Directed by Timothy Douglas, the biographical one-woman work features Maxine Linehan (South Pacific national tour). The recent engagement, which officially opened May 8, concluded May 25 at Theater 511.
Brontë, according to production notes, "is based on letters written between Charlotte and her childhood friend and confident, Ellen Nussey. The play sheds light on Charlotte's fears, her need for love, her sense of loss and quiet suffering. Most importantly it casts light on the genius of the woman, who despite the repressive environment she grew up in, dared to challenge conventional wisdom that women 'ought to confine themselves to making puddings… knitting stockings… playing on the piano.' Her fierce independence and remarkable imagination is perfectly relevant today. Almost 200 years after her birth Charlotte Brontë's writings are equally powerful and relevant anthems for the new challenges facing women in the 21st century."
"This story of Charlotte Brontë speaks to me in a very personal way," said actress Linehan in a statement. "I read the play one night and by the time I'd reached the final page I knew I had to bring this woman to life on stage."
The play marks Alloy Theater Company's first Off-Broadway production. The company has also produced the American premiere of Jacqueline McCarrick's The Mushroom Pickers and the first New York revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tell Me On a Sunday, both featuring Linehan.
The Actors Temple Theater is located at 339 West 47th Street. For more information and tickets, visit AlloyTheater.org.