PROVO — The Brigham Young University Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present the Broadway musical "Little Women," directed by Laurie Harrop-Purser.
The musical is adapted from Louisa May Alcott's classic novel of the same title, with book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland.
The play tells the story of four sisters growing up in 1860s Massachusetts near the end of the Civil War, facing poverty, illness and the heartbreak of change. The story is based on the experiences of the author's family.
In the story, the character Jo March seeks to be "astonishing" by realizing her dreams of becoming a famous writer and changing the world. As Jo's journey progresses, she finds that her success is marred by the absence of the people she loves. When her dreams shift to reconnect her to those people, she finds that life itself is astonishing.
"There have been times in my life when I have dreamed of doing great things, of astonishing those around me," said Harrop-Purser, who said that she, like Jo, ultimately found her greatest satisfaction in her relationships with her husband, children and God.
"As Jo discovers, life truly is astonishing," Harrop-Purser said.
The show is mostly double cast and includes Anya Sulimoni Young and Mimi Knell as Jo March, Gabrielle Cunningham and Rachael Debenham as Beth March, Rochelle Pickett and Debra Weed Stewart as Meg March, Kara Jones and Makenna Garner-James as Amy March and Emily Burnworth as Marmee.
The production staff includes Gayle Lockwood, music director; Pat Debenham, choreographer; Emily Ray, dramaturg; Janice Lynn Jenson, production stage manager; Eric Fielding, scenic designer; and Erin Dinnell-Bjorn, costume designer.
If you go . . .
What: "Little Women"
Where: Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Provo campus
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 14-Dec. 8
Cost: $18/$15 weekends, students
Phone: 422-4322
Web: performances.byu.edu