HSRT (again...) Little Women

Last night I saw HSRT's "Little Women the musical." I was a little bit skeptical about putting this classic story to music...but it was so wonderful I feel I have to write about it!

Everyone loves the classic story....and the movie, too, because it captures the feeling and emotions of the sisters. The plot of the musical was a little bit different, including most of the same story highlights, but in a sort of "flashback" way when Jo was living at the boarding house in New York. Wonderfully inventive. The play started out with Jo talking to Prof. Baeher in the boarding house about how the editors in New York hated her stories and how he thinks she needs to write from her heart, not the blood and guts stuff she thinks the editors want.

The relationship between the sisters in Hope's version was far more believable and emotional than the movie. The ensemble work was flawless and, as much at I HATE Claire Danes in the movie version, i LOVED the girl who played Beth in the musical. Far less annoying and way more of a normal person. Plus, gorgeous voice. There was a scene right before Beth dies where Jo takes her and Marmee to Cape Cod. Beth had a strength within her that you don't see in the movie version as clearly, and it was one of the most emotional scenes i've ever seen HSRT do on stage. Beth was suburb. The entire audience was in tears.

One of the best parts, though, was the director's way of putting Jo's stories to life. At times, the sisters would act them out in the attic, but at other times Jo acted them out to Prof. Baeher in the boarding house, and the ensemble put them to life as Jo told them. I found this to be wonderfully creative and sooooo beautifully done. I can't describe it! Jo was not my favorite actress in the world, but i thought the casting was great in the way that Jo's not overly feminine, like the other sisters, but more independent and different from most women of her time. Meg's character was great, too. I also always found the woman who played her in the movie version to be annoying and forgetable. not so in the play. the only character i found myself missing from the movie version was Susan Sarandon's Marmee. You can't top her. The woman who played her in the musical was alright but didn't capture the nurturing element as well, i thought. Still great, though. And the always great Chip Duford....oh gosh. wonderful as the Professor.

Ok, now i'm rambling. I feel like i'm writing a review. But, I'm really trying to impress on you the merits of HSRT. Moral of the story-if you get a chance, GO SEE IT! support local theatre and the wonderful program that is Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. We're so blessed to have such talent available to us right here in Holland. It's my favorite thing about summer!