After a long drought, WAHS Performing Arts will satisfy our longing for live performance with a production of Little Women: the Broadway Musical May 20 – 22 at 7 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. The performances will be held in the Western Albemarle High School (WAHS) auditorium, with a socially distanced audience limited to 30% and masks required for both audience and actors. A streaming video will also be available.
Based on the 1869 novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women tells the heartwarming story of the four March sisters and their beloved Marmee, trying to hold body and soul together in Concord, Massachusetts while their father is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War.
Pictured here (left to right, clockwise) are Lilly Clarke as romantic Amy, Ainsley Miller as timid Beth, Baylee Hughes as wild, aspiring writer Jo, Sophia Christensen as traditional Meg, and (standing below) Elke Beaumont as the ever-patient Marmee. Their charming neighbor Laurie will be played by Jack Malin, and New York Professor Bhaer by Brayden Crickenberger. A lively blend of humor, romance, and tragedy will keep the audience laughing and crying by turns. The musical opened on Broadway in 2005 with a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Jason Howland. It includes such memorable tunes as “Delighted” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
“It has been a challenge to make adjustments to our changing circumstances, like keeping our actors six feet away from each other and figuring out how to use microphones while wearing masks,” said Director Caitlin Pitts. “But the kids have been wonderful, and everyone is so happy to be able to do something together that brings enjoyment to ourselves and others. I can’t wait to present the show to our community, because these kids are incredibly talented, dedicated, and spirited!
Tickets are available in advance online at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/52086 at $12 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. This link is also available on the WAHS web page.
The Thursday evening performance is a dress rehearsal with tickets by donation.
