[NEohioPAL]Berko review: LITTLE WOMEN (Palace theatre)

[Roy Berko]

‘LITTLE WOMEN’ is a pleasant musical, but....

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

It’s rather amazing to realize that Louisa May
Alcott's book ‘LITTLE WOMEN,’ which was published in
1868, has never been out of print and is still selling
thousands of copies every year.  Changing the format
of a classic is a daunting task.  How many times have
you heard the phrase, “It’s not as good as the book?”

Allan Knee, who wrote the book for the show, had to be
careful not to offend people who have set images about
what each of the characters not only looks like, but
how their very persona operates.  Mindi Dickstein, in
writing the lyrics, had to keep the correct Alcott
tone of verbal sound and idea development in mind as
she wrote what the performers would sing.  Jason
Howland’s music needed to develop not only the right
tone for the era but also for helping develop the
highs and lows of the lives of the March family.  Each
basically succeeded.

‘LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL,’ which is now on stage at
the Palace Theatre examines the saga of the March
sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—as they grow up in Civil
War America.

The musical received mixed reviews when it opened on
Broadway.  It  played 55 previews and only137 regular
performances, making it far from a smash in spite of
having  superstar Maureen McGovern in the cast.   

One reviewer stated,  "Little Women isn't the most
sophisticated or rapturously melodic show you'll find
on Broadway.  But this chamber-size musical pulses
with a generous affection for its source material and
a refreshing realization that Broadway audiences don't
always need to be wowed.  It is a comfortable, honest,
highly satisfying night at the theater." 

The musical gained a Tony award nomination for Sutton
Foster for her portrayal of Jo, who dreams of becoming
a writer and finds unexpected love.  The production
did receive seven 2005 Broadway.com Audience Award
nominations.

‘LITTLE WOMEN’ is not a wonderful theatre script.  It
will never be compared with the likes of ‘MY FAIR
LADY’ and ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ which are based on
material from another source.  This does not mean it
is bad, it just isn’t a great.  It is much in the vein
of ‘SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS,’ ‘SHE LOVES ME,’
‘THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG’ and ‘PLAIN AND FANCY.’ 
They aren’t splashy musicals, just pleasant
experiences.  They are the kind of scripts that make
for successful community theatre productions.

The touring presentation brings everything necessary
to the stage.  It is well directed, well acted, is
fully-orchestrated, and has all the technical aspects
needed for a professional production.

Based on the publicity for the show one might think
the lead character was Maureen McGovern, who for over
30 years has had a career which spans recordings,
concerts, composing, theatre, film television and
radio.  That is not so.  Susan Spencer, who plays Jo
is the fulcrum around which the play turns.  Spencer,
has a wonderful voice and basically develops the role,
though she might have shown a little more “tom-boyish”
qualities.  Her duet, “Some Things Are Meant to Be,”
sung with Autumn Hurlbert (Beth) was poignant.  

As Marmee (Mother), McGovern is endearing.  Her voice
is strong and vibrant.  Her renditions of “Here Alone”
and “”Days of Plenty” were show-stoppers.

Gwen Hollander (Amy) and Renee Brna (Meg) were both
excellent.  Stephen Patterson, who portrayed Laurie,
the neighbor who loves one of the sisters but marries
another, was superb.  He lights up a stage.  His “Take
a Chance on Me” was delightful.

CAPSULE JUDGMENT:  Anyone who has or is going to see
‘LITTLE WOMEN’ will probably leave satisfied, but not
exhilarated.  It is a pleasant experience.  The cast
is good and the production gets a full, quality level
staging.

‘LITTLE WOMEN’ runs through May 21 at the Palace
Theatre in Playhouse Square.  For tickets call
216-241-6000, 800-766-6048 or go on line to
www.playhousesquare.com.


Roy Berko's web page can be found at www.royberko.info.  His theatre and dance reviews appear on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.fredsternfeld.com/mailman/listinfo/neohiopal.

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