Little Women: The Broadway Musical

Little Women: The Broadway Musical At the Chance Theater Reviewed by Melinda Schupmann November 25, 2009 During the holiday season, theater companies generally mete out their most treacly offerings, and Louisa May Alcott's beloved story of four sisters during the Civil War certainly qualifies. This production's saving grace, however, is in the enthusiasm of its cast and its smart pacing. The March sisters—Jo (Erika C. Miller), Beth (Melissa Dunham), Meg (Stephanie Philo), and Amy (young Sarah Pierce and older Ali Axelrad)—live quietly with their mother (Eloise Coopersmith) in Massachusetts while their father is away serving as an army chaplain. At a time when a woman's greatest desire is to marry well, Jo is rebelliously passionate about eschewing that and becoming a famous writer. Her wildly romantic tales of villains and victims figure largely in the household and as a comic contrivance for the production. The cast is rounded out by Meg's handsome suitor (Andrew Eddins); Jo's love interest, Professor Bhaer (Jason James); the crusty duo of Aunt March (Sherry Domerego) and Mr. Lawrence (Glenn Koppel); and Lawrence's grandson, Laurie (Brandon Sanchez). Allan Knee's book, Jason Howland's music, and Mindi Dickstein's lyrics point sweetly toward the values of love and family. The story often seems interrupted by the music rather than enhanced by it; this tends to slow down the production. Some exceptions are "More Than I Am," a lovely duet by Eddins and Philo as he leaves for war; James' poignant "How I Am" by the shy professor; and Miller's wisely revelatory "Sometimes When You Dream." Director Casey Long uses a minimalist set for the production, and it is arguable whether actors moving furniture as needed breaks the mood. His frequent tableau-style positioning of characters often serves as an artistic snapshot. This is an ensemble show; its actors are well-matched vocally and temperamentally. Notable are James and Domerego for thoughtful characterizations. It would be Scrooge-like to find fault with the show, as it is a crowd pleaser and a perfectly sentimental tale. There are times, though, when one wishes that the authors made the characters less noble and a lot spicier. Presented by and at the Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. Nov. 20–Dec. 27. Thu.–Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. (Dark Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and 25.) (714) 777-3033. www.chancetheater.com.
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