Patrick A’Hearn, CEO and Producing Artistic Director 
presents

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

When a writer puts pen to paper, are they able to truly conceive of the impact and legacy their words might possess? When Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women, first published in 1868, she crafted a story with vibrant characters, many of whom were drawn from her own life, that have resonated with readers for the last nearly two centuries. Enduring themes of familial bonds, unconditional love, sacrifice, and self-determination are brilliantly woven into a story that in a contemporary lens may occasionally feel antiquated, but in its time was considered revolutionary. Alcott was commissioned to write Little Women as a “story for girls,” but what she created was a literary classic whose heroine, Jo March, challenged gender expectations by pursuing her dreams with grit and determination.

In the last century, Little Women has been adapted over 20 times for film and television and nearly that many times for the stage as well. From Katharine Hepburn’s portrayal of Jo in the 1933 film, to Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon’s version in 1994, to the Greta Gerwig directed 2019 film, each version has brought a different energy and life to the characters while always striving to maintain the heart of Alcott’s novel. In 2005, the musical adaptation of Little Women, brought the story of the March Sisters to the Broadway stage and to a new generation of audiences. But this time with a glorious musical score written by Jason Howland. The musical adaptation was the first show I music directed and conducted in college, so it is all the more rewarding to return to this piece as I make my Riverside directing debut. For me, the score is what has always drawn me to this adaptation and what I believe sets it apart from the others. In musical theater, we often say that characters begin to sing when simply speaking the words no longer feels adequate. There are numerous moments throughout this show when Jo and the other characters are grappling with difficult decisions and overwhelming emotions. The songs provide a beautiful catharsis that is felt by the character, channeled through the actor and delivered to the audience in a powerful experience that I am excited to share with you today.

This cast, production team and crew have poured their passion and heart into this work and I appreciate each of them for sharing their talents and energy. Through Jo March, Alcott inspires readers of all ages to never stop dreaming and searching for their purpose and place in the world. I hope our production today stokes or reignites that fire within you.

- Carson Eubank
   Director

Jo March
Ashlee Beary

Meg March
Sarah Mae Andersen

Beth March
Ella Schnoor

Amy March
Madison Cox

Marmee
Grey Garrett

Laurie
Matt Beary

Professor Bhaer
Ariel Messeca

John Brooke
Jarrett Bloom

Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk
Andrea Kahane

Mr. Laurence
Ian Lane

Concord Massachusetts and New York City
Christmas, 1863 – Spring, 1867

ACT ONE

Scene One
Summer 1865: Mrs. Kirk's boarding house, Christmas 1863: the attic, the March parlor

"An Operatic Tragedy" 
 Jo, Clarissa, Braxton, Rodrigo, Professor Bhaer

"Better"
Jo 

"Our Finest Dreams"
 Jo, Beth, Meg, Amy

"Here Alone"
Marmee

Scene Two
Early Winter 1864: Aunt March's house

"Could You?"
 Aunt March, Jo

Scene Three
Winter 1864: the March parlor, Annie Moffat's ball

"I'd Be Delighted" 
Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth

"Take A Chance on Me"
 Laurie

"Better" (Reprise)
Jo

Scene Four
Late winter 1864: the March parlor

"Off to Massachusetts"
Beth, Mr. Laurence

"Five Forever"
 Jo, Laurie, Beth, Meg, Amy

Scene Five
Early Spring 1865: outside the March house

"More Than I Am"
 John Brooke, Meg

Scene Six
Late spring 1865: the attic

"Astonishing" 
Jo

ACT TWO

Scene One
Early summer 1866: Mrs. Kirk's boarding house

"The Weekly Volcano Press" 
Company

Scene Two
Summer 1866: the March parlor, late summer 1866: Mrs. Kirk's boarding house

"Off the Massachusetts" (Reprise)
Beth, Mr. Laurence

"How I Am"
Professor Bhaer

Scene Three
Fall 1866: Falmouth, Cape Cod

"Some Things Are Meant to Be"
Beth, Jo

Scene Four
Winter 1867: the March parlor, the attic

"The Most Amazing Thing"
Laurie, Amy

"Days of Plenty" 
 Marmee

"The Fire Within Me"
Jo

Scene Five
Spring 1867: outside the March house

"Small Umbrella in the Rain" 
Professor Bhaer, Jo

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