The Cast Photo courtesy of Musical Theatre Southwest

Director Theresa A. Carson has assembled a talented cast and along with music director Dr. Gregory Gallagher brings the tale of four young women growing up during the Civil War delightfully to life.

Josephine (Jo) March is the mover and shaker of the family and key to the success of any telling of Little Women. Her spunk and zest for living inform every moment. Lauren Jehle is a wonderful Jo. She brings a frenetic physicality to the role and is spot on in her singing, dancing and acting. Jo's sisters are equally convincing, with Rachel Wearden Buenaflor as Meg, Martha Lenk as Amy, and Jamie Thorpe as Beth. Melody Gallagher shines as the beloved Marmee. All are fine singers and manage their roles with ease.

The male actors also comport themselves well. Standouts are Adam Tedesco as Laurie, Brian Wise as John Brooke, Jeff Jung as Professor Bhaer, and Joel Irvin as Mr. Laurence.

The choreography by Wendy Barker binds the show together. The main story of the March sisters is intercut with the several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio. These scenes expand the scope of the story and provide larger production numbers to augment the intimate story of the sisters and their lives. On the small stage with several levels Wendy Barker has created dance and movement that strengthen the production greatly.

Although the music by Jason Howland is not particularly memorable, each song is appropriate to the action and character development. The orchestra of seven musicians under the direction of Dr. Gregory Gallagher provides ideal accompaniment. Mention should be made of Melody Gallagher's outstanding voice and the excellent harmonies exhibited in the chorus work.

The set designed by Joey Sauthoff is both practical, for the many scenes of the story, and whimsical, as befits the soaring imagination of Jo March. Costumes by Rachel Capener and hair and makeup by Khristah Garcia are in period and appropriate for each character. The minor changes to details of the costumes and hairstyles for each sister as she matures are clever and executed well.

This is a handsome and beautifully mounted show. Don't miss this timeless tale of family, resilience and hope. Experience the joy, heartache and triumph of Little Women live on stage. Make the show a holiday gift to you and your family!

Little Women runs through December 22, 2024, at Musical Theatre Southwest, 6320 Domingo Rd NE, Ste. B, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm. General Admission Tickets are $28, Discounted tickets are $25. For tickets and information, please call 505-265-9119 or visit mtsabq.org.

Directed by Theresa A. Carson, Music Director: Dr. Gregory Gallagher, Choreographer: Wendy Barker, Scenic Designer: Joey Sauthoff, Lighting Design: Linnea Mae, Properties Design: Nina Dorrance, Costume Design: Rachel Capener, Hair & Makeup Design: Khristah Garcia, Sound Design: Justin Salada.

Cast: Jeff Jung, Lauren Jehle, Leah Mascarenas, Oliver Yancy, Noah Smith, Marty Lenk, Kate Nolan, Rachel Wearden Buenaflor, Grace Mason, Jamie Thorpe, Melody Gallagher, Emily Melville, Rob Armstrong Martin, Joel Irvin, Adam Tedesco, Shirley Roach, Brian Wise, Cecilia McAfee.