Little Women at Kelsey Theatre in association with Off-Centre Stages
by Addison Geisler
Though first published in 1868, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women continues to resonate with audiences, finding new life in its musical adaptation. Off-Centre Stages brings this beloved coming-of-age story to the Kelsey Theatre, directed by MJ Santry and produced by Jonathan Edmondson. Exploring sisterhood, ambition, and the bittersweet process of growing up, Little Women: The Musical invites audiences to rediscover the March family’s enduring story. With music direction by Madelyn Seltzer and choreography by MJ Santry, the production captures the warmth and complexity of Alcott’s world while reminding audiences that growing up does not mean abandoning the people and dreams that shape us.
Set in the Northeast United States during the Civil War era, the musical follows Jo March and her sisters, Meg, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Jo, an aspiring novelist determined to forge her own path, documents the world around her while learning to balance her ambitions amid inevitable change. Meanwhile, Meg, Beth, and Amy pursue their own aspirations, each confronting the expectations and uncertainties of growing up in different ways. Their relationships with Marmee, Laurie Laurence, Mr. Laurence, Professor Bhaer, and others in their lives further complicate their journeys, creating a story that balances humor and youthful exuberance with poignant explorations of love, loss, and maturity. The musical’s greatest strength is its ability to make these experiences feel universal, demonstrating that while the path to adulthood differs for everyone, the need for love and belonging remains constant.
The cast brings considerable personality to the March family and their surrounding community. Mary Hill’s portrayal of Jo March is absolutely electric onstage, making her a joy to follow throughout the story. Hill captures Jo’s determination and restless creativity with an infectious energy that makes her ambitions compelling. Caroline Cook brings a wonderful sweetness and naivety to Beth March, creating an endearing portrayal that highlights the character’s gentle nature. Keiyitho Omonuwa’s Meg March brings a grounded, three-dimensional presence, making Meg’s desires and decisions feel authentic and distinct from her sisters'. Elizabeth Holzworth’s Amy March strikes the perfect balance between sassiness and sweetness, capturing the character’s youthful stubbornness while remaining faithful to the source material. Natalie Megules brings Marmee's familial warmth, while Tori Cavallo stands out as Laurie Laurence, delivering a particularly memorable performance. Cavallo captures Laurie’s optimistic youthfulness yet breathes full life into the character through stellar vocals and beautiful acting choices. Tony Killian’s Mr. Laurence, Jessa Casner’s Professor Bhaer, Elena Marie Abdou’s Mrs. Kirk, Henry Ma Wu’s John Brooke, and Susan Eley’s Aunt March enrich the world around the March sisters, fully inhabiting the circumstances their characters face. Isabel Kirk, Emily Ewig, Katie Kershaw, and Mark Shifton round out the cast as understudies for Amy, Beth, Marmee/Mrs. Kirk/Aunt March, and Mr. Laurence, respectively. Together, the performers create a convincing sense of community, keeping the relationships between characters at the center of the production.
The creative team establishes the production’s theatrical atmosphere through a combination of scenic, lighting, costume, sound, and movement choices. Santry’s direction and set design provide the story's visual framework, while the choreography adds energy to the musical numbers and supports the March sisters' youthful spirit. Seltzer’s music direction, with Ray Nugent, as Accompanist, brings the score to life. Sheron Williams’ costume design, assisted by Kelly Weeden, reinforces the setting, while Sam Dobron and Sorah Blufarb’s hair and makeup design further shape the characters’ visual identities. The production also benefits from the work of Assistant Director/Stage Manager Abigail Acola, whose contributions support the coordination and flow of the performance. Intimacy director Jonathan Edmondson and fight choreographer Terri McIntyre help ground the physical interactions onstage, adding detail to the characters’ relationships and the moments they share. Properties charges Mary Hill and James Murray contribute to the production’s stage environment, while Bryan E. Hill’s set construction brings Santry’s scenic design to life. Noah Schwartz’s sound design and Jen Donsky’s lighting design help establish the production's atmosphere. However, certain staging choices leave room for improvement. The upstage platform could have been utilized more consistently to distinguish locations and create greater visual variety. Although it was used during the two sequences depicting Jo’s written stories, incorporating the elevated space into additional scenes could have helped clarify changes in setting, especially within the March home, and made fuller use of the stage. Additionally, the blue lighting during scene transitions occasionally made the actors moving set pieces visible to the audience. Deeper blue lighting or complete blackouts could have concealed these transitions more effectively, preserving the illusion of the world onstage. These adjustments could strengthen the production’s visual cohesion while maintaining the intimacy of its storytelling.
Ultimately, Off-Centre Stages’ Little Women: The Musical offers an engaging interpretation of a story that has endured for generations. Its greatest accomplishment lies in its character portrayals, particularly Hill’s vibrant Jo, Cook’s endearing Beth, Omonuwa’s grounded Meg, Holzworth’s spirited Amy, and Cavallo’s standout Laurie. The supporting cast and creative team help establish the warmth and emotional depth that make the March family’s journey so enduring. While the staging and lighting could be refined for smoother transitions and more dynamic use of the space, these opportunities for improvement don't overshadow the production’s emotional appeal. The musical ultimately reminds audiences that there is no single way to grow up, pursue a dream, or define a meaningful life. For those who appreciate stories centered on family, individuality, and the bittersweet experience of change, this production is well worth experiencing.
The run of this show has unfortunately ended. Be sure to keep an eye out for Off-Centre Stages’ future productions at https://www.offcentrestages.org/
