Louis May Alcott’s beloved 1868 novel “Little Women” has been adapted for film and television many times. The story follows the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up, facing love, loss, and the pressures of society in Civil War-era New England. In 2005, a musical version debuted on Broadway, with a score by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents this vibrant production of “Little Women,” featuring a cast that brings the story to life.
IF YOU GO
“Little Women” at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts runs until April 26. Tickets are $67-72 (dinner is additional).
Through their personal journeys, the sisters learn the meaning of family, ambition, and self-discovery. The four March sisters in Alcott’s story are wonderfully portrayed by Ashlee Beary as Jo, Sarah Mae Andersen as Meg, Ella Schnoor as Beth, and Madison Cox as Amy. Each sister is featured in the songs. There is some fine choreography directed by Stephanie Wood in group numbers like “I’d Be Delighted” and “Five For All”. Grey Garrett gives a moving performance as the matron of the March family, Marmee. Her song “Days Of Plenty”, near the end of the second act, shows both aching loss and a hopeful vision for her family.
Other strong performances are given by Ian Lane as the initially surly but ultimately empathetic neighbor Mr. Lawrence, and Andrea Kahane as the very proper Aunt March.
Musically, the songs fit naturally into the story. The orchestra, led by conductor Ellie Kahn, sets the mood for each song and blends well with the cast performances.
Ashlee Beary portrays Jo March in “Little Women”. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
The show largely focuses on Jo’s efforts to overcome 19th-century societal norms for women and become a writer. Beary, who recently played the role of Carole King in the musical “Beautiful”, drew on her own experiences in playing the role.
“I’m a firm believer in these parts and roles come to you at very prominent points in your life and I feel that tackling Jo has been a really great time for me to reflect on who I was at 15 which is where I start the show and then I end in my 20s so its very similar to Carole King in that sense,” Beary said.
“It’s been fun to tap into who I was as a spunky 15-year-old and then grow into the woman that she becomes. She is so much fun; she’s got so much passion, so much fire.”
Another theme in “Little Women” is the navigation of friendships and romantic relationships between men and women. The character of Laurie, a neighbor who befriends the March sisters, is played by Matt Beary. He and Ashlee Beary are married. The pair clearly have on-stage chemistry, though they ultimately arrive at being just friends in the story.
“To start the show, he’s very bombastic, similar to Jo,” Matt said. “And by the end of the show, he finds himself to be much more interested in domestic bliss and finding his person. The show ends with his wedding with Amy.”
Matt Beary finds he can relate to his character. “I think it’s so interesting that at this point in my life, having just gotten married not even six months ago, I can feel that turn from the passionate ‘follow your dreams, make something of yourself, go take on the world’… I’m from Iowa originally and moved to New York with just a handful of friends and just went out to go to the big city to see what I could make of myself.”
Ashlee Beary, Madison Cox, Ella Schnoor in “Little Women.” Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
While Grey Garrett does not seem as old as some may have pictured Marmee while reading “Little Women”, the casting decision was intentional.
“They wanted her to be a little younger just because women had children so young back then,” Grey said. “She believes that she wants her ‘little women’ to be children before they are forced into the constraints of propriety and society and the class system. Her girls have a reputation for being somewhat rambunctious, but she believes that children should be children and that includes little girls… So I think this show, what can seem different in the musical is that you do see her question a little bit even through her amazing parenting.”
Carson Eubank has stepped out from his usual role as music director and conductor to direct “Little Women”. Ten years ago, Eubank had been musical director in another production of “Little Women,” and Riverside CEO and Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn agreed this was an opportunity for Eubank to take the reins as director.
“It has been such a joy revisiting this show ten years later and now from a slightly different perspective as I make my Riverside Center directorial debut,” Eubank said.
“I am so fortunate to have such a tremendous, creative and design team that has helped my vision for this show come to life,” he said. “And the heart that this cast has for the show and for each other jumps off the stage, and I believe will make for a beautiful, emotional and memorable evening at the theater.”
