CHICAGO – Following its Jeff Award Recommended run of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ regional premiere of EVERYBODY, Brown Paper Box Co. concludes their 2018/2019 season with the Chicago storefront premiere of Little Women the Musical running January 11-February 9, 2019 at Strawdog Theatre Company.
Celebrating its 150th year since publication, the timeless story of the March sisters is brought to life in this Broadway chamber musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and love. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women the Musical follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to write more from her own point of view and life experience. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of her sisters and their experiences growing up in Concord, Massachusetts during the American Civil War.
Under the co-direction of Artistic Associate Stephanie Rohr and company co-founder M. William Panek and music direction of Artistic Associates T.J. Anderson & Justin Harner, Brown Paper Box Co.’s production will focus on their season’s mantra of returning “back to the basics.” This “theatre, plain and simple” approach will re-orchestrate the Broadway score for single piano to transport Jo’s memories and the events of the musical into her childhood attic, designed by Artistic Associate Jeremy Hollis.
The cast for Little Women the Musical features Tessa Dettman (Jo March), Sarah Ford (Beth March), Kim Green (Amy March), Jenny Rudnick (Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk), Andi Sharavsky (Meg March), Denise Tamburrino (Marmee), Halle Bins (Jo u/s) Karina Stribley (Swing), Dwayne Everett (John Brooke), Matthew Fayfer (Professor Bhaer), Will Kazda (Laurie), Ken Rubenstein (Mr. Laurence), and Brian Healy (Swing).
“We are putting together a true Chicago-storefront style production of Little Women, complete with a team of strong actor/singers who can carry the emotional weight of this classic story,” says director Stephanie Rohr. “We especially want to focus on the feminist themes of this classic story – not just as they relate the Jo, but to all of the strong women she encounters.”
“Little Women is a beautiful story of female empowerment, creative expression, family, and love. We’re excited to give this jewel box musical its Chicago storefront premiere for the 150th anniversary of the original book’s debut,” adds Artistic Director Kristi Szczepanek. “We hope our intimate production will bring audiences closer to this heartfelt story about the bond the March family shares and the importance of remaining true to yourself.”
The staff and design team includes Stephanie Rohr* (Co-Director), Kaitlyn Guerrieri* (Box Office Manager), Jeff Award winner Jenna Schoppe* (Choreographer), Kristi Szczepanek* (Dramaturg), T.J. Anderson* (Co-Music Director), Zach Dries* (Photographer), Justin Harner* (Co-Music Director), Jeremy Hollis* (Scenic Designer and Production Manager), M. William Panek* (Co-Director), and Charlie Sheets* (Graphic Designer).
For additional information, performance times, artists’ bios, and ticketing information, please visit www.BrownPaperBox.org.
* denotes Brown Paper Box Co. members
About Brown Paper Box Co.
Based in Chicago, Brown Paper Box Co. produces theatre that connects audiences to the heart of the story and to our shared human experience. By combining smart, simple design with clear storytelling, we make traditional pieces relevant and new work accessible.
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