Little Women

Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women was originally published in 1868. The coming-of-age story of the March sisters follows their transition from childhood to womanhood. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the musical adaptation follows our headstrong protagonist Jo March and her passion for storytelling, only rivalled by her love and devotion to her family.

Over the past 106 years seven movies have been released of Little Women, with stars such as Katherine Hepburn, June Allyson and more recently with Florence Pugh and Emma Watson. Adapted for the stage in 2004 by lyricist Mindi Dickstein, with music by Jason Howland and given life by author Allan Knee, it made its Broadway debut in 2005.

As the audience enters the Scott Theatre, we bare witness to an open stage and an open book. Beautifully designed with creative thought by Simon Greer, the raised set is as much a part of the story as the script itself. Wooden panels surround the stage and resemble the spine of many novels. It is simplistic, but breathtaking. Each set change performed by cast members is like a well-choreographed dance. Not distracting in the slightest, it only added to the charm of this production.

This short season showcases the talents of two casts. The opening night cast was faultless. With action centred around the March sisters, Jo (Alana Iannace), Meg (Amy McCann), Beth (Jelena Nicdao) and Amy (Emily Simmons). Sophie Volp in the role of Marmee March cocoons her daughters, whilst the father is away at war. The sensitivity of her portrayal and her smooth vocals allowed you to empathise with her heartbreak and deep love for her family.

This production is high-energy sprinkled with sentimentality and a good dose of humour. Our protagonist Jo brought to life by Iannace has a drive and sass that allows her to invent short stories that delight her family. Her poetic diction and emotive vocals are pure joy. Her powerhouse ballad “Astonishing” at the end of act one made me want to jump to my feet.

Each sister looks up to Jo, but the script allows for them each to shine. McCann as Meg follows her heart into marriage and motherhood, Nicdao as Beth, played with a fragile sweetness and Amy played by Simmons, who yearns for the finer things in life. Wonderful, detailed characterisations were a delight.

Vocals and harmonies were delivered with an understated confidence. This musical was in safe hands with a cast that was joyful and committed. Musical director Martin Cheney did a superb job at the helm of a talented orchestra. Situated upstage provided a crisp soundtrack to a rollicking tale of self-discovery. Skilled director Erin James used her creative vision, to provide a musical of the highest calibre. Her attention to detail highlighted the humour and playfulness of the script. Along with movement director Joseph Simons, many laughs came through slapstick and exaggerated gestures.

There are not enough superlatives to describe this production. Creative and effervescent, it was clear the opening-night audience shared my enthusiasm. Cast and crew were subjected to a lengthy and well-deserved applause.

Kerry Cooper