Little WomenProgram Cover
Adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Review by Ernest Edwards
Little Women at the Guthrie Theater is a wonderful delight. From the moment you walk into the Wurtele Thrust Stage and see the gorgeous scenery, to the first spoken words of the play. It was an enchanting night of theatre.
One of the aspects that I really like with this adaptation is that the play is both acted out on stage, and narrated from all of the characters at the same time. Such a creative way of storytelling. Spoiler alert, the story of the March sisters is also bookended by the character Louisa May Alcott in writing this timeless tale.
My season seat in the slope, felt perfect last night. I was sitting in the right place. I was drawn into the play, and loving every moment.
There is such wonderful energy coming from the cast. It was great to experience being in the theatre with this script. It put me in a great uplifting mood.
This is a wonderful ensemble play, but there are standouts in the cast. Daniel Petzold as Laurie, he has a great energy about him as Laurie. Stephanie Anne Bertumen is Meg. May Heinicke is Beth. Isabella Star LeBlance is Jo/Louisa. This play was well acted. The cast is lead expertly by Director Jackson Gay.
I really enjoyed the scenery designed by Junghyun Georgia Lee. The outdoors and the indoors blended
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| The stage before the play begins. Photo by Ernest Edwards |
well together in this play that takes place in rural Massachusetts during and after The Civil War. The scenery was perfect to represent all of the different seasons that the story takes place during. Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. It was fun watching the snow fall upstage, or the falling of flower petals and Autumn leaves. I also liked the costumes for the play, designed by Jessica Ford. Her costumes helped to transport us to when the play was taking place back in the 1860’s.
The story and struggles of the March sisters is not a new story, it was written and published in 1868. There have been numerous film and stage adaptations over the years. This adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson is true, classic, heartwarming and refreshing at the same time.
I can’t say enough nice things about this production of Little Women. This gem of a play continues through June 21, 2026. Check out www.guthrietheater.org for tickets.
