This year’s play is “Little Women.” It’s adapted by Marishna Chamberlain based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Some may be more familiar with the recent movie adaptation, which was released in late 2019. Whether you’re familiar with the story or not, it is a captivating show that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

“Little Women” is set in the Civil War era and follows a family of four sisters growing up outside of Boston. It has a quaint New England feel to it, and the book itself was actually one of the first written specifically for young people. The story follows a year in the life of the March family and is filled with fun, laughter, tears, and growth,

“It’s just kind of timeless,” said Josie Tierney-Fife, a teacher at the high school and director of the show. “People still really connect with these characters as they build their lives and figure out what they want to do in the world.”

Jo March, the main character and second of the four sisters, will be played by Julia Ordway in this production. Jo is a huge part of why the story has remained popular for over 150 years.

“Jo doesn’t really fit the mold of what a girl is supposed to be like. She shows girls that it’s okay to be different and have interests that other girls don’t traditionally have,” said Tierney-Fife.

Madeline Downey will be playing Meg March, the eldest of the sisters. As the oldest, Meg has to learn to deal with the responsibilities of looking after her younger sisters, while at the same time making sure that she is doing well in society so she can help support her family. Each individual sister goes through her own journey as the family struggles with the challenges of love and loss.

One of the most exciting parts of the play this year is the return to a live show with an in-person audience, which is a privilege that COVID-19 restrictions did not allow for last year. Though masks are worn for every rehearsal and will be required during the show as well, the entire cast agrees that it is far better than the Zoom rehearsals last year.

“I know our entire cast would rather perform a live play for an in-person audience with masks than perform alone in a room for a camera,” said Downey. “It’s also pushed us to work on skills we’ve lost due to COVID, like projecting our voices while wearing a mask.”

Overall, the amount of work that the cast, crew, director, and designers have put into this year’s show proves that it is one nobody will want to miss. It debuts Friday, November 12th at 7:30 p.m., followed by shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the 13th, and then one final matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday the 14th.

Be sure to mark your calendars and come to support these dedicated and talented students.