Little Women 2016

Little Women

April 28 - May 15, 2016
Directed by: Jenn Melms

Cast Photo

Show Pictures

Photography by: John Cannon

Program

Cast Profiles

Alyssa Romanelli

Alyssa Romanelli plays the part of Jo March, our story's protagonist. Passionate, adventurous, and brave. She has the idea of writing Little Women and eventually becomes engaged to Professor Bhaer.
How do you relate to your character?
I relate to Jo in a lot of ways, but I particularly relate to her passion and strong-will. Jo has such an abundance of love for the people around her that she would do anything and everything for them. I really admire that quality about her.
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
My favorite musical number in the show would be, “Weekly Volcano Press” because it is one of the only numbers in the show that shows off the talent of the whole cast and is filled with many fantastic theatrical elements.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
I think that my favorite moment in the show is when Jo rediscovers her passion for writing in the attic and reminds herself of the amazing things she has yet to do. I see that moment as an inspiration because even though she has encountered numerous trials, she still believes she will be “astonishing”.

Celia Brockway Macchia

Celia Brockway Macchia plays the part of Meg March, the world-weary, yet hopeful, oldest sister who yearns for a great life. She marries John and has twins with him. She also doubles as Clarissa.
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
I really enjoy the "Operatic Tragedy". This number opens a whole new world to the musical. It will be a treat for the audience.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
It is adorable when Mr. Laurence and Beth sing their duet together. I appreciate seeing a "hard-faced" man turn soft on stage. The number is very sweet.
Who is your favorite character in the show (besides the one you play) and why?
When I was a kid and I watched Little Women so many times I always wanted to be Amy. She has golden curls like I do and she gets to travel to Europe and work on her art.

Emily Dempsey

Emily Dempsey plays the part of Beth March, the second youngest sister. Peace-maker, lover, and an optimist who is always encouraging her sisters to dream. She also doubles as Rodrigo II.
Why do you want to be in Little Women?
I love the story of Little Women, especially seeing how the sisters work together through difficult times. I admire how they continue to help others and encourage each other stay optimistic.
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
It is so difficult to choose my favorite song from this show because there are so many beautiful pieces, but I’d say my all time favorite song I get to sing is “Off to Massachusetts” with Mr. Laurence. In this song, they sing about a day they will spend in Boston, which is where my family is from! Places and events we sing about are actual things we have grown up doing every time we go home to Boston.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
I will never get tired of the scene where Jo starts to write her novel about her life in Concord with her sisters. I love seeing her succeed and how she makes her own dreams come true by her hard work, passion, determination, and love from her family.

Kathleen Halverson

Kathleen Halverson plays the part of Amy March, the youngest, most energetic sister with a rather pompous air about her. She later marries Laurie. She also doubles as the Troll.
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
The Fire Within Me. I think it's incredibly touching. It's just one of those songs that's hard to listen to without crying.
Why did you want to be in Little Women?
I've grown up loving this story. I read it at a young age, and I've been watching the movie every Christmas with my family ever since I can remember. It's an honor to be apart of the March Family.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
I think we all really connect in Five Forever. Not only is it a very sweet song, but it's incredibly fun skipping around the stage with some really amazing people.

Chris Wells

Chris Wells plays the part of Marmee March, The girls' mother. She is the strong backbone of the family, who is courageous in spite of the difficult odds she faces. She also doubles as the Hag.
How do you relate to your character?
My mother has always had a calming effect on any chaotic situation I’ve encountered. I feel like I can call on that gentle strength and add that to my portrayal of Marmee. As a theatre teacher, I find I am often in a position where my students look to me for reassurance and support, a few of them even call me Mama Wells. I can relate to Marmee because she provides structure and boundaries but encourages creativity and expression.
Why did you want to be in Little Women?
In a nutshell, I love the story, I love the music, I love the characters, and I LOVE working with the people at SLT. They get me.
Who is your favorite character in the show (besides the one you play) and why?
I love Beth as a character because her perspective is humbling and inspiring. She’s an interesting foil to Jo. Both of them share find joy in living but express it in very different ways.

Steven Maney

Stephen Maney plays the part of Mr. John Brooke, Laurie's tutor and a rather stiff man; shows very little emotion. He later marries Meg and changes. He also double as Braxton.
Why did you want to be in Little Women?
The book is a classic and I thought it would be a blast to perform the musical rendition.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
The song Five Forever is a great song and a very uplifting moment in the show.
How do you relate to your character?
Like Mr. Brooke I am also fairly shy and quiet, but am willing to take a stand when I feel something needs to be done.

James Clark

James Clarke plays the part of Professor Bhaer, a German Professor who exemplifies proper manners. He is a boarder in Mrs. Kirk's boarding house and eventually falls in love with Jo.
How do you relate to your character?
I feel that I most relate to Professor Bhaer because we are both men of routine and structure. While he and I can both vary from the path occasionally, there is a real sense of security in knowing what is expected and anticipating what’s ahead. We also both are idealists and realists simultaneously.
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
I enjoy the complexity of How I Am. Listening to it, I didn't immediately notice the intricacies and meter changes but after looking at the music and understanding the character, I found myself appreciating how the composer developed an angst in the music that forces Bhaer to confront the impact that Jo has made on his life.
Who is your favorite character in the show (besides the one you play) and why?
I enjoy the character of Jo because of her determination. She sets out to do something and doesn’t take ‘No’ for an answer.

Carrie Grace Morgan

Carrie Grace Morgan plays the part of Aunt March, a formidable, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters. The wealthy socialite in town. She also doubles as Mrs. Kirk.
How do you relate to your character?
I look at her as an old battle ax perhaps a school marm, which is what I am in real life. She has a sensitive and caring side especially when she sees what Marmee has with her daughters.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
When I get to give John Brooke the stink-eye when he comes to see Meg.
Why did you want to be in Little Women?
Any chance to be on stage is one that I will take at this time in my life. I love the music and the story is one that I read and fell in love with as a teenager. Seeing the characters come to life through this show is a amazing.

Bob Neel

Bob Neel plays the part of Mr. Laurence, Laurie’s grandfather and neighbor to the Marches.
How do you relate to your character?
" Mr Laurence is an "Older man" in fact on the script he and I are the same age. Mr. Laurence has been through what no parent should never have to face, the loss of his daughter, Laurie's Mother. While he bravely steps up to raise Laurie, he has become hardened. Thankfully, in the song, Off the Massachusetts his heart mellows as he hears Beth March play a song that takes him back to wonderful memories of his past. This is a turning point for Mr. Laurence and the March family. Going forward, he is one of the March family's strongest supporters.
Why did you want to be in Little Women?
Many reasons! It is a family show where parents can take their younger children. It is a show where I get the opportunity to support SLT and give back what they have given me. It is an honor to be selected for Little Women. This cast has some exceptional actors and singers. I believe it will be a hit!
What is your favorite musical number in the show?
"Here alone". This song sets a strong family relationship with it's leader, Marmie showing her courage during difficult times in the country. She is a tower of strength for her girls however, in this song, she shares her heart to her husband of how she longs for him to return home.