Youth Performing Arts School’s (YPAS) “WOMEN” is a delightfully funny spin on the 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women.” The novel explores parts of Alcott’s own life and her sisters growing up in the midst of the American Civil War. In Alcott’s time, writing about domestic struggles wasn’t deemed interesting or important.
While her sisters seem to be growing up faster than her, the protagonist, Jo, is a tomboy who aspires to write. Kate Stewart (12, YPAS) embodies Jo in her truest form. She displays both her tomboy-ish qualities, such as the way she dresses, and the strong, raw emotions that Jo feels throughout the play. Stewart used her evident passion to beautifully portray Jo’s obsession with writing. At one point, Jo’s sister, Meg, even asks her if they can ever talk about anything without Jo weaseling her writing in, symbolizing this obsession.
Corinne Gannott (12, YPAS) portrays the eldest sister, Meg March. She has resounding chemistry with the other girls, making her harsh but loving tone very believable. Even through Meg’s tone, she maintained chemistry with John Brooke, played by Holden Beckett (12, YPAS).
The two younger sisters, Beth and Amy, are played by Joselin Dominguez (12, YPAS) and Timyah Hall (12, YPAS). Beth is shy, but throughout the play she has coughing fits you can not miss. The coughing is a nod to the original book, where Beth dies of scarlet fever. Dominguez does a wonderful job playing Beth as ill while still managing to have a personality. Amy is an aspiring artist, positive but delusional and selfish. Hall’s jokes always landed and made the audience engage with the character.
Overall, the sisters were frank and outspoken, sharing their opinions on slavery, the war and gender dynamics of the 1800s, while chasing their drastically different dreams.
Maya Williamson (12, YPAS) portrayed the motherly role of Marmee. As Marmee, Williamson embodied the care and gentleness of a mother beautifully. Marmee served as a buffer between the girls and acted as a voice of reason in the chaotic household.
As Laurie, Kode Embers (11, YPAS) commands the stage. He has a hilarious spin on the charming character. Laurie and Jo have amazing chemistry and as the play goes on, their relationship becomes a sort of brotherly bond. When Laurie meets Amy, the chemistry is undeniable and Hall wears a smile bigger than she had in any other scene during the show. Their young love story was authentic and relatable.
Jayce Osborn (10, YPAS) plays Mr. Lawrence, Laurie’s father. His fatherly relationship with Beth grows throughout the show. Mr. Lawrence is comedic, but still carries emotional weight at times.
The entire cast kept the energy high, particularly Gavin Katz (11, YPAS), who played the March sisters’ secret brother, Carl. Even with his small amount of stage time, he stole the show. Katz’s comedic timing and delivery were exquisite. His cameo was highly unexpected and equally as funny. Turner Gooch (10, YPAS) plays Clovis, a writer who Jo meets in New York. Even through his bitter comments that upset Jo, he was hilarious. His antics inspire Jo to continue her writing despite his advice.
Later in the show, Jo meets Friedrich Bhaer, played by Andy Wallace (12, YPAS). Wallace maintains an impressive German accent in all of Bhaer’s lines. Jo and Bhaer’s chemistry is evident from the moment they meet, leading to their inevitable (though forced) romance.
This show is laugh-out-loud hilarious and you won’t want to miss it. The writers effortlessly blended the original ideals of the novel with modern themes. “WOMEN,” is showing to the public Sept 18-20. Make sure to see this show with both casts, because all characters, except Carl, are double casted! Tickets are available at ypas.ludus.com.
