizabeth (Pride & Prejudice) and Jane (Jane Eyre) meet, become friends and create new stories for their lives.
Isabella DaSilva (Elizabeth), Maelle Griffin (Jo), Anna Oglesby-Smith (Cathy) and Alix Josefski (Jane) all distinguish themselves in their roles. Oglesby-Smith’s moving narrations and Josefski’s comedic timing stand out. Austin Trenholm (Darcy), Kyle Carillo-Enders (Laurence), Oz Sobal (Heathcliffe) and Diego Loza (Rochester) are equally talented as the male counterparts.
Jon Hull frames the set with pages ripped from books by Austen, Alcott and the Bronte sisters indicating their stories have been pulled apart. His design captures the eeriness of the Moors in the background and lighting by Gill Stanfield sets the mood. Masquers productions consistently feature lovely and authentic costumes and this production is no exception. Mara Norleen’s costume design is dazzling.
While the storyline is sometimes hard to follow, the actors’ and production team’s talent and commitment to the show make it easy to enjoy.
Coming up next at Masquers is Roe, June 9 to July 2, written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Michael Sally.
Co-written by Lori Wood
