By Katrina “Kat” Reynold
LITTLE WOMEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Feb. 15. I attended the Opening Night performance.
In a co-production with Portland Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings audiences Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, a stage adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson. This particular take on the classic novel takes us behind-the-scenes, so to speak, as Ms. Alcott pens her famous tale of family and resilience. But rest assured: you still get to see the lives of the March sisters play out before your very eyes.
Director Joanie Schultz (who serves as Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director) makes excellent use of the playing space provided by Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. The actors are mobile throughout – and still when warranted – which can also be partially credited to Movement Director Vanessa Severo. Complementing the physicality displayed is Set Design by Chelsea M. Warren, with the glaring exception of the split steps center stage. These felt awkward and inhibited natural movement from one stage level to the next. However, the coordination of set pieces being moved on and off stage offers its own choreography and creates beautiful stage pictures. Kudos also to Lighting Designer Sarah Hughey for their contribution to the mixed media set; the highs and lows of the character arcs are mirrored by the illumination levels.
The Cast (and Set) of Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.
In one of their best performances to date, Beasley is a force of nature as Louise May Alcott/Jo March. Seamlessly toeing the line between falling into expected Civil War-time female etiquette and loudly questioning it, they make Louisa/Jo plucky and lovable. Kieran Cronin, who plays love interests of two of the March sisters, masters the ideal balance of strong characterizations while knowing this story should not be focused on the men. I defy audiences not to fall in love with him – twice! Finally, Brianna Woods gives us a stunning performance as Beth March. Ms. Woods’ portrayal embodies all the words used to describe the fated sister: angelic, tranquil, and perfect.
For those who know, I am rather hot and cold about Ms. Gunderson as a playwright and felt both ways within the confines of this script. I wished she had pushed the envelope: adaptations can be mediocre copies of another (hu)man’s genius if they do not offer fresh, new perspectives. In addition, the “asides” as spoken by the actors initially felt both unnatural and overused; but when used more sparingly in Act II, I found them endearing and impactful. Fortunately, luck is on Ms. Gunderson’s side: Ms. Alcott’s tale is timeless and just about any re-telling of it should prove to be engaging. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is no exception and is rife with talent, sentiment, and will leave you feeling a wee bit warmer this cold winter.
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 