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At its Thursday night open for “Little Women, The Musical,” Tri-School Theatre gave its loyal audience what it most adores: lively music, songs belted at top range, oh so eye-pleasing costumes and scenery, and dynamic talent to create non-stop entertainment. Several musical adaptations have been produced, but the cast and crew of Tri-School Theatre has tackled this version beautifully, complementing perfectly one of the most beloved American novels of all time.
The story is about a New England family led by the wise matriarch Mrs. March, or Marmee
(Vitoria Villalobos), and her beloved brood of four daughters— graceful, romantic Meg, spirited, writer wanna-be Jo, delicate Beth and pampered, high-strung Amy. Played respectively by
Haley Fuchs, Alexandra Worden, Gianna Gazich and Joanna Juarez (young Amy) and
Allyson San Roman (older Amy), these five seasoned actresses are vibrant and dynamic in their varying roles.
Although the famed, somewhat feminist novel written by Louisa May Alcott details at length the joys and pains of teen girls growing toward womanhood, the musical — book by Allan Knee, score by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein — is more like a flash-back of past events in the musical’s two acts.
Alexandra Worden, a powerful singer, takes her star role as Jo through many memorable scenes, among them her very funny duet with the indomitable Aunt March, the wonderful
Annabelle Soto. Alexandra’s Act 1 closer, “Astonishing,” and her Second Act song, “The Fire Within Me,” are tops and won lots of well-deserved applause on opening night.
The March girls quartet, “Our Finest Dreams,” was also a nice display of vocal talent. Superior acting ensues, all experienced actors individually who vividly color in their important roles. As does
Vitoria Villalobos who shines with her rendition of “Here Alone,” one of the musical’s better constructed arias to detail Marmee’s longing for her absent husband. The girls’ father, who we never meet, is a chaplain away from his family to serve with the Union Army during America’s bloody Civil War.
The girls go through trials and stress, such as hearing their father is wounded, along with sweet Beth’s illness. Their world is changed, however, when they are introduced to their new, wealthy neighbor Mr. Laurence, his son “Laurie” and his tutor Mr. Brooke . The girls’ roles are strengthened by the supporting actors.
Steve Wehner handles the role of Laurie with an assured composure, Patrick Aimone carries off the respected Mr. Laurence effortlessly and
Dane Madrigal makes a dashing Mr. Brooke.
Other characters, such as Mrs. Kirk, portrayed strongly by Caitlyn Crawley, Clarissa, played confidently by
Haley Coad, and Brandon Martinez as a comical, yet sensitive Professor Bhaer, round out the major characters.
The lively production deserves additional praise for Hillary Pearson’s artistic direction,
Michael Lopez’s choreography, MaryAnn Villalobos and her crew for costume design,
Chelsea Palumbo’s scenic work, Connor McGarahan’s lighting and
Anne Vandenberg McClain’s musical direction.
Performed November 5 - 8, 2015
Chris Daniels
National Youth Arts
~ Cast ~
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Jo: Alexandra Worden
Meg: Haley Fuchs
Beth: Gianna Gazich
Young Amy: Joanna Juarez
Older Amy: Allyson San Roman
Marmee: Vittoria Villalobos
Laurie: Steve Wehner
Professor Bhaer: Brandon Martinez
Mr. Brooke: Dane Madrigal
Mr. Laurence: Patrick Aimone
Aunt March: Annabelle Soto
Mrs. Kirk: Caitlyn Crawley
Clarissa: Haley Coad
Braxton: Tim Hepps
Rodrigo: Jasper Hammer
Rodrigo II: Sierra Warner
Lead Troll: Antonio Murillo
Trolls: Shannon Mora and Natalie Young
Lead Hag: Molly Renze
Hags: Julianne Holmquist and Alyzza Munoz
Knight: Joseph Caico
Monks:
Michael Meris
Erik Mercado
PJ McManus
Armaan Monshizadeh
Ballroom Dancers & Beach Combers:
Joseph Caico
Haley Coad
Caitlin Crawley
Erik Mercado
PJ McManus
Antonio Murillo
Allyson San Roman
Sierra Warner
Party Guest & Beach Combers:
Jasper Hammer
Tim Hepps
Julianne Holmquist
Michael Meris
Armaan Monshizdeh
Shannon Mora
Allyzza Munoz
Molly Renze
Natalie Young
Director: Hillary Pearson
Costume Design: MaryAnn Villalobos
Hair/Makeup: Vitoria Villalobos
Set Design: Chelsea Palumbo
Lighting Design: Connor McGarahan
Sound Design: Ethan Shanklin
Choreographer: Michael Lopez
Musical Direction: Anne Vandenberg McClain
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