Theater Review: CDG’s Heartwarming ‘Little Women’ Perfect For The Holiday Season

 Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women" is called a classic for a reason. Though it's a simple yet sometimes complex tale of a typical family during the Civil War era in Concord, Massachusetts, it’s relatable in any era. If you read the book and know the tale, you can connect personally to at least one of the characters. There are four daughters in the March household, and each young girl has a distinct personality. 

 If you’re unfamiliar with the story, catch the Chatham Drama Guild’s production. Loved the book? Go too—you won’t be disappointed. Pam Banas, the Guild’s executive director and this show’s director/costumer, chose Kevin M. Cunningham’s adaptation for its faithful, nuanced take on the novel. Banas’s respect and fondness for the story shows in her direction and that choice. “I spent a lot of time looking for a version that touched my soul!” she wrote in the program. 

 A nice touch is seeing the author, Louisa May Alcott (Lizzy Smythe) discussing the book with her publisher (Brogan Thomas) in the opening scene. Smythe and Thomas turn in delightful performances in multiple roles. 

When the curtain opens it’s Christmastime, and the March girls are all there in the Alcott parlor, and easily identified by their manner and chatter. Meg (Matilda Perry), the eldest and responsible one, Jo (Violet Skinner) the spirited tomboy with big dreams and strong opinions, Beth (Calla Hellstrom) the shy sister who loves music and is often the peacemaker of the family and Amy (Violet Hellstorm) the baby in the quartet, artistic and a bit vain. “Father” is away serving in the war and Marmee is in charge. Marmee (Lee LaCroix) enters with a letter from Father, they gather around her and the tableau is complete. 

 Amazingly this play portrays nearly every scene in the book: Jo’s friendship with next door neighbor Laurie (Kamalei Hill), Mr. Lawrence’s (Joe Theroux) affection for Beth, Jo and Amy’s fight and the consequential skating incident, Beth’s illness, Meg’s romance, Aunt March’s (Amanda Gordon) visits, Jo’s adventure in New York City with Professor Bhaer (John O’Hara) and more. 

 Skinner shines as Jo — all spark and drive — with a presence that feels almost magical. Perry’s Meg glows beside suitor John Brooke (Brandon Ritchie, Jr.). Calla Hellstrom captures Beth’s gentle fragility wonderfully, and Violet Hellstrom nails Amy’s big flaws and bigger charms. LeCroix offers a Marmee both wise and vulnerable. The entire cast’s commitment inspired cheers, sighs, and warm applause on opening night. It’s heartwarming to see these young actors embrace the messages of a show that stresses the bonds of family. 

 Scott Hamilton designed the detailed set. We loved the outdoor scene projection—an illusion of a window—with seasons and locations drifting past. Don Howell assisted Banas and Hamilton on the light design and projection design. Stage manager Mike Guzowski and light board and sound operator Rachel Banas capped off the production hitting cues right and left. 

 The Chatham Drama Guild is a unique theater venue; a welcoming bar for pre-show and intermission wine or cocktails, with comfy general seating plus cabaret tables. And this show that runs under two-and-a-half hours including a 15‑minute break is a cheerful way to kick off the holiday season.