MVNU Theatre presents "Little Women"
The MVNU Theatre department is hard at work preparing for the fall semester production of Little Women.
Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott and adapted for the stage by Scott Davidson, is a “classic coming of age tale” and tells the story of the March family, four sisters and their mother, and the joys and trials they experience growing up during the American Civil War.
Leading the charge is Director Serra Barrett. “[Director] is a very broad term,” she said. “I wear a lot of different hats.” She oversees costuming and props and works alongside a lighting designer and scenic carpenter to bring it all together. Barrett’s favorite part is watching her performers transform and “come alive onstage.” She said that throughout the rehearsal process, “they come eager to learn and grow and we go on this journey together, and I count that a privilege.”
Barrett is passionate about the value of theatre in education. She believes that theatre teaches skills “that translate into every area of life,” like critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving. “Theatre is a unique art form,” she said. “Nothing is ever the same, it happens live, it happens with an audience. It teaches you to think on your feet and to be confident and sure of yourself and it’s just all the best kinds of things rolled into one.”
Little Women is sophomore Min Leinbach’s third production with MVNU Theatre. She plays the role of eldest sister Jo March. “I relate to Jo in a lot of ways,” said Leinbach. “She’s more of a tomboyish type of character… and likes to do her own thing.” Leinbach has enjoyed getting to know her fellow cast members throughout the rehearsal process. “It has been very interesting to see everybody’s artistic process of how they develop their character.”
“We have put a lot of work into it,” said Leinbach. “It is a timeless classic… It’s tragic, it’s dramatic, it’s comedic, it’s everything! The cast has done an amazing job and I’m excited for people to see their hard work.” Barrett is confident that the show has a little something for everyone. “It’s going to be a good time. You don’t want to miss it.”
Audiences can see this classic tale come to life on Nov. 14-16. Performances of Little Women begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Thorne Performance Hall of the R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of MVNU. Tickets are $8 for students and can be purchased at the box office or at theatre.mvnu.edu.