Jungle Theater's World Premiere Adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN Opens 2018-19 Season
By: Julie Musbach Aug. 07, 2018
The Jungle Theater opens its 2018-19 Season with its first-ever commission: The world premiere of Kate Hamill's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The production coincides with the 150th anniversary of the publication of Little Women, "the groundbreaking novel that changed everything" (Little Women 150). Jungle Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen directs this beloved classic saturated with a contemporary air, running September 15-October 21 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, located at 2951 Lyndale Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
In the midst of the Civil War, the four March sisters are set on a journey from adolescence to adulthood. Staying true to the spirit of the popular novel - "a surprisingly modern work that has aged well" (UNC Press Blog) - the intergenerational play hones in on the intersection of home life, work and true love, and its power to shape each sibling's desire to be true to herself and find her way in the world. The fast-paced, heartfelt adaptation breathes new life into this timeless coming of age story.
Known for her lively, bold takes on classics, Hamill's plays have been praised as "delightfully volatile" (NY Times) and "ingenious...saucy...spunky" (Wall Street Journal). Hamill and Rasmussen previously collaborated on her Sense and Sensibility at the Guthrie and Dallas Theater Center.
Little Women stars Twin Cities (and Jungle) favorites Christina Baldwin, Wendy Lehr and Jim Lichtscheidl. Also marking their Jungle returns are Megan Burns (The Wolves), Tyson Forbes (Detroit), Isabella Star LaBlanc (The Wolves), Michael Hanna (Le Switch), C. Michael Menge (Hand to God) and James Rodríguez (Miss Bennet). Christine Weber makes her Jungle on-stage debut.
Rasmussen's creative team includes two acclaimed artists new to the Jungle: Rebecca Bernstein (costumes) and Marcus Dilliard (lighting), along with composer Robert Elhai, who will be creating music for this production of Little Women. Sean Healey (sound), John Novak (properties/ stage manager) and Chelsea Warren (sets) round out the creative team.
Rasmussen said, "We're so excited to begin this new season with something totally brand new that will start its life at the Jungle Theater. Kate Hamill brings a spirited pace, bouyant humor and passionate relevance to classics, and she infuses those qualities into Little Women as well. We can't wait to share this production with our Jungle friends and introduce the theater to new audiences."
The Jungle offers post-show Stay Late discussions after every performance of Little Women to give audience members the opportunity to ask questions and talk about the play's themes. Performances are Tuesdays ($40), Wednesdays ($40), Thursdays ($40), Fridays ($50) and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. ($50), and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ($45). Preview performances ($15) are September 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. Rush tickets are offered every night of the week, based on availability two hours prior to the performance, and there is special Friday night pricing for students, 55408 neighborhood residents and employees, and those under 30 years of age. Tickets and more information are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.com.
Comments
Videos