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Character Info
A 21-year-old aristocrat; naive, conceited and self-serving — but in the most delightful way. It is in sharing the inner workings of her mind directly to the audience (and in doing so completely breaking the fourth wall) that we become utterly charmed by her and that the depth of humor in the role is revealed. Vocally, Emma is written to be a youthful, contemporary, “pop” sound — and in cases where the singing range extends beyond the actor’s chest voice, she should be adept at singing in a clear, straight-toned manner in her “mixed” range. Emma must not sound like Harriet or Jane Fairfax (who are sopranos.)
Emma’s father; old beyond his years, fearful of anything new (or “change” in any sense) and crotchety to a hilt — while also utterly harmless and completely lovable.
Emma’s “recently acquired” best friend; socially awkward and quirky — but also wide-eyed, innately optimistic, and inherently free of malice. A soprano with a purity of tone.
Emma’s wealthy neighbor; at the surface sarcastic, wry and always ready for the sport of a good argument. Beneath this veneer is a man of impeccable moral standards and a sincere affection and nearly paternal instinct to see Emma be her best self. (Oftentimes most interestingly cast when not the tall, dark and handsome leading man.) A thrilling bari-tenor.
Emma’s old friend; a chatty, mile-a-minute motor mouth — lovable despite her unending observations about the world around her. The Bates’ inhabit a social class beneath Emma’s; and so, it is with bubbling enthusiasm and rampant (harmless) gossip — instead of money — that Miss Bates buys her way into Emma’s social circle.
Miss Bates’s mother, not quite as hard of hearing as Miss Bates believes.
Miss Bates’s niece; beautiful, talented, elegant, and soft-spoken — also keenly observant of the world and the people around her. A true soprano with a crystalline tone quality.
The vicar of Highbury; with no higher opinion than that for himself. Constitutionally incapable of tempering his opinions with any sense of modesty or thinking about anyone’s feelings but his own.
Mr. Elton’s wife; her exaggerated mannerisms, choice of words and lack of any sense of decorum bely her humble class-roots. A true match for Mr. Elton.
A local farmer; boyish, and innately well-meaning. Like Harriet, innately optimistic, pure in his intentions, and utterly un-self-aware.
Robert Martin’s sister.
Emma’s calm and well-mannered neighbor; married to Emma’s oldest friend.
Mr. Weston’s wife; Emma’s former governess, best friend and favorite commiserator.
Mr. Weston’s son; as handsome and polished as Emma always imagined him to be. Beneath the manners lies a mischievousness that is not immediately perceptible. A tenor with a thrilling upper range.
CALENDAR
Important "Emma" Dates
