By Jason Hagey and Alisha Hagey
With exceptional cast performances, Tooele Valley Theatre’s (TVT) production of Little Women the Musical in Tooele, Utah at Tooele High School is a must-see this theatrical season. Louisa May Alcott’s classic semi-autobiographical book is adapted as a musical by Allan Knee (book) with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. Ada Lauryn Taylor (Director) wrangles together a tight script with tremendous attention to detail, using every moment to help the actors create well-rounded, dynamic characters. Taylor brings to life a beloved story with freshness and fun. Where humor can be found, Taylor gives that little punch of levity. Where pathos is necessary, Taylor is able to help it feel authentic and heartfelt. This production of Little Women will thrill those who love both the novel and passionate stagecraft.
It is rare that one attends a community theatre production and leaves astounded by such commitment to the craft. The usual platitudes don’t do justice to what happened on stage tonight. There is a simple brilliance in the sheer amount of active listening given between actors. The earnest and gracious exchanges between performers are absolutely lovely. We (the reviewers here) have degrees in directing and always have to work with our actors to focus on one another and not on the line delivery. Nestled in Tooele, who knew that a small company of theater lovers were willing to do what professionals sometimes struggle to do: put focus on the other actors in the scene without ego.
Sofia Kenrick’s (Jo March) performance is sincere. Kenrick finds a new approach to Jo, capitalizing on her youth and innocent fervor. She worked through the mic problems and never broke character, but kept on emoting. Boston Bean (Amy March) is sweet. She shines especially during the reveal of her engagement. Chad Henwood (Professor Bhaer) is all things loveable. He is the perfect foil for Kenrick.
Chelsea Tramell (Aunt March) brings levity to the stage through her grave but witty Aunt March. She plays up to the campiness and two-dimensional character written. She has great comic timing. Even though she plays a cantankerous old woman, you love her. Ian Rockwell’s (Laurie) characterization is exuberant, which is just as Teddy should be. Cassidy Ellenberger (Marmee March) beautifully sings, “Here Alone.” She is on stage just enough to be an anchor, but not so much to take away from the action on stage and the development of the March sisters. I really wish we could hear “Days of Plenty” better because her physical characterization of the song was so tender.
Two scenes stood out above the rest. The first exchange that captivated us was with Julianne Ferguson (Beth March) and Glen Carpenter (Mr. Laurence) as they sat side by side for the duet, “Off to Massachusetts.” It is a simple moment and yet profound all at the same time. This is likely because both actors just wanted to create a quiet moment of joy. Carpenter had fantastic timing and Ferguson stole the show with her effervescent love. The second scene that left us touched was with Emelie Shinn (Meg March) and Nathan Stuart (John Brooke). “More Than I Am” became an exercise in chemistry. They maintained eye contact which helped to create intimacy as if we were a part of their love story. This in turn made audience members sit forward to pay attention. Any time this happens, you know you’ve touched the perfect chord.
Collin Ray (Set Design) creates a minimalist, effective set that gives a sense of time period and produces levels for actors to move within and the director to create stage pictures. Ray’s sense of balance shines best when there are many set pieces on stage. Renee Fowler (Light Design) helps emphasize moments and, more especially, emotional scenes with powerful lighting that isn’t afraid of color.
TVT is just begging for audiences to come and take a chance on them. You will enjoy the intimacy of this production (as the audience sits on the stage surrounding the actors in an almost thrust-like stage). It gives the opportunity for us to be the next door neighbors of the March family, looking in on their adventures as Teddy once did before being inducted as an honorary member of the family. With so much heart and honesty, we highly recommend this show and look forward to what they create next.
Tooele Valley Theatre Company Presents Little Women the Musical by Allan Knee (book) with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland
Tooele High School Auditorium 298 W 1st S, Tooele, UT 84074
January 13–15, 2021, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-$15
tooelevalleytheatre.org
https://www.facebook.com/tooelevalleytheatre
#TVT
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