A West Point native and an Ogden resident play lovers from literature in "Jane Eyre, the Musical," in its opening weekend at Salt Lake City's Wagner Center.
Jim Dixon, now living in Salt Lake City, plays the brooding, mysterious Mr. Rochester, in the musical based on the 1847 Charlotte Brontô novel. Brittany Shamy, a Sandy native who moved to Ogden to study theater at Weber State University, plays the no-nonsense Jane, orphaned and ill-treated in life -- at least until she is hired as a nanny for Rochester's ward.
The show is double cast, so both actors share their roles with others.
"It's kind of a mystery, but also a big-time love story," said Shamy, 20, of the novel she first read in high school. "My favorite thing about Jane was she was sort of a feminist from back in the day, very set in her ways. She knows exactly what she wants, and she wants to be the kind of the woman who has her worth, and defines who she is."
Dixon calls Rochester the most complex character he has played.
"He's got a complicated past, full of sins and mistakes," said Dixon, 23. "I like just being able to see him react to Jane, this girl who has everything he wants in a woman ... He is just so totally enthralled that she is an intelligent woman who can handle life on her own."
Dixon and Shamy last appeared together in "Power in His Touch," an Easter-themed musical that opened in Ogden and also played in Salt Lake City. Dixon played Jesus, and Shamy played Kendra/Sarah in a role that was double cast.
Dixon and Shamy both said they enjoy the 20 songs in "Jane Eyre, the Musical," a show that opened on Broadway in 2000.
"For me, the book was all about mystery, excitement and love, and that's what the music makes me feel," Shamy said. "I was so into every moment of the book, and the music brings it to life onstage."
Dixon agreed.
"The music is compelling and beautiful," he said. "It's a lovely piece. It has beautiful melodies for romantic scenes, and very strong dissonance when we get into the danger and mystery in the house."
Dixon said he hopes audiences will enjoy the whole package.
"What I hope people will take away is that people can change. Lives can change, through forgiveness," he said. "Forgiveness is a strong theme of this play. If you can forgive others and yourself, you can move and change your life for the better."
ONGOING
l WHAT: 'Jane Eyre, the Musical'
l WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, Monday-June 26; noon June 26; 4 p.m. Saturday and June 26
l WHERE: Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
l TICKETS: $12. 888-451-ARTS or www.arttix.org.
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