December 19, 2024
A&E | Northwest Herald
A&E

‘Little Women The Musical’ expected to have a big impact

By JAMI KUNZER

Cast members for "Little Women", including (clockwise from top left:) Ariella Simandl portraying Beth March, Emily Joelle Robles portraying Meg March, Tania Joy portraying Marmee, Jessica Dawson portraying Jo March, Lara Bell portraying Amy March, pose for promotional photos. (@christysturm photography p)

An upcoming production of “Little Women the Musical” will transform the Woodstock Opera House stage into 1866 as the audience experiences a classic like never before.

With a cast of only 10 people, authentic handcrafted costumes and a detailed set designed to remain true to the era, the TownSquare Players musical aims to show the power of simplicity.

“There’s not a big ensemble or dance number. The cast tells a beautiful story through song and acting and through the set,” producer Sieglinde Savas said. “ ‘Little Women’ is just so beautiful and quaint, and the characters tell the story.”

It’s a fitting production for the historic Opera House, where TownSquare Players – the oldest active community theater group in McHenry County – has performed since 1976.

"Little Women the Musical" will open Nov. 2 with productions at 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18. Tickets cost $25 A, $22 B and $18 C seating for adults and $23 A, $20 B and $16 C seating for students and seniors at 815-338-5300 or www.woodstockoperahouse.com.

This is Savas’ first time producing a show at the Opera House, where her 15-year-old son Matthew, a sophomore at Prairie Ridge High School, has performed in numerous productions, including as Flounder in last year’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Directing “Little Women,” Roger Zawacki is tackling his 12th production at the Opera House and was looking for something simpler this year.

“The vocals will blow you away,” Savas said. “That’s what makes it endearing. It’s the story of the love between the March sisters and their mom. It’s the power of love. It’s really timely with what’s going on now in the world. It’s a big, ‘I’m woman, hear me roar,’ kind of show.”

The groundbreaking “Little Women” novel by Louise May Alcott that inspired the musical is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

To mark the occasion, as well as encourage youth to read the book and see live theater, TownSquare Players is hosting a special performance at 10 a.m. Nov. 9 for students in Woodstock and McHenry public schools, which have the day off school that day. Tickets are $6 for students and their guardians.

Any student would value and enjoy being exposed to this little part of classic American culture, Savas said. TownSquare Players also has invited schools in for field trips to see the production.

“Everybody needs to know ‘Little Women,’ and to see it on stage and be so thoroughly entertained with the story,” Savas said. “There’s nothing like live theater. It’s not like watching a movie.”

The TownSquare Players production is character-centered with an impressive cast under the musical direction of Rosie Aiello, she said.

“One thing we have is an extremely talented vocal cast,” she said.

The show also will feature the work of McHenry County College Student Teagan Anderson, who designed all of the period-appropriate costumes from scratch, as well as Jenn Kalchik, who meticulously gathered props to suit the era. Both took the time to ensure everything looked authentic and deserve immense kudos, Savas said.

“The story will come alive,” she said.