THE ARTS ETC
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presents
THE MUSICAL VERSION OF
Little Women
DIRECTED BY JOHN PIKE
SEPTEMBER 9 - 25, 2011
BROAD BROOK OPERA HOUSE
107 MAIN STREET,
BROAD BROOK CT
PERFORMANCES ARE
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8 PM
SUNDAYS AT 2 PM
TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT
www.operahouseplayers.org
or call
BOX OFFICE (860) 292-6068
REVIEWED BY DEBRA TINKHAM
If you have no plans between now and September 25th, please make plans to see Little Women, the musical, playing at the Broad Brook Opera House in Broad Brook CT.
The theatre is unique: it looks like a cross between a fine barn and a grange hall. Once you enter, you go to the second floor and are given assigned seats. If unable to do stairs, there is a stair-chair available. The stage was cleverly designed but trying to describe it would not do it justice. It's a must-see. The orchestra, consisting of conductor/keyboard (Melanie Guerin), flute, clarinet and piccolo (Mallory Kokus), violin (Morgan Dice), and cello (Hillary Ekwall) was instrumental (no pun intended) and essential in tieing together the 11 scenes, in addition to cleverly assisting with the quick scene changes..
The musical began with the piano, flute and cello ensemble preparing the audience for a New York City boarding house. Jo March, played by Meagan Hayes, the second oldest of four sisters, is telling Professor Bhaer (Brett Gottheimer) how successful her book of "blood and guts" is going to be. A choreographed effect of the live characters of her her book, played by Clarissa (Kiernan Rushford), Braxton (Dallas Hosmer) and Rodrigo (Paul Lietz) accompanies Jo as she tells/sings the story in sync with their dialogue/vocals as if only Jo could see them. Her dreams were her reality.
Later, back at the March homestead in Concord MA, Jo, Beth (Kiernan Rushford), Amy (Jessica Frye) and Meg (Elizabeth Drevits) vow to always stick together in unity and harmony. Their unique voices created balanced and beautiful harmony: Jo's pure voice is strong, powerful, whereas Beth's soft, sweet set of vocal cords projected well. The diction of all was impeccable.
Aunt March (Mary Jane Disco) is a wealthy, well-endowed matron who isn't afraid to say anything. Jo March inherited many of her qualities, although Aunt March would disagree. Aunt March challenges Jo to a trip to Europe if she will clean up her act and be "more lady-like and refined.
Laurie (Paul Lietz) is the grandson of Mr. Lawrence (Matthew Falkowski), wealthy neighbors of the March family. Mr. Lawrence would like to ignore the Marches in hope they will go away. Laurie has his sights set on two of the March beauties -- not at the same time. Mr. Brooke (Dallas Hosmer) fancies the oldest March girl, Meg.
Back at the boarding house, Jo is notified that Beth is diagnosed with scarlet fever. In the meantime, Mr. Lawrence and Laurie bring their beloved piano to the March house and Meg plays a lovely little harpsichord number, which was actually being played by the conductor/keyboardist, Melanie Guerin.
Later, Jo decides to take Beth to Falmouth Beach on Cape Cod. Beth, now in a wheel chair, showing the effects of her illness, sings "Some Things Are Meant to Be." There is a clever kite-flying scene.
This musical adaptation of Louisa Mae Alcott's story is as delightful as the orginal book. At the end, Jo inherits Aunt March's house and becomes a successful, published writer.
The cast, crew, orchestra and ushers were inviting and hospitable. This production is a must-see for family and friends. The many younger children in attendance enjoyed the musical from beginning to end.
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Based on Louisa May Alcott’s own family experiences (and novel), LITTLE WOMEN follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. This wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope - the sounds of a young America finding its voice.