Theatre Arts & Dance Presents Little Women: The Broadway Musical
Published: April 04, 2012 | Author: Whitney Hershberger | Read Time: 3 minutes
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved American novel about the joys and woes of the March sisters will be brought to life on stage in "Little Women: The Broadway Musical."
Self-discovery, family bonds, love and a young woman’s struggle for self-identity are themes that the famous sisters explore in the song-filled production, and the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance will present this warm-hearted musical April 12-14 and April 19-21
Little Women remains a major novel in American fiction and its popularity endures. The story has been translated into over one hundred languages, adapted for the cinema four times, for television twice, and for the stage five times—making the March clan one of the most famous literary families. Little Women: The Broadway Musical, with a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland, centers on the journey of high-spirited Jo March and her determination to establish herself as a writer. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the March family’s trials remain timeless and enduring. This heart-warming coming-of-age tale is an ideal musical for the entire family—especially mothers and daughters. To quote the Deseret Morning News, “A fine script by Allan Knee and an effervescent score by composer Jason Howland and lyricist Mindi Dickstein, this one soars!”
SUU's production is directed by distinguished guest artist, Brad Carroll, whose professional credits include composing the music for "Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical," which premiered at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and was later performed on London’s West End. Acclaimed as a director, actor, composer, writer and musical director, Carroll’s numerous regional credits include productions for the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Utah Festival Opera, PCPA Theaterfest, Idaho Shakespeare and the Great Lakes Theatre Festival; he has also worked with various universities, including SUU, University of Nevada—Las Vegas, UC Santa Barbara and many more. Following "Little Women: The Broadway Musical," Carroll will direct Les Miserables for Utah Shakespeare Festival.
For Carroll, the musical’s biggest challenge is bringing to life such iconic characters. “The heart and soul of this piece is those wonderful March Sisters and their loving, though sometimes stormy, relationships with one another. All else radiates from that central core. The songs evolve out of the events in their lives and simply enhance the situations. This is not a big musical with extravagant production numbers, but a wonderful chamber rendering of a timeless tale that I am sure audiences will embrace and take to heart.”
The exciting and eccentric Jo March will be played by Tatem Credille (os SUU’s "Godspell" and "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!"). The rest of the family will be portrayed by Morgan Callaway as Marmee, Katelin Ruzzamenti as Meg, Emilie Andersen Moulton as Amy and Samantha Smith as Beth. Aunt March will be played by McKenzie Denison. Trent Dahlin will play Laurie, Adan Bojorquez will play Professor Bhaer, Matt Hanchey will play Mr. Brooke and Redge Palmer will portray Mr. Laurence.
The creative team, led by Carroll, includes music director Gerry Rheault and choreographer Jenny Smith. The design team for the musical is comprised of staff and students: scenic designer Jarrod Bray, lighting designer Cami Sheridan, costume designers Heather Sundblom and Keilani Gleave, sound designer Morgan Coutts and hair and makeup design by Natalia Castilla. Kelli Kovach is assistant director and Dallin Mills serves as Stage Manager.
Little Women: The Broadway Musical is a great experience for the whole family.
The production, which will be in the Auditorium Theatre, spans two weeks of Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances and also includes a family night performance on Monday, April 16. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all performances. Tickets are $10 for General Adult Admission, $8 for SUU Faculty & Staff and $5 for Youth. SUU Students are admitted free with valid I.D. For tickets, call 435-586-7872 or purchase at the Centrum Arena box office. Tickets may also be purchased online at suu.edu/arts.
Related Links
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