'Little Women' light hearted family fare

Review by Sandra Steilo
Nanaimo Daily News
December 2, 2005

Chemainus Theatre Festival is ending the year with playwright Mark DuMez's musical version of Little Women, a favourite book of girls of all ages.

It can be hard to tackle a classic, especially Louisa May Alcott's novel so many people grew up reading and for many girls, identifying with at least one of the March sisters as they grow up.

Director Don Noble does a very good job of retelling the story. For those of us who have sisters, it's easy to identify with the battles that go along with girls growing up in the same house. Despite the fact the March girls are growing up in the 1860s their battles, struggles and arguments still ring true and anyone who's been in a house with siblings will relate.

The situations are classic and quite funny. The entire play is really lighthearted- for those who don't know the story I won't ruin it, but for those who do, I'll just say the sad part is really glossed over and the Kleenex my friend brought just in case wasn't needed at all. It's suitable for all ages, with just a few innocent kisses as they girls fall in love textbook style and get married.

While I read the book a long time ago and know the story, I'm sure even those who don't will fall in love with it. While the men I saw in the audience did seem to enjoy it, the show is definitely geared towards women and with hockey back on TV it may be hard to convince the man in your life a Friday night showing of Little Women is going to be up his alley. Save this one for the girls. It's also a wonderful start to the holiday season- but will hold up even after the 25th. The story starts and ends with a Christmas scene, but it's not focused around the holiday, so if you see it in January, no worries.

The acting for the most part is very good, as is the singing, with Alison MacDonald who plays Beth and Julie McIssaac who plays the eldest child Meg, standing out for their voices. Jo March, played wonderfully by Courtenay Dobbie, stands out not as much for her voice, but her strong acting. The costumes and stage design are also very well done. While the songs are quite good and fit in nicely with the story, they aren't catchy and chances are won't be stuck in your head for days after.