BWW Reviews: LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL at Wilmington Drama League is by no means little.

The beloved classic novel by Louisa May Alcott has been fashioned into a movie, a stage play, an opera and a musical because of its resonating story filled with strong characters that easily connect with a broad audience. The Broadway musical version by Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein and Jason Howland now on stage at Wilmington Drama League is just as resonating and dynamically connects the audience to the story of the March family.

The cast, led by Caroline Quinn as Jo March, is delightful. Ms. Quinn's nuanced portrayal of Jo March never waivers. Energetic, confident, sublime or pensive, one can see why Jo March is on many performer's bucket list of dream roles. When executed well, as in Ms. Quinn's case, a performer effortlessly takes the audience on the journey with her. Ms. Quinn exhibits a promising command of the stage. Her focused acting and lovely vocals sculpt the character of Jo March into the dynamic young woman readers of the novel have come to know and love.

Each member of the March family is well cast; Meg (Ruthie Holland) dispenses eldest sibling duties in measured doses, Marmee (Sharon Ruegsegger) lovingly keeps her brood in check, Beth (Talia Speak) melts your heart with her doe-like eyes of a child, and Amy (Catherine Enslen in Act 1 and Abigail Allwein in Act 2) embodies the orneriness of being the oft overlooked middle child.

Supporting cast members include those found in the novel including Professor Bhaur (Jonathan Dalecki), Mr. Lawrence (Jack Jordon), John Brooks (Luke Wallis), Aunt March (Kathy Buterbaugh) and Theodore (Laurie) Lawrence (Gianni Palmarini). Each turns in a well-rounded performance. However, Gianni Palmarini stands out, not only for his supple vocals, but for being a true stage trouper and battling through a microphone mishap. Mr. Palmarini proved that he doesn't need amplification as he has a great set of pipes. I enjoy watching young artists take charge of the stage, their surrounding and not allow anything to force them out of character.

Little Women, The Musical has many moving parts and the ensemble efficiently complies with the demands. Although some set changes are a bit fussy, the time taken to change the set isn't enough for an audience member to fall out of the moment. Projections lift the set design up a notch. The kite flying sequence is an unexpected surprise. (I would just ask that someone oil the pulley.) Costumes by Jenna Ford and Becky Stewart impart a pleasantly colorful feel of the years spanned by the story. Lighting was serviceable but sound, namely body mics, needs work. Mixing levels were less than optimal with a few mics crackling, cutting out, etc. I don't know if it was a sound issue or a vocal issue, but at times when Ms. Quinn (Jo March) spoke in a hushed tone, she was inaudible.

The pit consisting of two keyboards, viola, cello and trumpet provided an adequate musical base for the cast but I did miss the lushness of the full orchestration. Music Director, Tom Mucchetti, deserves a pat on the back for all of the well sung harmonies of the March sisters (and Laurie).

Stage Director/Choreographer, Rebecca May Flowers, clearly knows how to make actors move about the stage. The March sisters seamlessly band together whether in speech or in dance. Whenever the girls (and Laurie) go bounding around, you can't help but to smile and share in their joy.

There are only a few opportunities remaining to share in this wonderful production. Find time to see it.

LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL

by Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein and Jason Howland

Runs through May 1

Wilmington Drama League

10 W. Lea Boulevard

Wilmington, DE 19802

(302) 764-1172

www.wilmingtondramaleague.org

Photo credit: Sean Flowers

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