By Mariah Newton
Little Women as performed by the Juab Fine Arts Council in Nephi is just as quaint as the small city that is putting it on. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy live in the Civil War era and keep themselves occupied as their distinct personalities clash with whatever life throws at them. In Act One our heroines are somewhere between the ages of 12 to 17, while many of the main characters age considerably by the beginning of Act Two. This 2002 adaptation by Matt Buchanan stays remarkably close to the book as far as plays go, going so far as to have different characters narrate parts of the scenes to speed along the passage of time and show us what the dialog and setting can’t so easily accomplish.
Before the show starts, families and friends mingle together, some snacking on the treats made from scratch sold at the ticket counter. Those who don’t already know each other aren’t afraid to become acquainted, and it makes for a homey atmosphere right from the beginning. Still, the audience grows anxious as the starting time approaches, and all quiet as the lights dim.
As we open with all four girls around the glowing fireplace, each has a turn to introduce themselves through narration between dialog, and though most actors sound nervous to some degree with opening night jitters, each captures their unique personality. Madison Leonard takes the reins as Young Jo, clearly a spunky character. Her interactions with the humorous Isaac Butts as Young Laurie lighten the mood considerably. Sarah Barnhill as the youngest girl, Beth, seems at ease from her very first lines and does a wonderful job of inspiring empathy as the show goes on. Young Amy (Madison Wall) shines when she gets in a fight with Jo and later tells her what she’s done. When Abi Douglas as Young Meg cuts herself off describing her romantic feelings to Aunt March (Lisa Marie Orme), she’s truly convincing in her emotions, and Orme appears conniving enough to get away with her tricky plans. Throughout the first act, the girls capture our hearts several times onstage when opening up to each other and showing their sisterly affection.
By the time the lights turn on for Intermission, there’s a certain level of excitement in the air. Some audience members mention their eagerness to see how the older versions of the girls do.
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Each other member of the cast plays an endearing part of their own. Marlin Smith as Mr. Laurence shows tender, loving emotions around the March girls, and Melanee Phillips as Marmee plays a sweet, adoring mother who throws back a few sassy glances. When Tory Anderson arrives as Mr. March, it seems as though he has truly been the family’s missing piece all along with his gentleness and charisma. Madison Whipple in the part of Hannahfits in so naturally with the family we can hardly disregard her presence, and in his short scene Matthew Goates makes for a great Classmate. Alma Gordon as Laurie’s tutor, John Brooke, has a quiet boldness that can be comedic at times as he interacts with other characters in the background. Meanwhile, Mason Clements plays multiple roles but can hardly be recognized from one to the other, and the same goes for Jory Anderson. Each does splendidly.
Director Michelle Harris clearly did a wonderful job working with two different versions of many of the characters, and all of the cast members work together onstage to help each other remember lines and feel at ease during their opening night. Sperry’s choreography pulled the dance scenes together quite well. The set and props, put together by Jessica Whipple and the rest of the cast, are simple yet atmospheric enough to let the rest be filled in by our imaginations. David Whipple keeps everything else on cue as Technical Director, and Whitney Wall is a very personable and friendly House Manager.
You may have seen many versions of Little Women in recent years, but don’t let that discourage you from seeing the Juab Fine Arts Council’s rendition of this play. It will leave you feeling like the world isn’t as big as you may have thought, for more reasons than one.
Juab Fine Arts Council presents Little Women. Book by Louisa May Alcott, Adapted by Matt Buchanan.
Juab County Auditorium, 160 North Main Street, Nephi UT 84648
March 1-2, 4 2019, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $6 Adults, $3 Children, $20 for a family of 5
Contact: 801-358-9862, news@jfac.info
Juab Fine Arts Council Facebook Page
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