LITTLE WOMEN – Written by Kate Hamill; Directed by Kate Poling. Produced by Firehouse Theatre Company (7653 East 1st Place, Denver) through December 22. Tickets available at 303-562-3232 or firehousetheater.com.
Kate Hamill, the playwright, has created a reputation for herself by taking classic novels and turning them sideways. She tells a familiar story with a modern insight illustrating – in this case – that the March women from the Civil War era had some of the same issues as women today. They too are dealing with poverty, postpartum depression, sibling rivalries, gender bias, and the lack of women’s rights. This version of the story belies the sentimental movies of the past and adds more humor and reality.
This script moves from place to place with the primary playing space as the March living room. Through a clever set of movable doors, a fireplace that turns into a piano and minimal but appropriate furniture, plus a well-trained cast who silently move the pieces into place for each new scene, the story moves swiftly along. There is no designated set designer but I have it on good authority that the sets are usually a collaboration between Kate Poling, the director who has the vision, Jeff Jesmer who has to build it, and Megan Davis, the resident stage manager, who paints it. Together they make Kate’s vision work for the actors.
The quartet of women who comprise the March sisters each bring a special charm to their roles. It remains, of course, Jo’s story – the surrogate for novelist Louisa May Alcott. Claylish Coldiron brings an energetic boyish charm to the role of swashbuckling adventure writer who is taught gentleness by the little sister who wants her to “tell me a story.” Claylish bounces all over the stage, jumping on the furniture, stick (sword) in hand, fighting off the dastardly Roderigo. She hates all the girly stuff she is expected to do and can’t abide the fact that she needs a man to negotiate for her with a publisher. She is a joy to watch maneuver through the difficult life and the times throws at her.
Her nemesis is her sister Amy, the younger prettier sister, spoiled and selfish beyond belief. She doesn’t talk – she whines. Sophia Badia is so funny in this role, using every opportunity to be a brat, that you can’t help but love her. When she does finally begin to grow up, she displays a hard realistic honesty about her approach to life. All illusions aside, she knows on which side her bread is buttered.
Meg, the older sister, is given a strong voice by Yarmony MacTaggart Bellows. In her first Denver role, she is a welcome addition to the local acting pool. Her Meg is the quiet voice of reason for the family. Her romantic relationship with the tutor of the boy next door is sweet while still highlighting the difficulty of moving from a girl in a family to the mother of her own, from a house with a servant to being the mistress of her own household in a very funny scene.
And then there’s shy sickly Beth, the youngest. Ashley Somers imbues Beth with an innate sweetness that you feel certain must be an extension of her own personality. She is the heart of the story, the one having the most positive effect on Jo. Her understanding and love of her sisters is present in everything she does. Her heart – as it turns out – is too big for her body.
The men in the cast pull their weight in telling the story. Sam Evins does a lovely job as the boy next door smitten with Jo. His confusion over her choices is very well played and heartbreaking to watch. James Giordano is the tutor, Mr. Brooks, who wins Meg’s heart. He also plays the Doctor who takes care of Beth and has a hysterical turn as Aunt March’s PARROT. One of the funniest animal acts I’ve seen in a while. Versatile Jeff Jesmer rounds out the male cast playing the elderly next door neighbor who has a soft spot for Beth; Mr. March, the father of the family who returns from the war wounded; and Mr. Dashwood, the discouraging publisher. He also has a very funny walk across the stage as a guest at the Mingott party.
The older but essential roles of Marmee, the girls kind-hearted mother, and Hannah, the housekeeper are lovingly portrayed by Carla McBride and Shannon Hayes. By the way everyone plays together, it’s easy to tell that this is one of those casts that have formed a temporary family. This is a delightful departure from the usual holiday fare that the whole family will enjoy.
A WOW factor of 8.75!