Review: 'Little Women: The Broadway Musical' at CTC

Pictured above: (from top left) Sabrina Reed as Meg March, Susan Hilerio as Marmee, Jessica Irizarry as Jo, Kristen Norris (in red) as Beth and Remy McCoy as Amy Photos courtesy of CTC

New Britain, CT - The Connecticut Theatre Company finishes their fifth season of live community theatre at The Rep with a magnificent production of LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. I highly recommend trying to secure a table for one of the remaining performances that run through Dec. 16.

The musical version of the classic 1868 Louisa May Alcott novel features a book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Based on Ms. Alcott’s life, the story follows the adventures of the March sister, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but most publishers are not interested. Her friend Professor Bhaer advises her that she can do better than the “blood and guts stuff” that she has been churning out and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking that advice, Jo decides to write the story of herself and her sisters and their experience of growing up in Civil War America.

Duane Campbell, the executive director for CTC, directed this beautiful show with “Astonishing” love and care. Musical Direction by Mark Ceppetelli made the most of the pleasant score that features lyrics about personal discovery, heartache and hope. For me, it was perhaps not the most memorable of scores, but because the rest of the work was so powerful, it did not really matter.

“These characters go through much in the course of the story, facing not only loss of loved ones, but also the loss of innocence and security. If it’s true what doesn’t break us makes us stronger, then the March family must be as strong as iron.” - Duane Campbell, Director

The fabulous Jessica Irizarry did an astonishing job of bringing to life the character of Jo. This true triple threat nailed the character in her CTC debut, just as she had when she took on the character of The Leading Player in PIPPIN at CSCU, where she is currently a junior minoring in Theatre Performance. This memorable performance captured the strength and fire within the budding author and Ms. Irizarry’s powerful singing voice simply soared once again. I look forward to great things for this talented performer.

That is not to take away anything whatsoever from the performances of the three actresses who played her sisters. Sabrina Reed as a beautiful Meg, the eldest sister, in her first show in Connecticut. Kristen Norris, who is the resident choreographer at CTC and served as choreographer for the show, was simply luminous as Beth March. My guest, who very much enjoyed the show, named Ms. Norris’ performance her favorite. I hope that this young actress continues to appear on this stage as opposed to behind the scenes instructing the dancers. At only sixteen, Remy McCoy was pitch perfect as the petulant Amy in her fourth CTC show. She attends Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford and has also played The Leading Player in PIPPIN.

"The Most Amazing Thing" is that Susan Hilerio returned to the stage after a nine-year hiatus to play the role of Marmee, the mother of the four young women. On Broadway this role was played by Maureen McGovern, with Sutton Foster as Jo. Ms. Hilerio holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from The Hartt School and it showed. Her beautiful singing voice made her performance as the stalwart and loving mother very special.

Erin Campbell (Meredith in BAT BOY) took on the role of the formidable Great-aunt March in a show that she writes has always been close to her heart and then quick- changed to cover the role of the Irish boarding house owner Mrs. Kirke.

Stephen Michelsson brought tons of charm to the role of Laurie Laurence in his sixth CTC show. I have seen his past roles of Link Larkin in HAIRSPRAY and Gaston with Artful Living and he always gives every role his all. Travis Carl Karas, a very talented young actor who has worked with Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre, was perfectly cast as the slightly older Professor Bhaer in his debut with this company.

Keith Nelson did very well as the elder Mr. Laurence and Doug McCarthy (NEWSIES with Warner Stage Company) appeared as Laurie’s reserved tutor Mr. John Brooke.

Mr. Ceppetelli made sure that all of the singers made it look easy to stay with the musical track. Ms. Buckner ensured that the lovely dancing added to the action. The set designed by technical director Michael Bane and Mr. Campbell worked well for all of the various location; the March house contained the required attic. Lighting worked well and sound issues were worked out quickly.

The period costumes designed by Rose Masselli Morse did not come without the challenge of hoop skirts, both fitting and wearing them. Both were accomplished quite well for the most part and they all looked great. I loved the pants that Jo sported while living at the New York boarding house.

Remaining performances are Saturday, December 1st, 2018 at 7:00 PM, Friday, December 7th, 2018 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 8th, 2018 at 7:00 PM, Sunday, December 9th, 2018 at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 14th, 2018 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 15th, 2018 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 16th, 2018 at 2:00 PM. Please note the 7:00 PM curtain for evening performances. Next season will include MOON OVER BUFFALO, INTO THE WOODS, MEMPHIS, DISASTER (yay!) and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.