Maureen McGovern as Marmee.
Little Women – The Broadway Musical. © 2005 Joan Marcus.
"Little Women" (The Fox Theater)

There have been many incarnations of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel LITTLE WOMEN on the silver screen, but a play based on this work is a rarity. Especially one that has a full bodied and rich musical score. That is the case with the production of "Little Women" playing at the Fox Theater in Atlanta through Sunday, April 2.

This is a melodic, rousing musical that covers all the dramatic aspects of Alcott's book and adds song after song to the story There are also comedic moments that will keep the audience smiling. It is a perfectly balanced show that touches all of the emotions.

For those not familiar with Alcott's classic novel, the story concerns the March family who are living in New England during the mid 1800's. Mr. March is in the Union Army, leaving his wife and four daughters at home. The girls are Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy and they are a lively group who derive fun from the simple pleasures of life.

They live next door to Mr. Laurence, a stern man who has seen his beloved daughter die. Still he does have his grandson Laurie to keep him company. Laurie and Jo become fast friends and the lives of the two families are intertwined.

The name "star" of the production is Maureen McGovern who undertakes the role of "Marmee." McGovern has a strong resonant voice and she brings true talent to her vocal performances. Still the show is completely stolen by the delightful Susan Spencer. She has the role of Jo and she plays it to the hilt.

Spencer's real life husband Andrew Varela plays Professor Bhaer, the man who is Jo's true love. Laurie (Stephen Patterson) thinks he is in love with Jo but it is just infatuation. Both Varela and Patterson are strong male leads in this show.

Although there are no outstanding songs in the score, the ones that are performed are enjoyable. Some notes by the performers fall a little flat but not often enough to spoil the night. The tunes just keep on coming and the players just keep getting better and better. 

"Little Women" is a surprisingly good musical and one that the entire family can enjoy. McGovern gives the show a "name" and Spencer gives a star building performance. She and the whole cast demonstrate sheer exuberance from start to finish.

So plan to take your entire family to see this emotionally satisfying musical. It plays through Sunday, April 2. Make sure you are there.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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