by Terrance Mc Arthur
Meg. Jo. Beth. Amy. Does that ring a bell?
If it does, get your tickets now for the lovingly-staged Good Firm Gamers’ 2nd Area Theatre manufacturing of Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card, taking part in by means of December 22. You gained’t be sorry.
If it doesn’t, get your tickets now for the lovingly-staged Good Firm Gamers’ 2nd Area Theatre manufacturing of Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card, taking part in by means of December 22. You gained’t be sorry.
Solid of GCP’s manufacturing of “Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card”
Laurie Pessano directed, and tailored Louisa Might Alcott’s beloved Little Girls with the assistance of almost a rating (that’s 20) of forged members and pals. The story follows the March sisters and their dad and mom and pals by means of the American Civil Battle period. “Marmee” (Sally Tay Howe) cares for her daughters whereas “Papa” (Mark Standriff) serves as a chaplain within the Union Military. Meg (Claira Broach), the oldest daughter, acts as assistant mom for the women. Jo (Erin Brown)—Alcott’s stand-in for herself—needs to write down, is a tomboy, and bristles at society’s guidelines for a girl’s place. Beth (Cailey Feemster) is ethereal, non secular, and frail. Amy (Jessica Martin) is a Materials Lady born within the improper century. Laurie Laurence (James Anderson), the wealthy boy subsequent door, is shy and lonely, however Jo and her sisters assist convey out his stronger qualities. Laurie’s grandfather (Patrick Allan Tromborg) appears forbidding, however he seems to be a sweetheart.
Brown is spunky, animated, a rising spirit looking for to discover life. She offers Jo that verve that generally disappears when the character’s sweetness is emphasised. Broach radiates calm and confidence as Meg, accepting of affection however shocked by it. Feemster is petite and calm as Beth, solemn in her illness, giving and loving, making an attempt to consolation those that attempt to consolation her. Martin s Amy begins out as bubbly and bouncy, a veritable Kristin Chenoweth of chirpiness, however she transforms right into a cultured girl, aided by an incredible costume that popped out of designer Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed’s magic costume division.
Solid of GCP’s manufacturing of “Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card”
Nibley is motherly as father or mother and spouse, leaving her ladies within the care of the household’s loyal servant, Hannah (Aurora Nibley), whereas she goes to the battlefield to look after her in poor health husband. Standriff is sturdy and caring as the daddy/chaplain, normally proven as studying letters from dwelling in entrance of a campground mini-stage close to the theatre entrance. He reads with heat, mirth, and power. Nibley bustles properly as Hannah, sharing the joy and issues of the women within the family.
Tracy Hostmyer is featured as Aunt March, with elements of Alcott’s Aunt Carrol character added. She is dour, snippy, and fault-finding, as a result of she sees a lot potential within the ladies. She comes throughout like a Victorian Laurie Metcalf (with extra acid). Anderson is semi-gawky however earnest as Laurie Laurence, with a contact of Mark-Linn Baker. Enthusiastic, Laurence turns into an almost-part of the March household, discovering love the place he didn’t anticipate it. Tromborg can bluster with the very best, and his smart, older gentleman characters all the time entertain.
Solid of GCP’s manufacturing of “Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card”
Nathan Vived, portraying John Brooke, Laurie’s tutor who takes a liking to one of many March ladies, shares the campfire set with Standriff in later scenes. He’s kindly and thoughtful. Shawn Williams is an accent (German, that’s) to the second act as Fredrick Bhaer, an immigrant professor lowered to tutoring when Jo meets him. Roger Christensen is suitably severe because the household’s physician, a welcome addition to any stage.
The costumes emphasize the expansion and maturing of the characters, and David Pierce’s set makes a fast transformation to journey subsequent door. Clothes and surroundings are as vital to this manufacturing because the actors on the stage. Alcott’s episodic model is mirrored in Brandi Martin’s lighting design, and songs of the Civil Battle period function pre-show and between-scene interludes. Hymns like “Abide With Me” and vacation tunes assist make this manufacturing actually a Victorian Christmas Card.
Anderson, Feemster, Nibley, and Vived are all making their GCP debuts on this manufacturing. I hope to see them once more in different Good Firm exhibits.
Solid of GCP’s manufacturing of “Little Girls: A Victorian Christmas Card”
2nd Area exhibits within the November-December slot are normally feel-good productions, and this is likely one of the greatest. Laurie Pessano & Firm have cobbled collectively an leisure households can cherish. Simply as final 12 months’s A Christmas Carol is scheduled to return in 2025, I hope this Victorian Christmas Card will return to please future audiences.
The 2nd Area Theatre is at 928 E. Olive Ave, Fresno. For tickets and additional data, contact gcplayers.com, or name (559) 266-9494.
For those who love native theatre, you’ll want to try Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which options mysteries learn by native actors. You could find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and in addition on podbean.
Take a look at extra theatre evaluations & different native leisure articles in our Arts & Leisure part. You can even discover extra theatre developing on KRL’s Native Theatre occasion web page.