The Paul Gordon musical, Jane Eyre, which previously played the Wichita (KS) Center for the Performing Arts and Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, may not be on Broadway yet, but it's still alive.

A production of the show will be staged at San Diego's La Jolla Playhouse, July 6-Aug. 22, 1999, according to La Jolla spokesperson Josh Ellis (Sept. 3).

The announcement comes quickly after the July 1 cancellation of what was to be the first post-Toronto staging, at Tennessee Repertory Theatre (TRT), Sept. 16.

John Caird, who piloted the production when it played its Wichita test-run in December 1995 and the Royal Alexandra staging in late 1996, will direct the La Jolla staging.

Jane Eyre, based on the Charlotte Bronte novel, has long been promised for Broadway but has yet to announce any definitive dates or theatre. The 1996-97 Toronto production of Jane Eyre starred Marla Schaffel (Fantine in Broadway's Les Miz) in the title role and Anthony Crivello (a Tony winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman) as Rochester. Schaffel was to repeat her role at TRT. There is no word on Crivello and any other cast members.

The same cast played the roles in its 17-performance world premiere in Wichita, KS, far from the glare of New York media.

Set in early 19th century England, Jane Eyre tells the story of an impoverished governess who learns the painful reason she can't marry her employer, Rochester.

The original Canadian production team will remain intact: John Napier (Sunset Boulevard) will design the set, Adreane Neofitou (Miss Saigon) is the costume designer, Chris Parry (Tommy) for the lighting design, and Tom Clark (Side Show,Seven Guitars) will design the sound.