5/08/08

American classic set to music at Village Theatre

by Sam Severn

Louisa May Alcott’s treasured novel comes alive, complete with the sound of music, in Village Theatre’s new singing-and-dancing production of “Little Women.”

Powered by an award-winning score, this vivid adaptation transforms the book into a soaring, 2-1/2 hour musical reinvention of the characters and stories of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy whom Alcott created so lovingly 140 years ago.

Victoria Huston-Elem stars as spunky tomboy Jo March, one of the most beloved characters in American fiction. She’s determined to rule her own roost as a writer of bloody pulp stories (and to remain free of love, marriage, and the chains of

M-E-N). Huston-Elem portrays Jo as a spinner of wild tales, a courageous kook and a sharp cookie, who grows over the years from misfit kid into bold believer in the sisterhood — and does everything the hard way.

Her sparring sisters Meg, Beth, and Amy are played by Krystle Armstrong, Michaela Koerner, and Shanna Marie Palmer. Palmer, a Village Theatre veteran, is a special scene-stealing treat as the mischievous Amy. Broadway performer Anne Allgood as Marmee guides her children boldly through love, loss and the hard, hard times of the American Civil War.

Bounding into this world is Dane Stokinger in the role of Laurie, the March sisters’ child-like neighbor and future beau. Stokinger previously starred as Elvis Presley in “Million Dollar Quartet.” Evidently rubbing necks with Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis rubbed off. He takes the role of Laurie and turns him into a comic star. His scenes with Huston-Elem’s Jo have a zip and a clunky chemistry that makes them positively zing. And his lovesick “Fly At Me” song soars above all the other musical moments in the production.

Director Daniella Topol paces the first act for humor, then lets the familiar characters and story kick in during Act Two’s darker descent into tragedy.

Bill Forrester’s scenic design beautifully recreates Alcott’s 19th century New England on the stage. Sets fly in from the wings and float down from thin air.

Original songs from the musical, by Alison Hubbard and Kim Oler, can be heard on the Village Theatre’s website, www.villagetheatre.org.

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” has been reborn into a poignant and rousing new musical, and a heart-stealing event. Performances continue through May 18th at the Everett Performing Arts Center. For details, call the Box Office at (425) 257-8600, or visit the Village Theatre or Ticketmaster websites.

Caption: Victoria Huston-Elem (Jo March), Anne Allgood (Marmee) and Michaela Koerner (Beth March) are featured in the Village Theatre's musical production of "Little Women," running through May 18 at the Everett Performing Arts Center. Photo by Jay Koh.