Little Women

From the moment you enter the charming performance space in Fairfield you will feel welcome. The company has very enthusiastic members to meet you at the door, perform box office duties and direct you inside. On the way to the black box theatre, you’ll pass vintage accessories thoughtfully laid out and a refreshment stand. Most theatre companies will put out refreshments, but it is delightful to see standard fare mixed with home baked goodies, to take with your tea, just like 1865. 

Little Women the musical is a coming of age story based on Louisa May Alcott's novel, which has seen many adaptations on the screen over the years. This version is produced and directed by Olivia Ruggiero. 

The audience takes a journey with the four March sisters during the 1860s and beyond— traditional Meg (Phoebe Fuary), fiery, aspiring writer Jo (Alana De Gois), timid Beth (Tiarna Phipps) and romantic Amy (Ruby Strohmayer) are growing up alongside beloved Marmee (Madison De Gios), while their father is away serving during the Civil War. 

The story begins with our free-thinking heroine Jo, who is the powerful young protagonist. We watch and see their world through her eyes, her dreams, love of family and yearning to keep everything the same. Sadly, we know she must learn life will and does change. This role is handled superbly by De Gois with all the feistiness blended with a fierce passion for her family and writing. She has bucket loads of charisma and wonderful vocals, instantly winning the audience over. 

While the show is arguably led by Jo, all the sisters have their time in the light.  Amy and Beth play opposites while Meg is the image or Marmee, coming into her own later in the story as she herself becomes wife and mother. Amy undoubtably grows the most throughout the show as she goes from tantrum throwing middle child to accomplished well-travelled young lady. I was surprised to read that this is Strohmayer’s debut performance! Youngest child Beth has the most heartfelt storyline and it is handled beautifully by Phipps. 

Marmee’s strength, kindness and wisdom are well embodied by Madison De Gois and take her from a background player right into the action. Her solo numbers are poignant and beautifully handled. 

Sharp-tongued Aunt March, played by Addison Melville, is one to watch with a maturity on stage beyond her 11 years. Melville also doubles up as a boarding house mistress with quite distinct character differences. 

While it is a show about The Women who take the lead in this one, their male counterparts deserve an honourable mention completing a truly ensemble feel. Seamus Fuary is a compelling Laurie, Jeremy Russell engaging as John Brooke and Rewhenua Tattersall the perfect complement to the jr ensemble. James Fuary makes an appearance as the gruff Mr Laurence who eventually softens. 

Most of these performances were undertaken by a youth cast playing roles beyond their years, displaying truly impressive characterisation. Quite a lot of time has been spent on how the characters move, the stillness and facial expressions and I can’t fault anyone. The ensemble comes together as one and all perfectly cast in their roles, particularly with the March sisters who have very believable connections. 

Simple lighting accompanied the production, at times some faces could have been better lit with simple set pieces denoting the various locations alongside changing and rotating flats. This is a very scene heavy show and while blackouts can be quite jarring, this wasn’t the case with a lovely underscore and some really efficient scene changes not disturbing the mood. Well done to backstage crew who were kept very busy and moved quickly and quietly like a well oiled machine. 

It’s a long musical - about 2hr 20mins long - but it didn’t drag at all, although some little ones needed a stretch break. It is definitely one that is safe for children of all ages and family entertainment. There are no villains (except in Jo’s novels, which played out amongst the audience) and few very difficult topics which are handled beautifully in the script and also in this production. 

This Little Women is full of heart, it is magical and special - from reading the program this was the inspiration behind the show choice and producer/director Olivia Ruggiero has hit her mark just like Rodrigo, with an astonishing new generation of performers.  

Nicole Smith