It is always a lot of fun to see a new show. It is doubly wonderful to see a new show done as well as the talented students from DeSales University performed LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL. The story is a familiar one. Jo March a budding author tells us the story of her life growing up with her three sisters. She shares the good times and the sad times. We share her journey learning that her true story is the one she should have been writing all along.
Anne Lewis does an outstanding job of directing. She began by casting the play impeccably. Each of the leads physically captures the March family and their friends. Marmee (Emily Gubler) and Jo (Ally Borgstrom) especially embody the physical and emotional qualities of these well-known characters. Borgstrom exudes exhausting ebullience as she injects every scene with great energy. Gubler is a calming foil. She is very convincing as an older woman, not an easy task for a college sophomore. The other March girls, Beth (Alexandra Seman), Meg (Amy Johnson) and Amy (Corina Connelly) equally mine the different traits of the sisters who pledge to stay together forever.
Technically the show is gorgeous. Scenic Designer, Will Neuert dazzles with quick moving pieces that Stage Manager Karyn Bell and her minions move easily into position to give each scene its specific aura. Choreographer, Stephen Casey creates lovely dances that easily fit the scenes, and Amy Best’s costumes take us back to Civil War times. Musical Director, Nancy Moser Collins elicits the best from each of the girls. They each have individual moments that make up a wonderful whole.
The Act I Theater at DeSales University consistently provides high energy, thoughtful theater an hour or less from the Philadelphia area. More people should take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy not only this show, but also the many wonderful productions they present during the year. LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL runs until December 14th. Call the Box Office at 610-282-3192
LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Deckstein
Book by Alan Knee
Directed by Anne Lewis
December 3 – 14, 2014
Act 1 Theatre
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
610–282–3192
www.desales.edu/act1
