Heather Latter
The musical “Little Women,” presented by Fort High students, opens tonight on the Townshend Theatre stage.
“It’s quite a bit different than what we did last year,” explained director Susan De Gagne, a teacher at Fort High.
She noted with the production of “Legally Blonde” last year, which was very upbeat and contemporary, “Little Women,” by contrast, is more of a classical, traditional show.
“But it’s still a very good show and will appeal to a wide range of audiences,” De Gagne stressed.
“Anyone who likes the original story will enjoy it, and also anyone who has ever had a sister because it’s all about the relationship between the four sisters,” she noted.
The musical is based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, which focuses on the lives of the four March sisters—brassy, tomboy-like, aspiring writer Jo (played by Maggie Gauthier), romantic Meg (Taylor Shouldice), pretentious Amy (Alyssa Van Drunen), and kind-hearted Beth (Anne Jean)—and their beloved Marmee (Larissa Desrosiers) at their home in Concord, Mass.
While “Legally Blonde” offered many comedic moments on stage last year, however, “Little Women” has more of a serious tone.
“There are some happy moments but also some really sad moments,” said De Gagne, noting audience members might want to bring some tissues along.
But she also stressed the music is appropriate for people of all ages.
Many of the 23-member cast is thrilled to be able to participate in the musical.
“We’re happy we were able to do this our senior year,” noted Desrosiers, indicating the show almost didn’t happen due to the job action taken by teachers, which left them unable to conduct extra-curricular activities.
But a decision was made by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation on Feb. 22 to suspend the political action and extra-curricular activities were able to resume.
“It would have been nice to have more time, but we work well under pressure,” said De Gagne, noting preparations for the musical production usually start in January.
She indicated they got to work right away and were able to have the show cast prior to March Break, with rehearsals beginning when they returned.
“So we had eight weeks instead of the 15-16 we normally have,” De Gagne explained.
“But the audience won’t be able to tell,” she promised. “The students have worked really, really hard.”
De Gagne and FFHS music director Lisa Loney already had “Little Women” picked out for this year’s musical if, by chance, they were going to be able to stage it.
“We had both looked at the musical separately over the summer but didn’t tell each other,” De Gagne recalled.
“So we were on the same wavelength and it has worked out really well.”
De Gagne said the cast is about half the size they normally have, which worked well for this particular musical.
But she stressed “Little Women” was primarily chosen for its music.
“The music tells the story really well,” she explained. “It’s catchy without being overdone.”
“The music is a lot fun,” agreed Desrosiers. “It’s definitely my favourite of all the musicals I’ve been in.”
“It’s going to be a really good show,” echoed Mallory Duffy, a Grade 12 student who plays Aunt March.
As a student who has participated in all the musicals through her high school career, Duffy said she’s especially pleased to be a part of this one.
“We really have just come together and it feels like we’re one big family,” she remarked.
And while Desrosiers called it a “polar opposite” of last year’s musical, she is enjoying all the experience she’s received from being on stage.
“It’s just nice to have that much diversity in what we have performed,” she reasoned.
While Desrosiers wouldn’t put one above the other since they are different in so many ways, she did note the costumes of “Little Women” really stand out.
“The costumes are unreal,” she said. “We just love them.”
De Gagne indicated due to the musical being set in 1865, they opted to go with real period costumes.
Several costumes were purchased, and feature hoops, bustles, and crinoline for the skirts.
“They will certainly take you back in time,” she remarked.
“Little Women” will run tonight through Saturday (May 15-18), beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students, are available in advance at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts.
They also can be purchased at the door.
