|
Little Women
The Broadway Musical
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Book by Allan Knee
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Directed by Joe Leonardo
Musical Direction by Doug Peck
At Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL
Call 874-634-0200, tickets $32 - $43
Wednesdays at 1 & 8 PM
Thursdays at 8 PM
Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 PM
Sundays at 1 & 5 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 30 min with intermission
Through February 3, 2008
Marriott Theatre presents a gem of a musical in Little Women
Little Women, a terrific model for how to take a successful novel and turn it into a fine musical, proves once again that less is more as it emerges on Marriott’s in-the-round stage. This Little Women is far superior to the national touring production that played here a few years ago. Louisa May Alcott’s 1869 novel comes alive with in pleasantly sweet production.
Under director Joe Leonardo’s smart direction and featuring a stellar cast of Chicago professionals, Little Women works as a wonderful, romantic musical. Heidi Kettenring has never been better as Jo March, the passionate leader of the March clan. She has the brightness and command of her character whose passion is creative writing.
With beautifully rich sounding orchestrations by Doug Peck of Jason Howland’s haunting score, Little Women has an epic sound steeped in 1960’s New England Civil War society. The folksy melodies, emotional ballads, soaring anthems with several sentimentally sad tunes and uplifting songs swept into our hearts. Allen Knee’s book depicts the story of the March sisters and their mother with whom each possess a strong family solidarity and unflinching loyalty.
The tone here is nostalgic and innocent depicting 1863-68 in Concord, Massachusetts and New York City. The women in full period perfect dress costume design by Nancy Missimi) with a minimalist set in an atmosphere that suggests New England wasps. 
The March sisters, Amy (Morgan Weed); Meg (Abby Mueller); Beth (Dara Cameron); and the tom-boy feminist Jo (the playful Heidi Kettenring) all delivered worthy performances. Little Women is really Jo’s show and Heidi Kennenring delivers a ‘star’ turn in the grueling role of Jo. Kettenring combines immense energy, a winning charisma, a command of the stage as well as a strong voice to land her numbers. Her anthem “Astonishing” was filled with heart. We cheer for Jo to find love.
Paula Scrofano, as Marmee March, emotionally lands her “Days of Plenty” to set Jo back on track. Stephen Schellhardt, as Laurie, is funny, a tad manic oozing charm and belting his songs with his fine voice. John Reeger’s booming voice (as Mr Lawrence) and commanding manner blends his bravado with a tenderness. His duet with Beth (Dara Caneron) in the folksy “Off To Massachusetts” was heartwarmingly cute.Jarrod Zimmwerman, as Mr. Booke and Abby Mueller, as Meg nailed their duet, “More than I Am,” a romantic ringing ballad.
The feel good mood of Little Woman played to my love of serious, nostalgic and somewhat sentimental melodic chamber musicals. I’m a hopeless romantic and Little Women reached into my heart. This pleasant and charming show is full of lovable people whose passion for living and fulfilling their dreams speaks to the optimistic belief in all of us. The Jo and Beth send that message in with “Some Things Are Meant to Be.” (My favorite sing).
Little Women is haunting show filled with rich voices and pretty people that transports us back to a more simple time. This operetta styled show does justice to the classic novel. It is more than a ‘women’s show.’ I like this enchanting show and so will you. Marriott Theatre, once again, proves that they produce the finest intimate musicals. Don’t miss this beautiful show.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2007
Jeff Recommended
|
