Review by M.T. Bennett, Front Row Reviewers
Sandy Arts Guild puts on a big show with their production of Little Women at The Theater at Mount Jordan. Little Women is based on the classic 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, which was adapted for theater by Allan Knee, Jason Howland, and Mindi Dickstein. It follows the March family, living in Concord, Massachusetts between 1863 and 1866, during the American Civil War. Marmee, the matriarch, holds the family together as her husband is away as a Union Army Chaplain. Tamari Dunbar embraces this role with depth and warmth, as a single mother left to care for her four daughters: Meg (Amanda Rogers), the beautiful and responsible eldest sister; Jo (Bailee Johnson), a passionate and willful creative who wishes to be a great writer and is the protagonist of this story; Beth (Emma Roberts), wise and shy with a talent for music, and the youngest, Amy (Anne Jensen), spoiled and trying to find her place in the world. We get a peek into the familial relationships, dreams, struggles, and growth as we observe this group of little women as they mature. It is a touching story that covers an expanse of years filled with joy and tragedy.
Johnson as Jo March, around whom much of the story revolves, is authentic at showing what a brash and flawed initial character young woman who grows through the story. Johnson’s many quick, fun facial expressions add personality and spark to Jo. Dunbar as Marmee is an incredible standout vocalist among a cast of very talented singers. I was captivated during her solo in “Here Alone”.
Rhett Butler is Laurie Laurence the Third and is perfect in his role of an endearing, boyish, and awkward kid. His grandfather, Mr. Laurence, played by David Hanson, is imposing and grumpy from the moment he sets foot onstage, but then expertly makes the 180 degree turn toward endearing as he comes to know the March family better. Nathan Holcomb plays tutor Mr. John Brooke, Meg’s love interest. Holcomb has great comedic timing, bringing another level of humor to this show. Derrik Legler as Jo’s love interest, Professor Bhaer, is charming as a jaded professor who becomes boyishly twitterpated. Marilyn Oveson as the rich, mean Aunt March made me think if The Little Mermaid‘s Ursula as your disapproving condescending aunt. Oveson brings unpleasant to new heights. Or would it be lows?
Director and Choreographer Lisa Noyes has assembled incredible talent and showcases everyone’s strengths. It is clear that she has a passion for the story and what its possible effect on the audience can be. Thanks to her direction, the dancing in Little Women is seamless and beautiful. Another aspect I’ll add: I did not expect a play entitled Little Women to open with a blood and guts swashbuckling fight. There were several, along with dance numbers, moving pieces, dynamic interactions, and so forth. Again, Noyes wears both hats, director and choreographer well and the result is a tight, enjoyable show. Music Director Allison Dodge has brought what seems to me (not a musical theater actor) a difficult piece and her vocalists shine. The singers not only sang the songs, but their attention to detail in performing as their characters added a layer I enjoyed immensely. Costume Designer Karen Chatterton‘s lovely, are authentic to the period costumes from the Civil War era, but also the lively costumes for the characters in Jo’s stories bring color, delight, movement–I loved it all. Speaking of changes, Makeup and Hair Designer Cindy Johnson astounded me when halfway through the show, Jo cuts her long, luxurious hair. In a later scene, after some time has passed in the play, Jo’s hair is grown out again. I was flabbergasted by the subtle and quick change. I looked so hard to figure out the wig, extensions, whatever it was, but couldn’t see it. It is really well done.
The set is an intricate multi-level section of the March home that is covered at times with simpler sets to highlight other places. Master Carpenter and Set Designer Dwight Western creates a believable, interesting, sturdy set. Jo’s attic room is very high up and she even stands on a trunk to be higher. Having the confidence to put your actors up like that, those players need to have confidence in the people who built your set.
Charge Artist Maria Fredrickson, the scenic artist that painted the whole set, brings amazing color and a lifelike quality to the show.Props Designers and Set Dressers Cassie Smith and Megan Sternod fashioned some fascinating pieces for the production. For instance, where did they get such a beautiful period-perfect wooden wheelchair? This device keeps the audience immersed in the story. Lighting is expertly crafted by Rick Marston, who lights up Jo’s attic like a darker upper room while also lighting the rest of the house in warm hues. Jon Kroff, Sound Designer, manages the blending of sounds, singing, and music very well. I was amazed at the clarity of sound from the first note. Everything in production shines thanks to the Stage Management and Technical Direction of Steve George and Assistant Stage Manager Jalyn Bender. Sandy Arts Guild has talent in abundance–everyone fulfills their roles very well.
As a winner of “Best of State” four times, one expects great talent from the Sandy Arts Guild and they do not disappoint. This all starts with one’s impressions coming into the theater. As part of a collaboration between the school district, Sandy City, Salt Lake County, and the Sandy Arts Guild, a lot of thought and resources went into this venue. The playbill contains a message from Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, who calls the theater “one of Sandy’s hidden jewels”. She explains that it is “one of the only local theaters with a fly loft, allowing the production to take a piece of scenery completely out of view, making set changes easier and more seamless”, which is evident in this production of Little Women.
Put together an amazing cast and an amazing production team and the result is an amazing night of theater in Sandy with Little Women. Do you want sword fights, salacious tales, complex family relationships, questions about what it means to grow up, grappling with mortality, singing, humor, romance, and more? Great news! It’s all here at the Theater at Mount Jordan with Sandy Arts Guild’s timeless classic Little Women.
Sandy Arts Guild presents Little Women, based on the classic 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, which was adapted for theater by Allan Knee, Jason Howland, and Mindi Dickstein
Theater at Mount Jordan (9351 Mountaineer Lane, Sandy, UT, 84070
October 11-12, 14, 18 7:30 pm
Tickets: $18 https://www.sandyarts.com/191/Fall-Musical
Contact: Melissa Salomonson, Arts Assistant: msalomonson@sandy.utah.gov, 801-568-6097
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