WA Premiere of Little Women musical

ONE of the most popular American stories ever written comes to life in song and dance at Roleystone Theatre (WA) this December.

Roleystone is staging the WA premiere of Little Women – the Broadway musical version.

Directed by Paul Treasure, the timeless tale follows the story of four sisters growing up in Massachusetts while their father is away during the Civil War.

“It’s one of the world’s best-loved stories, as they grow from little girls to little women,” he said.

“Little Women is a beautiful book and there have been many stage and film versions – even an opera – but they are of varying quality.” 

Treasure says if people think they’re already familiar with Little Women through the book or play, they should think again.

“They won’t be familiar with the songs, some of which are rapidly becoming more and more popular in recitals and concerts by musical theatre performers,” he said.

“It’s a chance to really get inside the minds and emotions of the characters to hear what they’re thinking and feel what they’re feeling, rather than just seeing what they are doing.

“Little Women’s most interesting quality is the way such strong and beautiful songs have actually added to the story.

“It’s amazing it has taken so long for someone to write a really good musical version, especially when musicals are such a distinctly American art form.”

Involved in theatre since 1989, Treasure has appeared in more than 100 productions, from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata through to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s By Jeeves, with Marloo, Roleystone, Blak Yak, Kwinana, KADS, Garrick, Park, Pit and Acorn Theatres and the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

He has also been in numerous television advertisements, short films and the music video for Boys Boys Boys’ Ticky-Ticky Boom.

With Little Women, Treasure believes his main challenge will be the audience’s familiarity with the book and other versions.

“There are many popular musicals based on popular books, such as Les Miserables, Oliver! and Phantom of the Opera), but most of these are now better known than their original story,” he said. 

“While keeping true to the musical, we also have to constantly keep one eye on the book to make sure we are doing it justice.”

Little Women plays at 8pm, December 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10 with a 2pm matinee on December 3.

Tickets are $20 adults, $15 children – book on 9397 5730 or at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au

Roleystone Theatre is located at 587 Brookton Highway, Roleystone, opposite the Croyden Road junction.

Image: Emma Davis (Meg March), Cassie Skinner (Beth March), Liza-Mari Scwindt (Amy March) and, in front, Kimberley Harris (Jo March).

To keep up with the latest news and reviews at Stage Whispers, click here to like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.