Little Women
at Oakcrest School

Reviewed on February 23, 2018

Lily Perez
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

A force of female power was displayed in Oakcrest School's charismatic production of Little Women, a classic coming-of-age tale that renders, through touching emotion and lively comedy, the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women chronicles a tumultuous year in the lives of the March sisters Meg, Amy, Jo, and Beth. In a departure from its original text, the stage adaptation by Kristin Laurence forgoes male characters to focus on the central relationships among the sisters and their rich individual development. The effective characterization and engaging dynamic of the cast, paired with accomplished work in creative areas, were such that the poignant undertones of this well-known text were truly brought to fruition.

At the compelling emotional core of Little Women were the March sisters, whose natural and endearing chemistry imbued scenes of everyday life and life-altering crisis with authenticity. Eldest sisters Meg (Kiley Hatch) and Jo (Jane Kearns) underwent transformative developments as they encountered the social pressures of the Civil War era in which the story took place. Hatch's earnest performance, particularly showcased in an impassioned monologue in the second act of the production, was foiled in a compelling manner by Kearn's ambitious Jo, who she embodied with spry physicality. Devon Bogucki's Amy at times challenged the two's pursuits, while displaying her own growth from immaturity to burgeoning sophistication. The quiet forces of Angela Diaz-Bonilla's Marmee and Lourdes Navarro's Beth effectively balanced the energy of their onstage family members, lending a calm focus to scenes of bustling activity and occasionally sudden conflict.

Much of this conflict came by way of the girls' Aunt March (Eli Crishock), whose frank words of wisdom did much to challenge their values and behaviors. Crishock's blunt delivery of Aunt March's most scathing criticisms were juxtaposed by sensitivity with certain characters, creating a nuanced portrayal nonetheless imbued with excellent comedic moments. As an ally to the four sisters, Meg Hale (playing Hannah, the family's maid) maximized her scenes by committing to strong vocal choices, ensuring that the character's impact on the central family was fully realized.

Oakcrest's wide stage was utilized effectively by an expansive set which, featuring a window seat, piano, fireplace, and window looking out over a winter scene, allowed for the creation of moving stage pictures and dynamic interaction between characters. Though the visibility of the actors was at times hindered by the even level of the stage, crisp and accurate sound work, including off-stage cues and sound effects, ensured that the messages of the plot were not lost. Were it not for their memorable hair and makeup, the scene-stealing turns of Katiebelle Thompson as Aunt Caroll and Grace McGovern as Sallie Moffat, as well as the aging and developments of the main characters as the plot unfolded, would not have been as effectively conveyed.

The cohesive work of the committed cast and crew of Oakcrest School's Little Women demonstrated with aplomb that the tight bonds of family cannot be threatened by the unexpected turmoil of life, in a production that was as authentic as it was entertaining.

Emma Shacochis
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"All of the exciting things in this house seem to happen at once!" exclaims Amy March, and many would be inclined to agree, as life in their household changes in an instant for the March sisters. The trials and tribulations of sisterhood are in full, charming force in Oakcrest School's classic and heartwarming production of "Little Women".

Louisa May Alcott's classic two-part novel, published in 1880, has cemented itself as one of the most beloved books among readers of all ages. It remains popular to this day, via a multitude of adaptations on film, including a 1994 remake starring Winona Ryder, in television serials, and a 2005 Broadway musical.

Adapted for the stage by Kristin Laurence, the dramatized adaptation of "Little Women" chronicles a year in the life of the March women as they grow up on the Massachusetts home front during the Civil War, beginning and ending at Christmas.

Whether their greatest struggle is a poorly brewed cup of tea or a terrifying case of scarlet fever, the March sisters work together through it all. While each of the sisters is written with specific personality traits, the quartet of actresses at Oakcrest deftly manage to not rely on archetypes alone.

Kiley Hatch, as eldest sister Meg, performs with an immense amount of grace. While at first, she longs for a more glamorous life, and puts on mature, motherly airs, Hatch shows growth with incredible vulnerability and strength when tragedy strikes. And when Meg has fallen in love, Hatch's rejection of marrying for wealth came via a powerfully delivered and very satisfying outburst.

As Jo, Jane Kearns finds success in her joyously boisterous character. As the self-proclaimed "man of the house" and an aspiring writer, Kearns creates specific and fully developed relationships with each of her sisters, with heartwarming devotion to her younger sister Beth (Lourdes Navarro). Kearns uses her lanky physicality well for Jo's spirited behavior, especially in her overly-theatrical play-acting and execution of an impromptu cartwheel in her hoop skirt.

Amy, the youngest sister, is played with a perfect pout by Devon Bogucki. Bogucki makes the character a comedic favorite, with her misuse of elegant words to improve her "vocabilary", and delightfully youthful sass and dignity, proving undeterred even after nearly drowning and with her foot stuck in a bucket.

The family's daily lives also feature Meg Hale's Hannah, blending sensible steadfastness and true tenderness for the sisters; and Aunt March, Eli Crishock, performed with caustic energy and unrelenting criticism by
The way that the four sisters banter and bicker comes naturally, going from fighting in one scene to reconciliation seconds later. The sweetest moments of the show are sourced around the reunion of the sisters with their mother Marmee (Angela Diaz-Bonilla): when the women are together, gathering at the piano to sing or running outside in a joyful pack to greet their father when he comes home from the war, their genuine chemistry proves heartwarming and riveting.

The play is made even more immersive by the warmly designed set (Mary Grace Nugent, et al.) of the March's living room. As the central setting to the events of the March sisters' lives, the set features well-designed wallpapers and a snowy picture window perfect for observing neighbors - and for Jo's quick exits, to the dismay of her sisters.

With the charms of family in full force, Oakcrest School's "Little Women" is lifted by the wonderful cast, and a perfect portrayal of the remarkably powerful bond of sisterhood.

Sumie Yotsukura
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Some stories never truly grow old. Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, reaching its 150th anniversary this year, is one of them. Over the years, the tale has inspired countless adaptations for stage and screen, including a musical and an opera. Oakcrest School continues this tradition, bringing the beloved classic to life in a heartwarming production of Kristin Laurence's all-female adaptation. The play depicts a year in the life of the March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy — as they deal with the joys and sorrows of life during the Civil War.

Meg (Kiley Hatch), the oldest, longs for luxury and its beauties. Jo (Jane Kearns), the "man of the family," with her father away, aspires to be a great writer. Amy (Devon Bogucki), spoiled and vain, wants to be included, accepted and loved by all. Beth (Lourdes Navarro), the calmest of all the sisters, seeks to keep the peace. The relationships between these four women provide the main drama of the play, and the young women of Oakcrest School beautifully capture both the tension and love that bind the family through thick and thin.

Perhaps most impressive is Kiley Hatch's elegant performance as Meg. From the beginning, Hatch embodies the style and graces of the period in her posture, gestures, and voice. Both Meg's teenage vanity and her motherly love for her sisters are clear in Hatch's every phrase. She illustrates Meg's journey from girl to woman with ease and grace. Hatch really shines in Meg's climactic face-off with Aunt March, where Meg touchingly declares that love matters more to her than wealth.

Providing a boyish balance to Hatch's feminine Meg is Jane Kearns as the rowdy Jo, who plays the role with a refreshing energy and vivacity. Kearns' excellent chemistry with her fellow actresses truly anchors the story. Her relationship with Amy particularly stands out; Devon Bogucki, who plays Amy with delightfully self-righteous poise, plays off of Kearns nicely in every squabble and make-up. Other standouts include Hannah, the Irish maid played by Meg Hale, Aunt March, played by Eli Crishock, and Aunt Carroll, played by Katiebelle Thompson, who provide much needed comic relief and, at times, necessary dramatic support.

Various technical elements were also used nicely. Hair and makeup captured the period in the curls, updos, and simple makeup. Of particular note were Amy's delightfully bouncy pigtail curls, through which the character's personality shone. Some of the makeup was not always easy to see, some of which may have been due to the lighting, but overall, the makeup was used well. The work on sound was excellent; the microphones were managed extremely well, with few blips and only a few pacing issues. The permanent set of the March living room, made up of panels, a window that could open to a snowy backdrop, a fireplace, and several pieces of furniture, nicely set the scene. While some elements of it could have been neater, the effect was charming and cozy, expressing the feeling of home.

Oakcrest School's lovely production of Little Women truly captured the essence of heartwarming Louisa May Alcott's story of love and family.

Aubrey Winger
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to The Catholic Herald

Four girls in antebellum dresses may not seem accessible to a modern audience, but these particular sisters are just as cherished in 2018 as they were in 1868. Oakcrest School's recent production of Little Women was a heartwarming testament to a book that has been adored by young and old alike for over a hundred years.

Kristen Laurence's adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic gives insight into the lives of these four young girls during the Civil War and their individual journeys from adolescence into adulthood. Told from an entirely female perspective, this production is an intimate examination of the "Little Women" we know and love.

Each of the sisters developed a unique personality trait that set them apart as they faced the trials and tribulations of daily life. Even so, they still knew when to rely on each other, forming a cohesive ensemble and an unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

Jo (Jane Kearns) excelled at creating a boyish demeanor, gallivanting across the stage and constantly roping her siblings into taking part in elaborate productions. Strong-willed and insolent, she refused to let society dictate how she should behave. However, she juxtaposed this tomfoolery with genuine kindness as she became a caretaker for soft-spoken Beth (Lourdes Navarro). Navarro quickly established an austere presence, watching over the other girls with a quiet dignity.

The youthful exuberance of Amy (Devon Bogucki) brought vivacity to every scene. Portraying the youngest of the four girls, Bogucki encapsulated the single-minded desires of a young child through her constant tantrums and ill-fated artistic pursuits.

Meg (Kiley Hatch) maintained an air of poise and maturity, abandoning her vanity to play a maternal role in the lives of her sisters. She demonstrated the greatest character arc in the show, eventually abandoning concerns about status to find strength in true love.

Eli Crishock's portrayal of the crotchety Aunt March quickly became an audience favorite. Her curt tone and booming voice, combined with her utter disgust at Jo's teatime offerings, never failed to amuse. Katiebelle Thompson was equally as hilarious: her single cameo as the aging Aunt Caroll was brought to life by her commitment to the senility of her character.

The body microphones perfectly amplified the actresses without distracting from their performance. The sound effects were well executed and helped to create the atmosphere of a Civil War era household. The illusion of the wintery landscape outside the March's living room window conveyed the imagery of a cold December afternoon, while the window itself made it easy for the girls to lean out and communicate with nonexistent male characters.

No sisters are more famous than those depicted in Little Women. Their lives are universal, having been reimagined in every possible media format, from films and TV shows to opera. Oakcrest School's production of Little Women maintained the integrity of this beloved story, exploring the coming-of-age of the everyday heroine, the bond between sisters, and our innately human capability to rise up and fight for what we love.

Anna Krelovich
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

"Christopher Columbus!" Exclaims an excited Jo to her three sisters as they learn how to live on their own for the first time, only depending on each other. Emphasizing the importance of familial love, Oakcrest School' production of Little Women provides a thoughtful take on the classic tale.

Based on the Louisa May Alcott's 1869 novel of the same name, Little Women was adapted for the stage by Kristin Laurence. This unique all female edition follows the four March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, living in Concord, Massachusetts after their father goes off to fight in the Civil War. After their father falls ill and their mother Marmee goes to attend to him in Washington D.C., the girls are left to face the tribulations of life, and their expected roles in 19th century society, on their own, with only the support of each other to guide them.

Each of the four March sisters showcased a distinct trait, indicating their goals and values in life. Jo, portrayed by Jane Kearns, is brassily tomboyish, completely disregarding the expectations of her to be a proper young lady. Kearns is bold and quick-tongued in her temper, and hilarious when mocking her sister Amy's (Devon Bogucki) request to act more prim and polite. Portraying Meg, Kiley Hatch is longing for a greater life of luxury, while still retaining a matronly responsibility expected for being the eldest sister. Hatch is kind and loving to her sisters, even in the face of resistance, and when confronted for her love of a poor man, is passionate and defensive, communicating a security in her beliefs. Lourdes Navarro is the quiet and contemplative Beth, becoming visibly weaker as she falls ill. Bogucki's portrayal of the youngest sister Amy is bratty and self-centered, yet still caring. She desperately longs for a life of proper normalcy, twirling around in her fanciest dress and fantasizing about marriage. Together, the four girls create a well-rounded family dynamic, being both dependent and resentful of their sisters.

The March sisters' mother Marmee is portrayed by Angela Diaz-Bonilla, who is composed and wise, always there to offer her daughters sage advice. Her composure served to mellow the girls' often exuberant and inflated personalities and bring them to a place of reason. Portraying Aunt March, Eli Crishock is materialistic and rude, commendably embodying the society Jo condemns.

The simple home features aged yellow wallpaper and a grand bay window overlooking a snowy landscape, complete with homey furniture and cozy fireplace. The hair serves to set the period well, and Beth's increasingly pale makeup notably indicates her worsening disease.

Sitting together reflecting on their past year, the March family excitedly rushes to the door to greet their father. With thoughtful actresses and hilarious moments, Oakcrest School's production of Little Women dutifully teaches that family bonds come above all, and devotedly mocks the societal expectations of women in 19th century America.

Franny Sewell
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Christopher Columbus! Oakcrest School dazzled audiences with their heartwarming production of Little Women. Based on the famous novel by Louisa May Alcott and adapted to stage by Kristin Laurence, Little Women tells the tale of the four March sisters and their escapades in 1860's New England during the Civil War. The all-female cast did a wonderful job bringing these famed characters and story to life.

The true strength in this show came from its core: the four sisters. The chemistry between them shone onstage and enhanced all of their scenes. Kiley Hatch played Meg, the eldest sister, and brought a graceful maturity and strength to her acting. She experienced a big character arc during the show, and displayed a wide range of emotions in her scenes. Her scenes with Jo (Jane Kearns) were especially good, as their characters contrasted and both actresses held their own onstage. Another standout in the cast was Devon Bogucki who played Amy, the youngest sister. She channeled the youthful energy of her character well, and had very good comedic timing. The show had many good comedic moments, many of which occurred when Aunt March (Eli Crishock) was speaking. She brought a funny, exaggerated character whenever she stepped onstage. Her voice and movements really added to her over-the-top characterization.

The permanent set told the story very well. The show takes place in the March's parlor, and the details really help tell the story. From the vintage fire irons to the delicate tea set, the props stood out onstage. The stage was quite large, and at times it was hard to heard and understand some actors, but most of the time diction was crisp and clear, and the audience caught most of the famous lines.

The tale of Little Women truly transcends time. The family values, the relationships and the dilemmas are ones that a modern audience can understand and sympathize with. Oakcrest presents this play with a beautiful understanding and respect, and proves that a good story never goes out of style.