|
Little Women
University of Mississippi Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein Book by Allan Knee Directed by Micah-Shane Brewer Production Team Music Director - Paul Marszalkowski Choreographer - Jennifer Mizenko Scenic and Projections Designer - Jared Spears Costume Designer - Allie Downs Makeup Designer - Emily Henson Hair Designer - Kat Beck Lighting Designer - Yi-Tai Chang Technical Director - Felipe Macias Photographer - Yi-Tai Chang Cast Brandyce Berryman, Ginnie Brown, Elizabeth Burrow, Jacob Heuer, Keeton Landfair, Lawson Marchetti, Cali Mitchell, Lydia Myers, Gabriela Nieto-Hale, Gregor Patti Director's Note “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a cherished and celebrated story that has connected with many generations. Perhaps many of you grew up reading the book, or maybe you’ve seen the movie. I’m sure for some of you, this will be your first time experiencing this timeless classic. Why does it still resonate over 150 years later? Through the discoveries of love, joy, longing, creativity, inspiration, and loss, the values and virtues of Alcott’s masterpiece still speak to us today. Born in 1832, Louisa May Alcott was the oldest of four girls. The Alcott children were born into a home which encouraged them to be creative, compassionate and respectful of the world around them. The family was focused on working together, helping others and being active with social issues of the day. Their father was a highly educated man, and kept company with the likes of Emerson, Hawthorne and Thoreau. The transcendentalist movement influenced them, which provided a strong connection to nature. They believed that there is an inherent goodness in people and nature, and people have knowledge about themselves and the world around them that transcends what they can see, hear, taste, touch or feel. This knowledge comes through intuition and imagination, not through logic or the senses. For Louisa, writing was an early passion. Her father encouraged her to be creative and nourished her literary abilities. He even built her a desk to write from. Her mother once told Louisa “You will grow up a Shakespeare” after reading her poem “The Robin” at the age of 8. She would create fascinating stories that she and her sisters would act out for friends and family. Louisa’s career as an author began with poetry and short stories. Her first book was published in 1854. Louisa wrote Little Women at the Alcott’s Orchard House in 1868, and it was the setting and inspiration for her creation of the March house. Images of Orchard House evoke feelings of simplicity, tranquility, and comfort. Set during the Civil War in New England between the years of 1863-1866, the March house was the sisters' constant in a world changing around them, especially Jo’s attic, which became her haven. Alcott adored her sisters, and they served as models for her characters. Just like Louisa, Jo had a passion for writing and wanted to become a well respected author so she could provide for her family. Resisting society’s narrowly-defined roles for women, Jo defies the norms and follows her desire to write. As a storyteller, Jo’s resilience resonates with me. Her resilience is what drives the story forward. She finds strength in the midst of obstacles. She resists settling for others’ expectations or ideas. She holds on tighter to dreams even when she fears they’ll slip away. She also learns how and when to love, but also how and when to let go. As we began to work on this production, we began to center around the importance of Jo’s attic. The attic is her refuge - the place to escape and create. It is where she finds inspiration, peace, and solace. It is where she thinks, dreams, and hopes. And yet, it is also the place that holds her back from moving on. Once she returns the attic after being away, Jo realizes that nothing about the attic has changed, but yet, everything is different. As Beth says to Jo, “we grow up too fast.” While we can’t avoid growing up, I hope each of us can take a moment to reconnect with our indomitable spirit and resilience of youth. Micah-Shane Brewer |
|