“Little Women” at Bavaria Performing Arts, Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr (Austin Robertson)
This classic tale of sisters, family hardship and finding self-identity has been adapted into a one-act play with the right amount drama sprinkled with laughs.
“Little Women,” directed by Rachel Harper, sweeps us into Louisa May Alcott’s story of the March sisters. Jo March (Donna Faye) writes in her journal, lights low, spotlight on, and we fall into the world of her thoughts and fantasy. Faye brings a natural sense to Jo and provides those funny moments we all need as life gets serious.
“Little Women” at Bavaria Performing Arts, Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr (Austin Robertson)
The small cast seem to effortlessly convey the lessons Alcott intended: to love one another and patiently wait for the positive outcomes life will bring.
Emotions run high as Beth (Sadie Zufelt) catches scarlet fever and we are all drawn into the moment of feeling that a loved one is ill and we are helpless. We learn that it’s important to move forward, and yet not to forget each other. It’s a real tear-jerker moment: tissues recommended.
““There is a place. I’ll go alone.””
We watch as the family handles the events of the American Civil War as Christmas approaches. The period costumes and vintage set pieces help us feels as if we, too, belong in the March living room of the 1800s.
“Little Women” at Bavaria Performing Arts, Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr (Austin Robertson)
The sisters struggle with sadness and rivalries, even as they are trying to define themselves and we realize that they aren’t so different from ourselves. Yet, the somber undertones are punctuated with fun moments of laughter, at sisterly bickering and silliness.
In the end, through loss, pain and struggles the sisters learn who they are, and we understand that those challenges also help us to grow. We move forward in life, but our memories and love for family will always be there.
“Little Women” is performed as one of two one-act plays as the Bavaria Performing Arts entry into the Army’s IMCOM Europe One Act Play festival and Youthfest. You can also read about the other show “Twitch.”
Performance dates:
October 10-12, 17-19 at 7:30 p.m.
Bldg. 124, Tower Barracks
“Little Women” at Bavaria Performing Arts, Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr (Austin Robertson)
