This timeless, captivating story is brought to life in a soaring musical filled with discovery, hope, and love.
by MaryAnn DiPietro
Z Playhouse is bringing Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical, two-volume classic novel “Little Women” to life in musical form. With a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Jason Holland, this musical adaptation promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story and stirring melodies.
Originally brought to Broadway in 2005, “Little Women” starred the illustrious Sutton Foster as Josephine March (Jo), earning her Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk nominations for her unforgettable performance. Now, Z Playhouse is poised to recreate this magic under the direction of Charlie Massey, who is not only making his Z Playhouse debut but also his debut in directing a large-scale musical.
“At the core, yes, ‘Little Women’ is a story of four sisters, but it is also a journey about family and confidence,” explains director Charlie Massey. As an Orange County native, Massey’s stage experience spans various local productions, and he feels, “Directing this show has been a dream, especially finding new ways to bring it to life and connecting with Jo’s journey of confidence.”
Massey’s enthusiasm for the project and his collaboration with Z Playhouse’s Artistic Director, Julia Barbee, have been instrumental in bringing this beloved tale to the stage. Barbee, who has a long-standing passion for theatre, particularly values the opportunity “Little Women” provides for showcasing female talent.
“‘Little Women’ was on both our radars,” says Barbee. “It’s a female-driven show that allows women to shine.” Barbee knew she wanted a career in theatre since she was a child, so it is a natural fit for her to also oversee Z Playhouse’s Acting Academy for Kids, nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the performing arts.
Set against the backdrop of Civil War America, “Little Women” tells the story of the four March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Jo, the oldest sister and a writer, struggles with constant rejection as she tries to get her stories published. With some encouragement from a friend, Jo starts to write about her own life and experiences. She writes about the joys and challenges she and her sisters face during this turbulent time, showcasing family bonds and sisterly adventures.
Z Playhouse offers an intimate theatre-going experience. Although the smaller venue can prove to be challenging at times, the production team’s artistic vision utilizes the space in unique ways. According to Barbee, “…for example, the stage has a runway that pushes out into the audience, which is one of those touches that makes this production even more unique and special. In one scene, someone is calling to one of the sisters who is on stage, and instead of having this be recorded or done off stage, he is physically calling for her from the back of the house, and she runs through the audience to reach him.”
Both Massey and Barbee hope audiences leave the theatre deeply moved. “I want people to see a part of themselves in the characters and cherish the story,” Massey reflects. As one of four siblings, the musical's themes of family and connection resonate with him and his upbringing. Barbee adds, “We aim to evoke a range of emotions, making people feel and experience the full spectrum of the story.”
Barbee and Massey alike want the audience to end their evening by saying they had a great time at the theatre. They hope each person walks away feeling something, but what that something is will be completely up to the individual. Massey wants the audience “…to cherish the show and take it all in—to see themselves or a piece of themselves in one or more of the characters, and to be a part of the storytelling on stage.” Massey thinks fondly of his own childhood and siblings every time he hears the lyrics, ‘the four of us forever here at last.’ He tears up during that song in particular because “they’re always a part of me and I just love them,” he emotes. With all of its laughter, tears, twists, and turns, “Little Women” will prove to be anything less than ‘Astonishing’.
MaryAnn DiPietro is an actor, singer, pianist, and writer.
“Little Women”
Z Playhouse
24196 Alicia Pkwy, Suite M, Mission Viejo
August 2-18, 2024
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