Review: 'You On The Moors Now' a Fast-Paced, Well-Staged War of the Sexes

"You On The Moors Now" has a unique premise: The female protagonists from four classic pieces of literature reject their suitors and take off on a quest of self-empowerment. Jane Eyre (Emma Dunlop) from "Jane Eyre," Elizabeth Bennet (Stephanie Rodger) from "Pride and Prejudice," Jo March (Tali Russell) from "Little Women," and Cathy Linton (Rosalynde Trammell) from "Wuthering Heights" break free from the expectations society has placed on them. A violent, well-staged battle between the sexes ensues, as the spurned men band together on a quest to pursue the women into the moors where they have retreated. Both sides draw allies into the struggle.

The show – running through May 18 in a presentation by The Players at Barker Playhouse – is more of an irreverent parody of 19th century social standards rather than a faithful re-enactment; the women exist in another time, but the language they use is contemporary, not to mention profane.

Dunlop, Rodger, Russell, and Trammell all portray their characters with terrific style and energy. They engage with each other convincingly as their bond of sisterhood threatens to be torn apart by the men in their lives.

Nancy Winokoor ("They Promised Her the Moon") is wickedly funny as Jo's overbearing mother. Natalie Balen appears as Jo's good-natured, but doomed, sister, Beth, whose plight is played for laughs.

Tyler John delivers a zany, no-holds-barred performance as Jo's hapless suitor, Laurie, whose childish tantrums are a comic highlight.

Tylar Jahumpa ("She Loves Me") is earnest and dapper as Jane's fiancée, Rochester, whose first wife is secretly living in the attic. Naturally, that would cause problems if Jane married him. Kevin Thibault plays the bombastic Heathcliff, a haughty brute of a man chasing after Kathy. He serves as the leader of the men in their search for the women. Mark Roberts is terrific as the upstanding Fitzwilliam Darcy, perpetually flustered as Elizabeth's prospective husband.

Writer Jaclyn Backhaus supplies the characters with witty dialogue that elicits laughter due to its directness. I have to admit to never having read "Wuthering Heights" or "Jane Eyre," so I imagine many audience members will be in the dark about certain plot points.

Director Morgan Salpietro, who directed last season's "When We Were Young And Unafraid," has crafted a fast-paced show which allows the ensemble cast to shine. Harmony Lindstrom's set and lighting design are beautiful and atmospheric. Liv Hill's costumes capture the time period perfectly.

The only frustration I had with the play is Backhaus' intentions to wrap up most of the characters' stories in a neat bow. Jane, Elizabeth, and Jo establish their own careers and a sense of independence, yet they wind up seeking solace in the arms of a man at the party. It's such a routine and clichéd ending, which is a major disappointment after all the emotional growth they experienced from fleeing their suitors. Not everyone is bound to find true love, and it's not necessarily a bad thing if they don't.

Still, "You're On The Moors Now" is a breezy and entertaining show, and it's a worthwhile endeavor on a warm spring night.

"You On The Moors Now" runs through May 18. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit St., Providence, RI. Running time: 95 minutes with intermission. For tickets, visit playersri.com.