Director Cole Groot has assembled an excellent cast of super singers who also brought love and sincerity to their roles in this classic tale of sisterhood and ambition and love and family. Alison White was a fantastic Jo, radiating natural appeal and infectious enthusiasm that fired up the whole show. Sister Beth was Abigail Pletcher who wrung our hearts and also literally played the piano. I noticed a resemblance and the program affirmed she is the actual daughter of Marmee, warmly and earnestly played by CJ Pletcher. Elalyna LaPeer brought humor and charm as sister Amy, and Kayla Mason was a sweet and motherly Meg.
Luke Mason as John Brooke was a fatherly match for Meg, Cam Damesworth as Laurie was a dashing brother-and-more to the sisters, and Nate Knobloch brought a melancholic German charm to Professor Bhaer. Anne Miranda was a perfect Aunt March adding humor and lofty disapproval, but remaining lovable in spite of it all. Amanda Wilson meddled and enthused as boarding house landlady Mrs. Kirk. The cast was rounded out by the ensemble of Rebecca Duffy, Ian Chester, Seth Chester, Lance Fedewa, Madison Nagy, Macy Wilder and Sara Grace Groot as the damsels/creatures/swashbucklers acting out Jo’s fantastical stories. Kudos to the costumers, lead by Diane Scheblo.
Seriously, this show earned its standing ovation — and was close to sold out, so order your tickets soon. It continues through June 4 7 pm Fridays 2 and 7 pm Saturdays. Note that this is a fine “family show” but it is a full-length 2 1/2-ish hour experience, so maybe too long for really young kids.
Tickets online at:
https://midwaytheatercompany.org