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Theater review
Little Women
Circle Theatre. By Louisa May Alcott. Adapted by Bob Knuth and Rani Blair-O’Brien. Dir. Knuth. With ensemble cast.
SISTER ACT The March girls circle round.Photo: Bob KnuthThose who didn’t read Little Women in eighth grade and can’t recall if they ever saw the Winona Ryder movie will enjoy the added bonus of suspense during this touching new adaptation of Alcott’s coming-of-age classic about four sisters struggling at home while their father serves in the Civil War. Director and co-adapter Knuth takes on scenic and lighting design as well, and his multiple talents are evident: The large ensemble moves seamlessly around the gorgeous set. The March family living room feels vividly real, down to the fireplace soot.
Kieran Welsh-Phillips stands out as Jo, the tomboy sister who grows with each family trial, while Laura McClain shines as the prim, fragile Meg. Jeremy Myers livens up the action as the affably quirky neighbor Laurie, and the soulful Anita Hoffman seems to soothe everyone in her presence as the stoic matriarch, Marmee. The script presents some problematic leaps in time (including the fastest offstage lake accident and rescue ever), and the cast isn’t always believable during the tragic moments. But Circle’s Little Women makes for an effective family offering during another wartime holiday season.
Time Out Chicago / Issue 247 : Nov 19–25, 2009
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I actually thought the story was kept pretty well intact. The only difference was that some of the large action sequences happened off-stage. No, they couldn't include everything, but what was in this version was pretty true to the original book. How is there an "opportunity for a history lesson?" There isn't a history lesson in the book- why would they force that into the show? Overall, I thought it was a really lovely night of theatre.
The story is so rewritten by Bob Knuth it is hardly recognizable. There is an opportunity here for a bit of a history lesson but hardly any history is mentioned. Marmee keeps referring to her "little "ladies.". Well they aren't little. Are they all in their 20's except for Amy who is more like Tootie in their Meet Me in st. Louis. Great works should not be rewritten so badly. Nice set and costumes but they don't reflect poor people.