"Little Women" has been a mainstay of American children’s literature for so long that – even in an age that features Harry Potter, the American Girl series, Goosebumps books and Bratz – there are kids still reading the Louisa May Alcott classic about four sisters.
In the case of many readers of ticket-buying and driving-to-the-theater age, most of us have read it and found at least one character to identify with. For those who remember the story with great fondness, the chance to see a stage musical version of LITTLE WOMEN sounds like a real treat.
The novel – which is a bit long for musical theater treatment – gets quite a bit of exposition and environmental elements chopped in this stage version by Jason Howland, Mindi Dickstein and Allen Knee, but for audience members who already know the story, things are easy enough to follow. Those not familiar with the book may find some of the action difficult to follow or not have a clue about some of the motivations of several characters – but most folks who see this will have enough familiarity not to nostice overmuch.
As for this particular production, there is plenty of appreciate, even though the work is not all at the same level. Some of the performances are excellent and some are just okay, but there were no stinkers in this cast – which may be plenty for those who love LITTLE WOMEN.
Delores Sierra makes a nice Marmee, and her work as the mother who helps a house full of manage to find their way. The role is beyond saintly, and Sierra does a decent job of humanizing this paragon of perfect motherhood. Along the way Sierra also nails a couple of big solos, too, showcasing a fine voice that is in superb shape.
Erin O’Shea stars as Jo, and she does a great job with this demanding role. Her Jo is much like the beloved narrator from the novel, and O’Shea lends the character a fresh enthusiasm that contrasts nicely with JO’s more melancholy moments. Delivering several big songs also seems to come easily to O’Shea, and her "Astonishing" – the show’s single best song – truly is. "The Fire Within Me" and "Better" aren’t so shabby either, and the result is a standout performance.
In a show with plenty of work for the female actors, there are a couple of outstanding performances from males in the cast, too. In fact, Danny White (as Laurie) and J. Adam Lounsberry (as Professor Bhaer) are as good as the best of the females in LITTLE WOMEN.
White is a truly great-sounding singer, and he is in glorious voice on "Take a Chance on Me" and its reprise. He also turns in fine work in a duet and with "Five Forever," where he is terrific without overpowering the other singers.
Lounsberry (who, by the way, looks fantastic with facial hair here) is another standout – as the gruff professor who is adorable just when he should be. Lounsberry and O’Shea do fabulous work on the wonderfully romantic "Small Umbrella in the Rain," which – along with "Astonishing" – makes everything else in the show well worth watching, just to get to see and hear these two numbers.
Lots of nice costuming – not counting one character’s wardrobe, which seems to be perpetually 10 inches too short (perhaps to intentionally show off large amounts of undergarments?) – help give the show a nice touch of period feel.
Overall, this LITTLE WOMEN has enough to recommend it to both a general audience and to fans of the Alcott novel, so make plans quickly if you want to see one of the remaining performances.
