Little Women - review

[Jane Zussman]

You think you know the story of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, but do you, really? This version is the same beloved tale, energized by a new perspective. Kate Hamill’s script premiered in 2019 and holds a modern lens up to the familiar story, questioning aspects of gender identity and being forced into roles we can’t abide.

Riverwalk welcomes back director Mary Job, newly retired from LCC directing. The 1861-64 setting is a well choreographed period shuffle of furniture and props to efficiently depict different locations. The period costumes are well realized by Lark Burger (with the help of Lee Helder creating Mrs. Mingot’s glam party gown.) Many short scenes dramatize the contrasts, conflicts and connections among the March daughters. (And the parrot is adorable - Adam Carlson, perpetual puppet maker.)

Beloved Beth is sweetly played by the winsome Storm Hawthorne. Amy (Rachel Steffens) is the feisty antagonist malapropping little sister who matures into a player-by-the-rules on the femininity stage. Meg seems reserved and level-headed but has a wonderful monologue in the second act about the overwhelm of motherhood. And our hero/heroine Jo is powerfully played by Anna Hill. She graduated from Western with her BFA in acting, and is also an alumni of the LCC studio theatre program, now making her debut on the Riverwalk main stage. Her playmate, soulmate, and fellow role-resister Laurie, is played with charm and flair by Heath Sartorius.

Betsy Karinen is gentle but strong as Marmee. Sandra Thomasson is small but mighty as Aunt March. Multiple others round out the cast, some playing multiple roles. After a brief suspension of disbelief due to color-blind casting, we are soon able to appreciate the distinct characters portrayed by the talented Ndegwa McCloud: first the gentlemanly, reserved tutor Mr. Brooks, and next the dismissive sexist publisher Mr. Dashwood (plus a short stint with the parrot puppet). Joyce Kramer-Cox features a lilting accent as Hannah, the helpful maid, and next appears all high-society as Mrs. Mingot in her glam gown. Mike Sobocinski does triple duty as the stern Mr. Laurence, the concerned doctor, and the returning wounded father, Mr. March. Messenger Tara Corbin makes her speaking debut at Riverwalk delivering important news.

In Mary’s insightful Director’s note, she concludes: “I think both Hamill and Alcott would agree that the central question in any young life is what can I grow into? What will I be allowed to grow into? That is as true today as it was  in 1868."

Among the few flaws in the show is the fact that the program lacks th QR code for the cast bios, but they can be found at http://Riverwalktheatre.com if you pull down the “shows” menu and choose “show programs." Even though the logo is for Ravenscroft, the “cast bios” button DOES take you to Little Women, to learn more about this diverse and fascinating cast of knowns and unknowns.

Little Women continues at Riverwalk through November 16. Tickets at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=288585

Remember, Riverwalk is collecting food bank donations — most requested: cooking oil, peanut butter, kid friendly snacks, baby food/formula, canned fruits/vegetables, pasta, rice, beans, canned meat)

Arrive early for best parking, and perhaps purchase an alcoholic beverage if you are a RWT member, (You can join on the spot for a minimum of $20 - cash, Venmo or Paypal only) as you enjoy the lobby photo art of Ariniko O’Meara. 

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

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