Damsels in distress, menacing villains, ogres, hags and daring rescues jump from Jo March's imagination to page to stage in a musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic book about four sisters during the Civil War era.

"Little Women: The Broadway Musical," a joint production between Children's Theater of Madison (CTM) and Four Seasons Theatre and directed the Four Seasons' Andrew Abrams, brings music, drama and history together in an entertaining and educational experience for all ages.

Before Saturday's opening night performance, audience members had a chance to peek into what life was like for the characters in the mid-1800s in an interactive display around the Rotunda Stage that featured period music such as "Beautiful Dreamer" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," costumes, including a dress-up and picture station, and historical displays such as one describing a Wisconsin family of all girls whose father was away during the Civil War, similar to "Little Women's" March family.

The challenges of a father and husband away at war and how their families cope at home could strike familiar ground with many families today, and while the actors in this production wear hoop skirts and top hats, their characters were relevant enough to have been the sister, friend or neighbor of anyone in the audience.

The challenges of successfully bringing such a beloved, well-known story to stage can strike disappointment, too - particularly when the story already has been adapted into nearly as beloved films with the March girls played well-known stars such as Winona Ryder, Susan Dey, Elizabeth Taylor and Katherine Hepburn. But while the CTM-Four Seasons production may not include any Hollywood heavyweights, it does include a talented core of young women who allow each March to uniquely shine.

Kaitlin Elizabeth Olsen helps carry the story through her spirited performance of Jo, the central character. She is an imaginative and independent tomboy, acting out her "blood and guts" dramas with no reservation, singing passionately about her desire to be a famous writer and better person, and charging about with her head lowered and eyes focused. At times she becomes a bit too focused on exuding energy at the loss of appearing grounded in her character's motivations, but she eventually does achieve a good balance, particularly as Jo begins to grow and mature toward the end.

The other three March girls enter as more ladylike figures, in vast contrast to Jo but fairly similar to each other at first glance. However, as the play progresses the audience begins to see each sister's individual personality emerge. Isabella Stein brings out the impatient and petty characteristics of the youngest Amy while retaining her character's genuine connection to and love for her sisters and later, her increasing sophistication. Kate Ewings plays Meg, the oldest, as a perfectly demure young lady who is smitten with the attention of her suitor, Mr. John Brooke, played by Eddie Gray. Samantha Mae Bock plays the kind and frail sister Beth with an innocent serenity that pairs delightfully with the gruff nature of neighbor Mr. Laurence, played by Donavon Armbruster, particularly during their duet "Off to Massachusetts," which was one of the show's highlights.

While the whole cast was relatively strong in their vocals, other notable performances included "Here Alone," a beautifully colored and emotional solo sung by Marmee, played by Wendy Jones Hill, and the love story between Mr. Brooke and Meg, "More Than I Am," sung by Ewings and Gray.

The performances and teamwork between CTM and Four Seasons created a polished and entertaining production, and Saturday's audience, which filled almost three quarters of the Playhouse, showed their appreciation with a standing ovation. The only major disappointment was that the musical numbers in this adaptation often seemed long-winded with less substance than the original book.

Related

• Small girls, big dreams: CTM, Four Seasons team up for ‘Little Women’

Login to post your comment. If you don't have an account, you may register for one.