Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” has never been out of print, which attests to the strength of its story: Four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March, living in Concord, Mass. with their mother while their father is away in the Civil War.
Citadel Theatre Company of Lake Forest is presenting the tender, timeless tale in an adaptation by the skilled playwright and Lake Forest native Ann Noble.
Noble has chosen a narrative form in which Jo, the budding writer, tells portions of the story to the audience in the intimate 150-seat theater on the West Campus of Lake Forest High School. The practical device works magnificently in the hands of Catherine Gillespie, who shines as the hot-tempered, family-loving heroine.
In fact, the three other little women are also well chosen. Olivia Jaras makes her Citadel debut as a charming Meg, the domestic daughter. Grace Stuart is an eminently huggable Beth, whose radiant smile even dispels the gloom of her character’s death. Golden-haired Amy is played by Katherine Biskupic, also in her Citadel debut. She manages to embody the petulant 12-year-old, not easy when you are the tallest of the sibs!
Kelly Farmer is a warm-hearted Hannah, the March family’s only servant. Claudia Garrison is a crisp, cool Aunt March, the only family member with money. And Ron Mace is the expansive Mr. Lawrence, Laurie’s generous grandfather, who befriends the shy Beth.
Catherine Marcroft and Andy Clifton, both solid character actors, play Marmee and Mr. March. The problem is that they seem to be of the same generation of Laurie’s grandfather!
Laurie is played by Charles Askenaiszer, whose character remains ambiguous through most of the show. His performance doesn’t heat up until he declares his love to Jo, after which she, Gillespie, promptly steals the scene.
Nick Bonges is Jo’s dear Professor Bhaer, and Jeff Rubin plays Brooke, Meg’s patient suitor.
Director Scott Phelps has a winning Jo in Catherine Gillespie, plus he has artfully managed to keep the large cast from colliding on the small stage.
In fact, Bob Estrin‘s compact stage design is a wonder. The family’s New England parlor occupies about two-thirds, while a doorway and Jo’s garrett where she does her writing takes up the remainder.
And we can imagine the extent of Grandfather Lawrence’s library’s through Jo’s eyes as she seems to be gazing at his array of books.
Designer Carol Cohen provides plenty of pretty costumes for the March sisters, complete with petticoats and ruffled pantaloons.
Citadel’s “Little Women” is a lovely show running through December 30, a charming addition to holiday theater.
The show is presented at the West campus of Lake Forest High School at Westleigh and Waukgean Roads, and runs for two and a half hours with one intermission. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays, with matinees at 1 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 5 and 19 and 1 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 15 and 22. For information call 847-735-8554 or visit their website.
