Some Coal Valley News readers might remember Elaine Carol Tapley as a teacher of Spanish in the Boone County School system. For her family members and friends who still reside in the area, she’s a devoted wife and mother of three. Yet, audiences in Charleston will meet Tapley under a different name, as she portrays the character of Jane Eyre during the Clay Center’s presentation of Jane Eyre.

Directed by David Wohl, the play is an adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s renowned romantic classic, Jane Eyre, a novel religiously assigned to students of Literature and widely referenced as a one of the most famous of British novels.

A word of caution to those planning on attending the play – do not expect to see a chapter-by-chapter rendition of the novel.

In the adapted version, the protagonist, or heroine Jane Eyre has an alter-ego, Bertha, who is locked in a “Red Room,” waiting for her chance to escape society’s stigma of “accepted” behavior by breaking a rule or two.

Bertha isn’t the only one breaking a few rules – the “powers that be” decided to build audience seating directly on the stage for the two weeks this play is scheduled to run at the Clay Center.

Tapley, who landed the lead role after learning about the play the night before the audition, said that although she did not have a lot of time to prepare, she had a little bit of acting experience with the Boone County Community Theatre.

“My mom called me to tell me about the play and the auditions. I asked her what she wanted me to do, take her to go see the play or audition for a part,” Tapley said.

“She said both, so I auditioned the next day. There must have been more than a hundred actors auditioning, but I got the role,” she said.

Tapley, who gave a brief phone interview with the CVN prior to her opening night’s performance, said she had never acted on such a large stage before and was a bit nervous about performing at the Clay Center.

“I’m really excited and fortunate to be performing with the Charleston Stage Company,” she said.

Tapley is described in the play’s program as being a full-time mother and part-time actress [whose] life consists of poopy diapers, runny noses, cooking, cleaning, reading storybooks, and chasing monsters away.

Tapley is married to Nate Tapley, formerly of Boone County; together they are the parents of Emma, 6, and toddler twins Rowe and Ross.

When asked what her husband’s reaction was after she landed the role, Tapley said, “Nate said it was wonderful, unless there was a kissing scene. I told him no, but then I found out that there is a kissing scene. But I think it’ll be ok,” she said with a laugh.

For readers who missed last weekend’s performances, there are still seats available for the May 29-31 performances. Contact The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences at 304-561-3570 for more information.

Contact Joanie Newman at jnewman@coalvalleynews.com or call 369-1165.