Louisa May Alcott's novel
Little Women
has been beloved by readers for more than a century. The Agnes Irwin School Repertory Co. recently paid tribute to this classic novel through a musical production.
Alcott's autobiographical novel, written in 1868, was adapted into a musical by Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein and Jason Howland, and the show first opened in January 2005, at the Virginia Theater. The musical tells the story of the four March sisters and their mother.
The plot revolves around Jo March, a young woman who dreams of becoming a famous writer. She wants to travel the world, but she also feels obligated to look after her mother and sisters. The five women go through many difficult experiences, but through it all, they stick together.
Agnes Irwin went with a very traditional telling of Alcott's tale; the show was set during the Civil War, with costumes, props and furniture from the time period. The show had some very nice acting and singing, and the performers seemed passionate about what they were doing.
Agnes Irwin junior Ginna LeVine played the role of Jo March. LeVine brought a nice spunk to her character. Senior Victoria Doyle played Marmee, Jo's mother, and was extremely believable as the kind and compassionate parent. Doyle had a nice presence onstage, and her song "Here Alone" was beautifully done.
LeVine and Doyle worked well together; they had an endearing mother-daughter relationship.
Several supporting characters did fine jobs as well. Mallory Zakeosian (Meg March) was very pleasant to watch, and Grace McCarty (Beth March) was absolutely adorable. Emily Nagel (Aunt March) was very funny.
The set had a very interesting concept. It was altered numerous times by switching flats and moving furniture, so the audience had something new to look at in almost every scene.
Agnes Irwin put on a fine production of
Little Women
. The characters were believable, the set was nice, and, most important, it was clear that the actors were enjoying themselves.