Interview: Sandy Ryder of LITTLE WOMEN at Wild Swan Theater Says It's A Beautiful Production!

The Wild Swan Theater is continuing its 38th season with an original stage adaptation of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott for six performances starting December 7th in Ann Arbor. "It is a beautiful production that young people will enjoy, but adults can come and feel like they are experiencing something special as well," said Sandy Ryder, co-artistic director of the company.

Little Women is the beloved American story of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth, who are growing up in Civil War-era New England. When their devoted mother, Marmee, leaves them to visit their ailing father at the warfront, the girls must face life together. Loosely based on the author's family life, the story explores how each young woman develops their character by overcoming personal weaknesses. It also offers a testimony to the strength of womanhood in the character of the girls' mother, Marmee. Throughout our nation's history there have been women like the fictional March sister who must struggle against society's expectations and create their own destinies. Written by Wild Swan's co-founder and co-artistic director, Hilary Cohen, this production delivers and inspiring message of resourcefulness and perseverance for children 8+ and their families.

"If you read the book, you know the important messages that come from it and that is what we are trying to strive to get across in our production: family; what's important in life; trusting themselves; the messages that Marmee instills in her girls," said Ryder. There are topics in the book that could make parents wonder if it is child appropriate, but Wild Swan Theater has made the production extremely kid-friendly. The production will end when Beth becomes ill then becomes better instead of finishing the entire novel in order to make it easier for the younger children, but Ryder assures parents that the show does not lose intention of the story by doing that. "We still get Marmee's wisdom, the love of the family, a good balance of funny and serious, and a glimpse into a period of their life," she said. "Little Women always tops my list when we have the opportunity to do it because I find it a beautiful production with the emotion, the singing (yes, there is a lot of singing in the show!) and the costumes."

"Hilary and I co-founded company in 1980 and we are still co-artistic directors today. From the beginning, we wanted to create theater for young audience with content that didn't patronize them through cheap gags, that was exciting, accessible, and affordable," said Ryder. "It was also really important that we pay all of actors even though we were a non-profit theater." The mission statement of Wild Swan Theater is that it is dedicated to producing professional theater of the highest artistic quality for families and to making that theater accessible to everyone including low income, minority and disabled children through low ticket prices and innovative outreach programs. Year after year, Wild Swan had followed through on its mission statement since their founding. All their productions now include American Sign Language interpreters and not the way that is typically expected. "Our ASL performers are amazing. They have degrees in ASL and we actually work them right into our shows through shadow interpreting instead of having them stand off to the side. That way the deaf audience doesn't miss the show and the hearing audience is exposed to the beautiful language of ASL," explained Ryder. The company also gives back consistently to the community through workshops both with the elderly, children, and people with special needs. "Theater workshops, I think at least it is what happened to me especially when I discovered mime in my life, suddenly make everything possible," said Ryder. "It doesn't matter your age, the vehicle of theater took all the limits away and helps with self-esteem and self-discovery of yourself."

Little Women delighted audiences on the Wild Swan Theater's stage several years ago and is back this season to charm them again. "Over our thirty-eight years we have strived to make it real, honest and true on stage with professional actors who really love their craft. I think we all share in making this piece, and every show, by doing our very best work," said Ryder. "Little Women is a show that has a lot to give and wonderful experience especially for young people, but adults can come and feel like they saw quality, professional theater."

Little Women is directed by Hilary Cohen. The cast includes Carly Buchbinder (Meg), Meghan VanArsdalen (Jo), Sarah Brabec (Amy), Emily Slomovits (Beth), Jeremy Salvatori (Laurie), J. Mike Morgan (Mr. Lawrence), Sandy Ryder (Aunt March), and Michelle Trame Lanzi (Marmee). Costume design by Suzanne Young. Period music selected and performed by Brian E. Buckner. Set design by Beth Sandmaier. American Sign Language interpretation is provided by Erin Parrish and Shelly Tocco.

Little Women runs December 7th-10th at the Wild Swan Theater in Ann Arbor. For more information and tickets, visit www.wildswantheater.org.

Accessibility reservations: (734) 995-0530

Wheel chair seating

American Sign Language Interpreting

Audio-Description and Backstage Touch Tours (these services are free, but must be reserved in advance)

To post a comment, you must register and login.