The new fall play “Little Women” made its premiere on Nov. 21 with students, staff, and relatives filling the seats of the auditorium, waiting for the dimmer of the lights and the opening scene.
After two months of rehearsals, the cast showcased their theatrical interpretation of Louisa May Alcott’s popular book by the same title. It was directed by theatre teacher Claude Blanchard, seamstress Geri-Lynn Ewald and local thespian Patrick Rostock.
The play tells the story of four sisters trying to find their own happy ending in the 1800s. Each girl has their own personality and different view on life, with distinct goals and unique character traits. As the play goes on, the sisters develop out of their previous mindsets to achieve their respective goals.
“I love the story, I love Little Women, and I’ve loved the book since I was a little kid,” senior Grace Kavanaugh, who plays Jo March, said. “Being Jo March in the play is such an honor.”
Jo March is the spirited and independent lead of the play who goes against typical gender expectations of the time. In the book, most girls, including Jo’s sisters, are expected to wear certain clothes, act in a certain way, and find a husband early in life. Jo had her own dreams.
The stage crew consists of 24 roles, with six cast members making their Ocean Lakes Theatre Company debut.
“We did really well; this is a really great production, and it’s a great second chance at theatre,” junior Callie Harroun, who plays Mary, said.
The entire production included over 80 people. As a student led production, their aim was to work together to create something memorable.
“I thought it was beautifully done,” Geri-Lynn Ewald said. “It was beautifully performed. For the kids, there was so much growth through the whole process.”
