Persasion on stage

WORLD PREMIERE   Stark Theater Pick: 'Persuasion' at San Jose Stage   Persuasion was Jane Austen's last finished novel, of only six total, and she is considered the greatest of English women novelists. There are numerous contemporary movies based upon her novels, and she has become a book club staple. ________________________________________________________   MONICA TURNER 04.02.2013 ____________________________________________________________________   From page to stage...   World premiere alert. Jane Austen's Persuasion opens at the San Jose Stage (The Stage) this weekend, marking the first time the production has even been adapted (local Bay Area playwright Jennifer Le Blanc) for theater.   Persuasion was Jane Austen's last finished novel, of only six total, and she is considered the greatest of English women novelists. There are numerous contemporary movies based upon her novels, and she has become a book club staple.   "Miss Austen directed her pen to give voice to a woman finding strength to be persuaded by her own heart. Her final novel is said to be a 'Present to herself,'" said artistic director Randall King. "The Stage was founded upon the mission of new works and local talent, and now The Stage offers the gift of Persuasion to the Bay Area."   Austen's novel was first published posthumously by her family, along with Northanger Abbey, in December 1817. While the characters reflect Austen's own maturity, the book is filled with satire and is perceptive of people and their relationships, especially love.   "Persuasion is one of Austen's lesser-known novels, and the characters are old, more mature and have known heartache," says Jennifer Le Blanc, the author of this world premiere and Bay Area native. She adds that she was drawn to this works because the main character Anne has "developed her own voice." Ms. Le Blanc continues, "I admire Anne greatly; she is selfless, intelligent, practical and a strong woman to have around in a crisis."   This is the twelfth world premiere presented by San Jose Stage Company.     Persuasion   San Jose Stage   By Jane Austen Adapted by Jennifer Le Blanc   Previews: Begin April 3 Opens: April 6   thestage.org     Read the article on Stark Insider                     About San Jose Stage Company Now in its 30th Season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as the Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent. Ranked the 9th largest performance arts organization and the 3rd largest theatre in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. That includes 143 productions, 44 new works and 13 world premieres. The Stage offers five core education and outreach programs and has housed over 200 independent performance groups. Located at the Gateway to the City's Arts and Entertainment District, San Jose Stage Company, the SoFA District's first arts anchor organization, continues to promote San Jose's stature as a burgeoning regional arts center by providing live theatre experiences that enrich the quality of life in the community. For more information, www.thestage.org  Box Office 408.283.7142