Playwright Donna Hoke and RLTP have a winner in the world-premiere adaptation of that famous novel about the March sisters by Louisa May Alcott.

Those March Girls

Playwright Donna Hoke and RLTP have a winner in the world-premiere adaptation of that famous novel about the March sisters by Louisa May Alcott. Little Women…Now maintains the story arc and characters of the 19^th Century classic with a decidedly 21^st Century sensibility that is both witty and sincere in its depiction of the ups and downs of the March family over a period of years as the girls grow from teenagers to mature women.

A classic work of art is one that transcends the ages and Little Women does just that. This story of sisters, family, friendship, romantic relationships, coming of age, and accepting and dealing with life choices is as relevant today as it was almost 150 years ago. Donna Hoke’s modern version highlights the cultural changes that have taken place in the world since the 19^th Century, as well as ones that have not changed, while preserving the integrity of the story.

Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March live in an upscale suburb of Buffalo with their mother, while their father is off in Kansas managing their uncle’s drugstore. Money is so tight the girls all share a cellphone, which makes for some amusing moments. Each character is finely drawn, with personalities sustained throughout the play as the girls mature into women, their mother learns to navigate the world without her husband, and the two male love interests settle into their roles.

A Fresh Perspective

Director Doug Weyand allows each character full expression while keeping the action moving. Each actor does a fine job as their characters mature and deal with life changes.

Alexandria Watts is Jo, the secretive writer who keeps her true feelings, along with her pseudonym and what she writes about from everyone. She is delightful as she spars with her would-be boyfriend, Laurie, the not-very-serious-rich-young-man, played with heartfelt earnestness and charm by Jake Hayes. They go after each other intellectually, and he is actually able to curb Jo’s insistence that their financial differences matter in a monologue that speaks to what poverty really is. Jo is taken aback, which is no mean feat as she is a very determined young woman which Ms. Watts’ strong performance makes very clear.

In contrast, Sabrina Kahwaty as Amy is all teenage narcissism, into clothes and makeup and boys and never being serious about anything, getting into trouble at school, and dancing about the stage, flitting from one place to another, all the while chattering on and on to the consternation of her older sisters. Well played.

Brittany Bassett is Meg, the eldest sister who wants a husband and children and a really nice house and all the fine things money can buy. Working a thankless job at Tim Hortons increases her desire to improve her station in life. Ms. Bassett is a hoot in a scene outside a party wherein she has had way too much to drink and tries to get Jo and Laurie to hook up. Later, her difficulties being away from her children, and how that affects her marriage shows a deeper and more disturbed side to her character that Ms. Bassett handles very well. She is romanced by the very shy nerdy John, somewhat older, played by Ricky Needham in a small role that he makes his own.

Beth is played by Heather Gervasi, whose delicate features are perfect for the sickly girl who is overwhelmed by the inhumanity she is surrounded by every day in the news. The world is too much for Beth, and as she deteriorates physically, her anguish is apparent. Later she is able to convey her inner strength and wisdom in a very moving short monologue.

Lisa Vitrano is Mom. Her warmth and intelligence shine through her every word and move. She also has her challenges but is always a steadfast support to her four offspring through the changes in all their lives.

A Future Classic

The play is divided into chapters, whose titles are cleverly projected on the TV screen above the fireplace in the living room set. Being Neighborly, Truth or Consequences, and Gossip are a few that tell of things to come in the next scene.

Scene changes occur in blackouts and are punctuated by contemporary songs that speak to the action on stage. Sound Designer Nicholas Quinn provides lovely soothing ocean waves, and then crashing ones during a storm when the family is at the beach. The living room set by Dyan Burlingame has the feel of a prosperous, yet very well-lived in home.

All the elements of a play come together seamlessly in Little Women…Now. It is a well-written, well-acted, well-produced and directed take on a very well-known tale, and who knows, may become a classic itself one day.