FM wrote: “Little Women by Louisa Alcott must surely be one of the best loved of all books.
If the March family seem, to modern eyes, too good to be true at times, is it not nice to see young people with a greater care for others than themselves.
I have greatly enjoyed directing this lovely play, especially in having four such talented teenagers in the parts of Jo, Amy, Beth and Laurie – today’s young people portraying those of a bygone era. Let us hope we may see more of them in future productions.”
Publicity #1: Little Women
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: unknown
Text Header: “Michael will add authentic sound to Little Women”
Text: Content
AN American actor will add an extra touch of authenticity to the Wick Theatre Company’s production of Little Women. Michael Block, who plays Mr Brook, has appeared in many plays in the States, including Neil Simon’s Brighton Beah Memoirs.
Playing the sisters are a young group of actresses, most of whom have appeared previously in the company’s productionss. Playing the lead, Jo, is 15-year-old Jenny Brown. Her sisters are played by Jane Porter, Natalie Colgate and Sally Bayley.
The play has been adapted from Lousa May Alcott’s classic novel by Peter Clapham but still manages to capture the book’s epic sweep.
“It all revolves around the young peole.” said publicity officer Andrew Creegan. “There’s a lot of anguish, but that’s what period pieces are about.”
The play runs from December 12 to 15, performances begin at 7.45pm
Review #1: Little Women
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: December 21 issue – page 10
Reviewer: Michelle Nevell
Text Header: “A tale of women and war”
Text: Content
WELL-CAST characters, a brilliant set and period costumes transported the audience back to American family life in the 1860s at Southwick’s Barn Theatre. Wick Theatre Company’s latest production of the popular play Little Women was an appropriate choice for the festive season. Set during the American Civil War the play, adapted from Louise Alcott’s classic novel, tells of the struggles, hopes and happiness of the March family.
Four young actresses played the demanding rôles of the March sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg. Each of the actresses were cast brilliantly in their rôles and each developed their individual characters as the story unwound. Fifteen-year -old Jenny Brown, who took the lead as the tom-boy Jo, did not put a foot wrong. She kept up the difficult American accent and her appearance and manner were just right for the rôle.
Daphne Thornton as the family’s cook and maid Hannah, also gave a convincing portrayal with mixture of comedy and emotion. Betty Dawes, definitely had stage presence as the austere and harsh Aunt March, as did Joan Bearman as the gentle character of Mrs. March. American actor Michael Block added a touch of authenticity to the production as the tutor John Brooke, who falls in love with Meg March.
An effective set and lighting managed to capture the book’s epic sweep of two Christmases in the life of the March household. The problem of the actors and actresses keeping up an American accent was my only criticism. A few of the cast had no problems but others lapsed back into their normal accents after the first half-hour. Perhaps it was the effect of first-night nerves, in what was otherwise, an entertaining evening.
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