Makylah Sefzik and JD Nichols Photo by NuCO Photography

Cheri Costales, the creative dynamo behind elite Dance & Theatre, is a master of abridgement. In her adaptation of Jane Eyre, she keeps all the salient points of the plot and then puts a spin on it by telling the story in a non-linear fashion. The first scene that we see actually occurs in the latter part of the story, and we bounce back and forth in time from then on. It's a little confusing at times, but it all is pieced together at the end. It's a brilliant way to keep the audience's interest, and I was rapt. Although I may be mistaken because I have not read the book, I feel as though nothing significant has been left out. I doubt that any of the novel's fans will feel shortchanged.

As you might surmise from their name, dance is a major component of the show in most of this company's productions. Here, however, there are only a few dances and a couple bits of aerialism on a suspended hoop. Dialogue predominates, which means you need good actors for it to succeed, and I have to say that this is some of the best acting I have seen all year.

It's a big cast without a single weak spot. Makylah Sefzik is in almost every scene and is wonderful in all of them. It may seem at times that she is underacting, but Jane is not one to wear her emotions on her sleeve. JD Nichols captures all the nuances of Mr. Rochester as he very gradually develops from an unsympathetic aristocrat into a man hopelessly in love.

Among the large supporting cast, I enjoyed Wendy S as the housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax, who sports a most amusing accent (Scottish maybe?). Tiana Cooney is downright scary as Bertha Mason, whereas Gwen Pozun is the picture of compassion as the teacher Miss Temple. McKenna Beck is hateful early on as Jane's nasty Aunt Reed but then evokes our sympathy as Aunt Reed declines precipitously at the end of her life. All of the other characters are well played by the company, and no one's accent falters.

The set is sparse, but it doesn't matter at all. The lighting design by Ben Costales is effective and the sound by Matt Ramsey is perfect. The music selections are for the most part eerie, creating the right ambiance for this story. I don't know who gets credit for the period costumes, but they are all spot on. As always, Cheri Costales the director has elicited fine performances from everyone, both in acting and in dancing.

Ever since COVID hit, elite has been using the black box space at their studio for their performances. It's as intimate as could be, with only about 30 seats, so be warned that they are very likely to sell out. This is a show not to be missed.

Jane Eyre runs through December 21, 2024, at elite Dance & Theatre, 701 Osuna Road NE #1200, Albuquerque NM. Performances. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A bonus is a free dessert reception at intermission. For tickets and information, please visit elitedancetheatre.com.