From April 19-29, Niagara University Theatre will present Little Women – The Musical, by Jason Howland, Mindi Dickstein and Allan Knee. Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, this 2005 Broadway musical celebrates the beloved March sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy. Alcott once wrote of her unconventional, spirited heroine of this great work, “I am Jo.” Despite hardships of the Civil War era, this classic story has entertained generations worldwide since its first publication in 1868. The March sisters are now off the page and in the flesh and – “Christopher Columbus!” – singing.
Directed by Steven Braddock, director of NU Theatre, and choreographed by Terri Filips Vaughan, associate professor/choreographer, this production is perfect for the entire family. Musical direction is by Randy Andropolis. The set is designed by David Dwyer, assistant professor/scenic designer/production manager, and the costumes are by Maureen T. Stevens, associate professor and costume designer.
Cast members include the following Niagara University theater studies performance majors:
Renee Landrigan of Lockport, N.Y. (Jo March); Michael Wachowiak of Kenmore, N.Y. (Professor Bhaer); Keirsten Lynne Greifenstein of Cleveland, OH (Amy March); Alicia Ann Burning of Lancaster, N.Y. (Beth March); Kerisa Bonville of Fairport, N.Y. (Meg March); Andrea Gollhardt of Amherst, N.Y. (Marmee March); Michael Sheridan of Amherst, N.Y. (Mr. Laurence); Andrew Adolf of Lancaster, N.Y. (Laurie Laurence); Rachel M. Olszewski of Grand Island, N.Y. (Aunt March); Steven Foote of Ellicott City, Md. (Mr. John Brooke); Leanne Troutman of Kenmore, N.Y. (Mrs. Kirk); Alissa Sumerano of Hurley, N.Y. (Clarissa); Matt Gilbert of Berea, OH (Braxton); Alex A. Garcia of Greece, N.Y. (Rodrigo); Mark Pietruszka of Lancaster, N.Y. (Knight); Stephanie Valliere of Fairport, N.Y. (Hag); Kathleen R. Denecke of Hamburg, N.Y. (Troll); and Courtney Corbetta of Lewiston, N.Y. (Rodrigo 2). Also, members of the production’s ensemble include theatre studies students: Jeff Burruano of Wheatfield, N.Y. ; Tyler J. Duncan of Sanborn, N.Y. ; Brittany Gabryel of Orchard Park, N.Y. ; Kaylee LeRoy of Syracuse, N.Y. ; Preston D. Williams of Greenville, S.C.; and Phoebe Wright of Fairfield, Conn. Gabryel is also serving as assistant choreographer.
The assistant director of the production is theater performance major Celine Keefe of Williamsville, N.Y. Theater design/technology student Jayson D. Clark of North Tonawanda, N.Y. , is the production’s lighting designer. Stage manager is theater studies design/technology major Steph Schmidt of Rochester, N.Y. Assistant stage managers include theater performance majors Ashley Marie DeMar of Watertown, N.Y. and MacKenzie Gildemeyer of Liverpool, N.Y. . Assistant scene designer is theater design/technology student Primo R. Thomas. Assistant costume designer is general theater studies student Christina Secola of Cape Cod, Mass. Scenic charge artist is theater design/technology student Olivia Coloton of Syracuse, N.Y.
Little Women – The Musical will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 p.m. on April 19 and 26, and at 7:30 p.m. on April 20, 21, and 27. In addition, 2 p.m. matinees will be held on April 21, 22 (with post-show discussion) and 29.
For tickets and information, please call 716.286.8685 or visit the NU Theatre Box Office.
