Review: 'Little Women' at MVHS

by Teddy Dean, McLean

It has been said that blood is thicker than water, meaning that no matter what, your family will see you through thick and thin. Without a doubt, the bonds between relatives are the strongest in existence, and those between sisters have long been portrayed as uniquely so, as any reader of Louisa May Alcott’s book “Little Women” knows and as the audience of Mount Vernon High School’s rendition of the musical based on that book came to appreciate.

With music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, the musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and ran for one hundred and thirty-seven shows. Broadway star Sutton Foster was cast as the original lead, Jo March, and earned the Tony for best actress for the role.  “Little Women” chronicles the struggles of Jo—a strong-willed, bright girl whose story is based on Alcott’s life—as she struggles to achieve her dream of becoming a novelist, with the love and support of her family.

Emily Whitworth portrayed the protagonist in the Mount Vernon production and took on Jo’s strong, multi-faceted character deftly: Whitworth conveyed confidence when she was telling stories, gentleness with her sisters, and fiery anger when upset.  Even when singing, Whitworth embodied Jo’s personality, with her voice full of emotion and every movement appropriate and well thought out. During scenes such as the emotional “Some Things are Meant to Be,” Jo’s growing maturity and reconciliation with the realities of life were evident, evoking tears from audience members.

Playing Jo’s angelic sister Beth was Jenna Kraynak. Throughout the show, Kraynak brought smiles to the audience for mastering the sweet nature of her character. Her dulcet voice resonated in the auditorium during her solos, highlighting some of the most impressive songs in the show. Kraynak’s dancing was also impressive; she gleefully carried out the choreography during songs like “Five Forever.” Her presence in the show brought such warmth that—like the March family—the audience could feel her absence after her death.

To work well, however, “Little Women” requires a strong ensemble cast, which the Mount Vernon production luckily had.  Other commendable performances included Bryan Azucena as Laurie, Jo’s admirer, whose voice was spectacular. Vannessa Blake and Deborah Kamara as Jo’s other sisters added to the adorable, familial chemistry of the March family, while Clare Cahill embodied all a mother should be as the family matriarch Marmee.  The ascerbic Aunt March was played by Amber Hugee, who provided much comic relief, delivering each line with scathing wit.

With moveable rooms to act as different locations, the cozy furniture, charming doilies, and old-time fireplaces captured the quaint life of the March girls, nostalgically bringing Concord, Massachusetts to life.  The historic accuracy of the props was particularly notable, helping draw the audience into the family’s world.

Within moments after the show’s opening, the audience was captivated by Jo’s endearing journey through the ups and downs of growing up.  Despite any hard times, Jo realizes her family is what keeps her going, and the show concludes with Jo lovingly writing of her family’s experience, immortalizing them in her novel. After being so entranced by the story, it was difficult to see the final curtain come down; and yet the ending was whole and complete, leaving us all perhaps a little more appreciative of the important role our families play in our lives.