I’ve always been put off by the story’s tweeness, but this energetic production focuses on Jo’s aspirations, her feminist sensibilities, and highlights the sisterly tensions as well as their love for one another.Īs Jo’s desire to be self-sufficient and her growing maturity as a writer are foregrounded, it’s also clear why Laurie (Sev Keoshgerian), the orphaned neighbour who the sisters befriend, is better suited to fellow pleasure-seeker Amy (Mary Moore) than Jo. As they approach Christmas, fatherless and penniless, she tries to keep her family’s spirits up with theatrical productions and her “blood and guts” stories.Īlthough this musical adaptation is fairly run of the mill, it is beautifully staged by Bronagh Lagan. Jo (a resplendent Lydia White) delights in telling stories and dreams of travelling the world and becoming a famous writer. Set during the American Civil War, the four March sisters live in genteel poverty while their father is away – a chaplain in the Union Army.
This musical version (book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein) was first produced on Broadway in 2005. LOUISA May Alcott’s much-loved tale of female empowerment, written more than 150 years ago, continues to be adapted for stage and screen, finding her new fans. Savannah Stevenson (Marmee) and L-R Lydia White (Jo), Hana Ichijo (Meg), Anastasia Martin (Beth) & Mary Moore (Amy) in Little Women.