Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is one of the most beloved American literary classics. The heartwarming coming-of-age narrative of the four March sisters has proved itself timeless, mostly due to countless enjoyable adaptations that have permeated our cinema screens and theatre stages. The most recent addition will be EUTC’s production directed by Lauryn McGuire and Meri Suonenlahti, which runs at Bedlam Theatre from 22-25 October.
Our sisters include Liv de Pury as Jo, Sophie Davis as Meg, Elsie Frith as Beth and Rachel McLaren as Amy. Visiting them during their rehearsals a week away from opening night, the sisterly dynamic was clearly present. Sitting together, joking and laughing, we talked about their fundraising event, how rehearsals have been going, and what they want the audience to take away from their performance. The excitable energy seemed emblematic of Alcott’s depiction of interesting and joyful young women.
Last Sunday evening, the cast and crew held an open mic fundraiser with many performing poetry, singing, and playing guitar (with the cast’s own Elsie and Sophie taking the stage), as well as a crafting station where people could help to make decorations for the set. Veronica Yung, one of the producers, noted they had a few issues with their card machine while selling their homemade—and perfectly on theme—apple cider, yet in true theatrical fashion the show went on. Veronica remarked how the event was “really successful; we made lots of money and the apple cider was really delicious.” So delicious, in fact, that the autumnal drink will be sold at each show.
It was interesting to learn that many of the cast are performing for the first time at Bedlam, and this seems to have created the most supportive rehearsal environment. Morven Hawthorne—who plays Aunt March—described how “it is the nicest group of people.” Dylan Kaeuper, our Laurie, added how the directors Lauryn and Meri have created “a very playful and homely atmosphere.”
Not only is there a great dynamic between the cast, but also the whole production team. Nell Osborne—a member of the costume crew—described what a lovely experience she has had so far: “It’s amazing to be working with such a lovely group, and especially to be learning so many new skills within the costume department. I have never tied so many corsets before.”
There have been many bonding experiences for the group thus far, including rehearsals in the less-than-ideal Lister Learning Centre, Liv unfortunately falling off a chair, and the cast’s quite tiresome yet beautiful photoshoot around Arthur’s Seat. Their time spent together has clearly solidified their foundations as a strong team, but also impacted their perception and passion for Alcott’s characters and their individual voices.
Sophie—who plays Meg—described how she would have taken any character due to loving the story so much. She particularly enjoyed “finding the mischief in Meg,” as often she is played as a one-dimensional wife and the “most boring of the sisters.” Rachel also noted how her perspective of Amy has shifted since taking up the role: “I think I understand Amy a lot more. When I was younger, I thought she was evil, and now I think she is the sweetest little girl having a tough time—she is not actually a brat, but a girl growing up.’ Playing their mother, and our matriarch Marmie, is Ronnie Kane. Rachel remarked how “from the beginning, she was so maternal with us all.”
In many adaptations, such as the 2019 Greta Gerwig version, the set of March family home permeates an overwhelming feeling of familial domestic warmth. Bianca Pattison—a member of the set team—summed up how the team are hoping to create the March’s home: “We are trying to capture the whimsy and comfort of the book on stage.”
Little Women charts the development of sisterhood into womanhood with all its chaos, complexity, and overwhelming emotions—but with the constant thread of family love and connection. Perfectly summed up by our Beth, Elsie Frith, the production team wants the audience to feel “like they have been watching a family, like they have been invited into our home, and that we have been able to create that feeling of childhood familial nostalgia that is at the heart of Alcott’s work.”
Photo by Emily Sharp (@emilyrosesharp on Instagram)