In 1868, Louisa May Alcott wrote a story based on her own experiences growing up. The novel, ‘Little Women,’ became a huge success. It sold millions of copies, was translated into 50 languages and was adapted into a movie, opera and ballet. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 27, the musical adaptation of ‘Little Women’ will be performed at Syracuse Stage.

The plot centers around four sisters who live in poverty with their mother during the Civil War. Though the original movie version of ‘Little Women’ is not a musical, the two-and-a-half hour Syracuse Stage adaptation features more than 20 choreographed songs that go along with the story.

The show does not have as much choreography as typical musical productions have, though there are two ballroom dance numbers that are choreographed, said Aisling Halpin, a sophomore musical theater major who plays Amy March, the youngest of the four sisters. Halpin said she loves the energy of the cast and production team and how well everyone worked together.

The cast has been rehearsing for about three weeks. The last show that SU put on at Syracuse Stage, ‘Oklahoma,’ was rehearsed for seven weeks. Halpin said a three-week timeframe is typical for professional theater.

‘When the girls’ emotions get really happy or sad or any extreme that’s where the songs come out,’ Halpin said. ‘It’s such a happy family show, and around the holidays a lot of us at school are missing our families. It’s really nice to be reminded of that kind of atmosphere, and I think ‘Little Women’ is a story that everyone can relate to no matter where you are in life.’

Jenaha McLearn, a junior musical theater major, plays Beth, the second youngest March daughter. McLearn describes her character as really sweet, very selfless and shy, except when she is playing the piano, something she loves to do.

‘Seeing professionals work on this show has been really amazing,’ McLearn said. ‘Watching the professional process and seeing how the actors take words on a page and turn them into life is amazing, I’ve learned so much from it.’

McLearn’s favorite scene in the show is one she considers to be very heavy. It takes place when her character and Jo, the sister to whom she is closest to, are at the beach. McLearn’s character is very sick throughout the play, and she has finally come to terms with the fact that she is going to die. Through song, Beth tells Jo that she is not going to get better, and she is going to help her sister accept the illness she herself is battling.

McLearn, an only child, has loved developing relationships with the cast in the past few weeks and having three sisters, at least fictionally.

‘I love this adaptation,’ McLearn said. ‘Our director says, ‘When a March girl enters the room she changes it, and when a March girl comes into someone’s life they change it.’ It’s been an honor to play someone like that.’

rltoback@syr.edu

Published on November 18, 2009 at 12:00 pm