Reviewed by Sondra
Morishima/Sacramento
Stage & Theatre
Stephen
Patterson as Laurie and Kate Fisher as Joe in the national touring
company of LITTLE WOMEN - THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. The production
plays at the Community Center Theater through Oct. 9. Photo by Joan Marcus.
Hillary Duff may be considered America's Sweetheart for the time
being, but once the fad passes, the March sisters will be there,
as always - comforting, loving, inspiring, and familiar.
In a world of wardrobe malfunctions and scandals
galore, it's good to know that some things still haven't changed -
every girl must go through her first dance, a bit of romance, societal
pressures, and just dealing with life in general.
Until October 9, 2005 at the Sacramento Community
Center Theater, the plot of a tightly knit family struggling through
difficult times is spiced up with some memorable songs, energetic
actresses and actors, and a set to boot.
Based on Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women,"
it includes themes that every person - regardless of age or gender can
enjoy.
Unlike the original novel, this version is presented
from Jo March's (Kate Fisher) point of view. Although some may
argue that important portions of the book are missing from the
production, I believe that the musical captured as many aspects of the
plot as it could, and in a very fluid and fulfilling manner.
The story revolves around the lives of the
March sisters - Meg (Renee Brna), Jo, Beth (Autumn Hurlbert), and Amy
(Gwen Hollander) - and their mother Marmee (Maureen McGovern).
Set during the Civil War, money is tight as the
girls' father fights for the Union. The story spans over many
years, allowing the audience to live through the issues, both trivial
and dire, faced by the sisters from first loves to war, dances to
reaching for goals.
Jo, the main character, is energetic, ambitious,
independent, and wonderful, portrayed fantastically by Kate
Fisher. Her most memorable and powerful moment, belting out
"Astonishing" with grace, left the audience breathless and rightfully
stole the show.
Marmee, the pillar of the family, played by Maureen
McGovern, the pillar of the cast, was a comforting figure. She
spread her wisdom through many touching songs, namely "Here Alone" and
"Days of Plenty."
Other characters in the cast include the youthful
Laurie (Stephen Patterson), the romantic Mr. Brooke (Michael Minarik),
and the shy and polite Professor Bhaer (Andrew Varela). Each adds
his own twist and turn to the story, enhancing it even more.
The set was mesmerizing and intricate.
Everything was so sturdy and immensely artistic that the audience was
engulfed in the story, feeling as if he or she were standing right next
to the characters up on the stage.
LITTLE WOMEN, although not very widely publicized or
well known, exceeded my expectations. From what I recall of the
book, it was a slow reading. However, the musical was written by
Allan Knee and is fast-paced and intriguing. It is both hilarious
at moments and a tearjerker at others. One of the most
well-rounded musicals I have ever seen, I rate it an 8 out of 10, one
being the lowest and ten the highest.
The Broadway Series plays at the Community Center
Theater, 1301 L Street in Sacramento. Evening performances run
Tuesday (in the second week of performance only) at 8 p.m., Wednesdays
through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday (in the first week of
performance only) at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are Thursdays, Saturdays and
Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 - $65. Tickets
can be purchased at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box
Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento, by phone at (916) 557-1999 or online
at www.CaliforniaMusicalTheatre.com.
Tickets are also available through Tickets.com.
