Little Women
at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Reviewed on March 22, 2014

Jennifer Kaplan
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Sisterly Bonds Hold St. Margaret's "Little Women" Together

Jennifer Kaplan is a junior at Tesoro High School in Las Flores.

With distinctly honest performances, vibrantly passionate songs, and innovative visuals, St. Margaret's delivers a resonating emotional rendition of the classic literary tale. Set during the Civil War in Concord, Massachusetts, "Little Women" reveals how four sisters can stand strongest against their greatest obstacles when they face them together.

Morgan Higgins's confidence and daring as Jo make her a force to be reckoned with as she leaps atop tables and stairwells, peering dauntlessly at imagined adventures. Her inventiveness explodes during "The Weekly Volcano Press" when she postures as her story's various characters- alternately swooning like a damsel, groveling as a hunchbacked hag, and brandishing an imaginary sword. In a tender sisterly moment revealing her humanity behind the brash façade, Jo's edginess softens to match the ailing Beth's (Annika Krafcik) gentle, honeyed tones during "Some Things are Meant to be".

Sporting a goofy grin as he bounds enthusiastically about only to sheepishly dash back after catching Jo's attention, Brooks Robinson's Laurie adds a boyish vitality to the stage that is the perfect complement to Jo's recklessness.

With an impish scamper and mischievously chirping voice, Amy's (Heather Nielsen) status as the youngest March sister is delightfully evident. She impatiently bursts into conversations, leading with crossed arms and a perpetual pout. This impishness subsides into refinement as her chin turns up towards the possibility of a finer life- a maturation that transforms her cumbersome, clamoring childishness into a sophisticated, stately stride.

Delanie Melbon is soothingly motherly as Marmee, using poise and a composed expression to exert a calming influence over the chaos of her daughters' lives. In an aching revelation of her inner pain, she stands solitarily facing the audience during "Here Alone", hands clutched together in a powerful symbol of her concealed uncertainty and grief.

Tiffany Choe is hilariously pompous, at once shuffling dismissively about and clucking like a decorated chicken as Aunt March. Whether disdainfully cutting off Jo's protests with a swipe of her fan or glaring at the sisters with matriarchal superiority, her absurd gestures offer a playful comedic relief.

From the stirring vocals to the complex relationships between the sisters that burst with poignant moments ranging from the comedic to the tragic, the emotional spectrum on display at St. Margaret's is simply ‘astonishing'. "Little Women" proves that earthly sentiments may be temporary, but sisters are forever.

Alexis Stary
Newport Harbor High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Saint Margaret's Little Women is Astonishing

Alexis Stary is a senior at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach.

Little Women, based on Louisa May Alcott's world-famous novel, was adapted to the stage by Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein, and Jason Howland. Little Women follows the story of the four March sisters, particularly outspoken Jo, during Civil War era America. With daring, compassion, and love, the sisters grow up into the little women they were meant to be.

Starring as the wild Jo is Morgan Higgins. Higgins' powerful presence is exemplified by her vigorous walk and marvelous vocals. In songs such as "Astonishing" and "Fire Within Me," Higgins creates a memorable and iconic character. Playing Jo's love interest is Brent Cahill, who contrasts Higgins' wild energy with a reserved and composed stature. Cahill is to be commended for maintaining a consistent German accent throughout the production.

As Jo's childhood friend Laurie, Brooks Robinson delights with a giddy energy and boyish awkwardness as he interacts with the sisters. Together, Robinson and Higgins develop a playful and sweet relationship. Delanie Melbon plays Marmee, the girls' strong and mature mother. Melbon perfectly balances between a concerned woman and the rock of a family. In songs such as "Here Alone" and "Days of Plenty" Melbon dominates the stage with her commanding presence and incredible vocals. Jo's sisters Meg (Madysen Crnic), Beth (Annika Krafcik), and Amy (Heather Nielsen) play beautifully off one another and manage to age their characters with time while still maintaining the essence of each girl.

Standout supporting characters include Aunt March (Tiffany Choe), Mr. Brooke (David Weaver), and Mrs. Kirk (Olivia Keane). While having little stage time, each of these actors develops a memorable and unique role. The ensemble in this performance is dedicated and provides a phenomenal energy during group scenes such as "The Weekly Volcano Press." Choreography by Kelly Burk and Nicole Fava is lyrical, expressive, and emotional. The dream dancers beautifully express the emotions of the characters they represent.

Stage manager Cooper Zediker runs the show flawlessly with perfectly timed lighting and sound cues.

The entire cast of Saint Margaret's production of Little Women comes together to perform a memorable, enchanting, and emotional production that will leave the audience in tears.

Kinsey Sundstrom
Irvine High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

St. Margaret's Little Women Makes a Big Statement

Kinsey Sundstrom is a senior at Irvine High School in Irvine.

The story is a beloved American classic: In the absence of their father, a military chaplain serving in the Civil War, the four adolescent March sisters and their mother, Marmee, band together, each sister experiencing different obstacles on the path to womanhood. Ultimately, the girls find the strength to be themselves through the bond of their sisterhood and their love for each other.

St. Margaret's took a unique approach to the familiar tale, innovating the story through the use of "dream dancers", symbolic costuming, and a minimalist set. The fresh look at the classic narrative opened the story to a younger generation in a profound and moving way.

Morgan Higgins is stunning as the ambitious, independent heroine, Jo March, delivering a complex performance that reveals the depth of her character. Her comedic interactions with Laurie (Brooks Robinson) showcase her pride and candor, while her ballads, such as the emotional "Astonishing", reveal the scope of her strength and determination. Brent Cahill is charming as Jo's love interest, the introverted Professor Bhaer, perfectly complimenting the outspoken Jo while developing his own unique character. Delanie Melbon also gives a powerful performance as Marmee, portraying the loving matriarch of the family with stoic grace and motherly wisdom.

Tiffany Choe should also be commended for her portrayal of the snobbish, arrogant Aunt March. The combination of her powerful vocals and comedic character make for an engaging performance. Mrs. Kirk (Olivia Keane), the quirky Irish housekeeper, is another a highly enjoyable stage presence whose exaggerated character wins many laughs.

A unique aspect of St. Margaret's production is the addition of original choreography, created by Kelly Burk and Nicole Fava. Each of the four sisters and Marmee are assigned a "dream dancer" who illustrates their deepest wants and desires through expressive movement during songs. The innovative choreography provides the audience with emotional insight into the minds and hearts of the March women, perfectly complimenting each performer.

Even as we mature, the beloved stories of our youth stay with us. Through innovative insights and honest, heartfelt performances, St. Margaret's upholds the true spirit of a beloved American classic. This production proves that "Little Women" will always have a place in our history, reminding us that with the love of our families and the passion to pursue our dreams, we can all be "astonishing".