Center Stage Theatre’s latest production of Little Women brings the beloved celebration of womenhood to life through the charming 2005 Broadway musical. In this staging, Anna Giordano takes on the role of Jo March, the heroine at the heart of Louisa May Alcott’s classic.
The musical itself is ambitious but uneven. Condensing Alcott’s novel into a vehicle for songs and choreography is no small task, even with its nearly three-hour runtime. Some storylines and characters must therefore be left underdeveloped. That said, this production is still a delight thanks to direction by Justin Zenchuk (Director), Katie Ciurleo (Music Director), and Jacob Marcus (Assistant Director/Music Director). The team clearly understood the source material and brought the heart of the piece to life.
Giordano is brilliant as Jo, bringing boldness and vibrant energy to the stage without slipping into caricature. Vocally, she soars, particularly in the act-closing “Astonishing,” which she delivers with thrilling intensity and vocal color.
The rest of the March family is equally well-cast. Casey Lynne Ortiz brings warmth to Marmie, while Joelle Cote’s Beth offers a strikingly pure voice. Quinlyn Kessler captures Amy’s youthful petulance, and Katt Twohill as Meg impresses with dramatic flair and a beautiful tone.
Some pacing issues remain from the source material. Meg and John’s romance is the easiest to root for, uncomplicated but not without obstacles. Their tender duet “More than I am” is lovely, and once again, Katt’s voice is a thing of beauty. Amy and Laurie’s relationship, always a point of debate, nevertheless manages to be charming in “The Most Amazing Thing.” The Jo-Professor Bhaer storyline, begrudgingly penned by Alcott in trying to appease her publisher, is not well-developed, but Giordano and Kyle Attanasio create genuine warmth in “Small Umbrella in the Rain.”
The story’s post-painful moment is also its most touching. Though Jo is the show’s driving force, Beth is its emotional heartbeat, and Joelle does a wonderful job bringing her to life. The gentle preparation of Jo and ultimate farewell in “Some Things Are Meant to Be,” staged poignantly with a kite, is deeply moving. Ortiz’s stirring “Days of Plenty” is another highlight.
What the musical does better than the very successful film adaptations is show Jo’s ultimate motivation and fulfillment, underscored brilliantly in the climactic, “The Fire Within Me.” We see Jo not only as ambitious and restless but also as someone who realizes the “astonishing” she has always been seeking is there in the simple, sweet memories with her sisters.
Ultimately, Little Women at Center Stage Theatre is a nostalgic retreat into a world of family, love, and big dreams. With a strong cast and heartfelt performances, it’s a local production that captures the story’s timeless appeal. Don’t miss the chance to experience a little bit of “astonishing” before the run ends on September 28. Visit: centerstagetheatre.org for tickets.
