Brown Paper Box Co presents LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL: Classic Novel Brought to Life with Song

Brown Paper Box Co presents Little Women the Musical

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel, the musical follows the adventures of the March Sisters – Jo (Tessa Dettman), Beth (Sarah Ford), Amy (Kim Green), and the eldest, Meg (Andi Sharavsky). At the center is Jo – the second oldest sister, and a young woman with a dream to see the world and become a famous writer. She has no interest in settling into the expected role of a woman in the Civil War era, and will stop at nothing to make those dreams a reality, and create the best possible life for her and her sisters.

Of course, because of the time period, Jo’s dreams meet their obstacles. The March Sisters’ father is off at war, her wealthy Aunt March (Jenny Rudnick) has goals for her entrance into society that do not quite match her own, and while the elder women in her life want her to marry, she wishes to remain single and with her sisters. The story is one about perseverance, passion, and the power a woman can have when she believes in herself.

Creative Use of Space

Scenic Designer and Production Manager Jeremy Hollis utilizes an alley format for the stage, placing the audience on either side of a runway for the actors to use. Though this format at times created some obstacles for sightlines in this writer’s view, Directors Stephanie Rohr and M. William Panek also find some fun moments to utilize the space and play with varying modes of moving actors through the story – particularly in Weekly Volcano Press.

In this number that kicks off Act Two, Jo details her new story that she just completed. As she sings through the details, ensemble members enter on either end of the space, playing out the scenes as she describes them. Rohr and Panek create an exciting way to physicalize Jo’s story, allowing the words to come to life and consume the space as she becomes increasingly excited about her work.

From this writer's view, the musical itself brings the novel to life, but the production felt at times messy. The aforementioned strengths make this writer think that with time, the show as a whole will also bring this treasured classic novel to the stage in a cleaner way.

SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED

When:

Running through February 9, 2019

Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 3:30pm

Running Time: 2 hours and 12 minutes, with intermission

Where:

Strawdog Theatre
1802 W. Bernice Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613

For tickets and information, see the Brown Paper Box Co website.

Photo credit

Zach Dries

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago

About the Author:

Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.

Click here to read more Picture this Post stories by Lauren Katz.

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