<bt>Nostalgic past times of ice skating, fluffy kittens and rosy cheeks in the dead of winter — all memorable elements of Louisa May Alcott's “Little Women,” — are all faithfully represented in Paul VI's recent stage version.
This classic novel of the young March women and their adventures growing up was set in the Civil War era. While the Union and Confederacy fought over huge issues, the sisters fought over smaller issues of daily life. These four — the tomboy, the brat, the nurturer and the sensible one — faced one hurdle after another, epidemic of scarlet fever, the pressures of marriage and the strains of romance, with the help of their affectionate mother.
Marie Weigle, as Jo, provided honest reactions to each predicament. The audience watched the cutesy, youthful, giggly romance of Jo and her neighbor friend Laurie blossom into an adult lifelong friendship, and then toward the unpredicted when Laurie ends up marrying Amy (Kelly
Cram), once the nagging, pampered sister with snotty expressions.
As Aunt March, Sophia Malakooti, lends an amusing contrast to the warm-hearted March sisters. The opening scenes got the audience in the mood for good times of Christmas cheer, aided by the nice work of Meaghan Tardif, who added special touches of decorations for the home and Christmas for the March's sitting room. Later scenes weren't so merry, made all the more depressing by powerful background music.
By the ending of the three-year chapter in the March girl's lives, Jo heals her broken heart with a new romance and the little women had all become cultured, confident young ladies, having gotten over the hurdles of their youth. And, yes, America had gotten over the Civil War too.