Through December 20, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
Having seen the musical version of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women for the first time over the summer, and having been pleasantly surprised by how compelling I found it, I'm a bit disappointed with the rather listless production currently taking place on the stage of the Roberts Orpheum Theatre. Stages St. Louis has certainly put together a talented cast for their first holiday show, but somehow the story never really takes hold and engages like it should. It might have something to do with the venue itself. This is an intimate show that would seem to work better in a smaller auditorium, and the barn-like confines and acoustics of the Orpheum don't really lend themselves to this kind of material.
The plot follows the March family as they deal with adversity during the Civil War. The story is told through the eyes, and voice of aspiring writer and headstrong sister, Jo. She thinks the fastest path to success is penning pulpy tales of adventure and romance, but it's when she begins to actually write what she knows that she finds her true calling. Though she and her family face tragedy and heartbreak, there is a happy and hopeful conclusion. Loosely biographical, Alcott's book is neatly condensed by Allan Knee, with Jason Howland and Mindi Dickstein's music and lyrics filling in the emotional blanks.
Casey Erin Clark gives her all as Jo, and she has a strong voice showcased on numbers like the act one closer "Astonishing", and act two's tearful "Some Things Are Meant to Be". But, she needs to have more of an edge to her performance in order to fully convince. Michael Shawn Lewis amuses as the stuffy and repressed Professor Bhaer. He's Jo's only honest critic, and the sparks you see developing between them are a clear foreshadowing of the love that will eventually develop. Lewis does nice work with Clark on the lovely tune "Small Umbrella in the Rain".
Ben Nordstrom nearly steals the show as Laurie, the boy next door who's smitten with Jo, but can't get beyond brotherly love. Every moment Nordstrom's on stage is electric, and it's a real pity his character disappears for the better part of the second act. He's terrific as he implores Jo to "Take a Chance on Me", and his energy enlivens the group number "Five Forever" as the girls make him an honorary sibling.
Christy Morton is good as Meg, finding love with Sean Hayden as Mr. Brooke. Their duet, "More Than I Am" provides a nice romantic interlude. Pamela Brumley draws sympathy as ill-fated sister Beth. Cary Miller is less successful as the bratty Amy, underplaying too much too early in a role meant to be broad and childish. As matriarch Marmee, Mary Jayne Raleigh is effective as she reacts to a letter from her husband with the tender song, "Here Alone".
Gary Lindenmann finds the soft center beneath the hard outer shell of Mr. Laurence. Kari Ely shines as Mrs. Kirk, who runs the boarding house where Jo and Professor Bhaer live. Zoe Vonder Haar is a perfect fit as society-obsessed Aunt March. "Could You" finds her questioning Jo's willingness to change her ways, even with a trip to Europe as incentive.
Michael Hamilton's direction allows the pace to drag and the focus to wane. James Wolk's bi-level scenery features some cleverly designed movable set pieces. Matthew McCarthy's lighting is generally well conceived and executed. Lisa Campbell Albert's music direction is solid for the most part, but Stuart Elmore's orchestral design sounds thin in spots.
Little Women continues through December 20th, 2008 at the Roberts Orpheum Theatre. To purchase tickets go online to www.ticketmaster.com
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