‘Little Women’ stands the test of time
CHICO >> “Little Women,” a rich musical adaptation of famed author Louisa May Alcott’s book of the same title, is a Civil War story of love and family which stands the test of time.
This memorable musical is brought to Chico by the California Regional Theatre. It opens Feb. 7 and runs through Feb. 16 at the Center for the Arts theater, 1475 East Ave.
Alcott’s book, “Little Women,” was published in 1868 and is one of the world’s best-loved stories. It is a record of her girlhood experiences and those of her three sisters.
Theater director Bob Maness, assisted by director Mindy Foutz and music director Olivia Cerullo are enthused about offering this classic story to the public.
“From the day of its publishing, ‘Little Women’ has captured the hearts and minds of all ages,” Maness said. “It’s an epic journey of four sisters on a challenging path to discovering themselves, through the difficult lives they live during the Civil War, paired with beautiful and emotionally sweeping music.
“This simple but surprisingly profound story,” he said, “examples for us the values we all once so closely embraced; compassion, hard work, charity, temperance and dedication. A welcome breath of fresh air for all ages.”
This musical version of the story is by Allan Knee, with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. It opened on Broadway on Jan. 23, 2005.
“Little Women” takes place in Concord, Massachusetts during the American Civil War. Their father is away serving as a Union Army chaplain.
The four March sisters are tomboy-like. Aspiring writer Jo (Alana Merz), romantic Meg (Chloe Romero), pretentious Amy (Natalie Bridgnell) and kind-hearted Beth (Ciera Green) all live with their mother Marmee (Laurel Merz).
Act 1 of “Little Women” begins in 1865 in New York City. Jo is living in a boarding house while trying to sell her stories to publication. Professor Bhaer (David Gomez), another tenant, tells Jo her stories seem to conform to what she thinks the public wants to hear. He encourages her to do better.
Living next door to the March family is wealthy
Mr. Laurence (Mike McCluskey) whose grandson, Laurie (Michael Burchett), comes to live with him and becomes a close friend of the March family.
A formidable matron and great-aunt of the March sisters, Aunt March (Cathey Kohler), is wealthy and society-minded.
John Brook (Zane Brown), Laurie’s tutor, is stern, but capable of being emotional.
Underlying the musical’s story are timeless themes of coming of age and the importance of honesty, hard work, true love, home and family.
It contains stories within a story and provides a celebration of family love and devotion.
This Broadway classic is perfect for all ages. Tickets range from $18 to $30. Discount tickets are available with 10 percent to 20 percent savings. For tickets and information call CRT at 1-800-722-4522.