Learn more about the upcoming fall play, “Emma.” Read about what to expect, the lead actress junior Zoe Flatla, and how excited the cast and crew is for opening night. 

    For the upcoming Fall play, Corinne Fox and Kristin Bird decided on “Emma,” a theatrical adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name. The play “Emma” is based on the novel which takes place during the early 19th century in Highbury, England. 

    “Emma” was chosen for several reasons. Choosing a play is always tricky considering the play needs to complement the upcoming musical while varying the types of shows the school produces from year to year. Fox took setting, theme, and tone into consideration for this year’s play. “Last year, we did a heavy drama, so this year, we knew we wanted to keep things light and fun,” said Fox.

    The story features protagonist Emma Woodhouse who is a wealthy, clever, and young woman who gets herself in trouble by insisting on meddling in others business and playing matchmaker when she should not. Woodhouse finds herself in hot water after messing with other’s lives, romances, and personal affairs. 

    If this sounds familiar, it is probably because several iconic pieces of media pull influences from the novel. The novel has been adapted to film multiple times such as in 1996 with Gwyneth Paltrow playing the title character and in 2009 with Romola Garai playing the role.

    The 90s classic, “Clueless,” was also heavily inspired by the novel which similarly features a beautiful, out of touch, wealthy, confident, and sassy young woman convinced she needs to play matchmaker. Despite being published in 1815, the story is timeless and captures modern audiences. 

    Zoe Flatla, a junior at Potomac Falls, is playing the lead role of Emma Woodhouse. She’s been a part of the Potomac Falls Drama department since her freshman year and participated in the Fall and Winter plays of both her freshman and sophomore years.

    According to Corinne Fox, Flatla was a perfect fix. “Zoe had just the right balance of authority combined with genuine likeability that Emma needs. Emma is a challenging role because she has to be willful but friendly. Stubborn but endearing,” said Fox.

    Flatla has been involved with theater since middle school but this is her first serious lead role. “[I played a main role] once in the eighth grade. That was definitely something,” said Flatla. 

    Flatla auditioned for “Emma” but did not anticipate the lead role of the production. When Flatla found out she got the lead role, her jaw dropped. “I was really excited because I wasn’t expecting it. When I looked at the cast list and reloaded it I saw my name next to Emma and I was so excited,” said Flatla. 

    Flatla not only excels in theater, but has several creative outlets. “I like to think of myself as a creative person. I enjoy theater, drawing, painting, I played the piano, and my older sister did art and influenced me,” said Flatla. 

    When asked about her favorite part of the play, Flatla was hesitant to answer. “I don’t want to give spoilers! It’s probably Emma and Harriet’s friendship. They have some rough points but they get over it and stay friends,” said Flatla.

    Flatla’s favorite scene is “one of the first solo scenes with Emma and Elton because its very surprising. You don’t expect it,” said Flatla. 

    The play is set for Nov. 22 at seven pm and the 23 for 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets and additional information are available on the Potomac Falls Drama website.