Theater Review
The Theatre Palisades Youth production of ‘Little Women’ is a sweet evening showcasing local talent. The play will continue tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and conclude Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2005, has a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. It follows the 1869 novel by Louisa May Alcott about a headstrong young woman Jo, her three sisters’romantic Meg, even-tempered sweet Beth and the volatile, pretentious Amy’and their beloved mother Marmee. The action takes place in Concord, Massachusetts, while the girls’ chaplain father is serving in the Civil War. Kudos to Dorothy Dillingham Blue (who has directed a wide assortment of TPY plays, including originals like ‘Piggy Nation’ and children’s classics like ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Annie’) for tackling a period piece such as ‘Little Women.’ The 30 youth in this production all have stage time and a moment in which they can shine. Equally skilled is musical director Neill Chambers, who plays the piano for the 19 songs and the overture. Danika Masi (Jo) sings in 13 of the numbers, proving that she not only has a powerful stage presence, but a strong and lovely voice. Her duet with Dylan La Rocque (Laurie) was a joy to hear. La Rocque seemed to light up the stage every time he made an entrance. The actresses playing the March sisters were also quite engaging. Gianna Pressman (Beth) fit her character completely and her singing was delightful. One of the highlights of opening night was her duet with Brendan Welch (Mr. Lawrence). Amy was played by two actresses: Niki Leshgold as the younger character in Act I and Katherine Kedeshian as the more mature Amy in Act II. Both were excellent and played their roles to perfection. Bailey Kirshner (Meg) hit exactly the right note both singing and acting. Joseph Thomas (Professor Bhaer), Ashley Longo (Aunt March) and Sam Collins (Marmee) were adept in their parts, with beautiful voices. Also entertaining as assorted trolls, ice skaters, knights, hags and other cast members were Quinn Albert, Gracie Evans, Mia Garrett, Rafe Israel, Halle Jacobs, Caroline Kedeshian, Lili Koenig, Dani Leshgold, Megan Lewis, Keavy Lynch, Ariel, Jakob and Joseph Pollack, Alexis Restum, Brooke Richards, Juliete Seo, Claire Suisman, Natalie Turgeman and Megan and Samantha White. Parents thinking of taking preschool or early elementary children should note the length, nearly two hours with intermission. The musical, which follows Alcott’s book, speaks of love, ambition and life’s tragedies, and the themes are more recognizable to middle school and older students. Tickets are $12. Visit www.theatrepalisades.org or call (310) 454-1970. v By SUE PASCOE Staff Writer The Theatre Palisades Youth production of ‘Little Women’ is a sweet evening showcasing local talent. The play will continue tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and conclude Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2005, has a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. It follows the 1869 novel by Louisa May Alcott about a headstrong young woman Jo, her three sisters’romantic Meg, even-tempered sweet Beth and the volatile, pretentious Amy’and their beloved mother Marmee. The action takes place in Concord, Massachusetts, while the girls’ chaplain father is serving in the Civil War. Kudos to Dorothy Dillingham Blue (who has directed a wide assortment of TPY plays, including originals like ‘Piggy Nation’ and children’s classics like ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Annie’) for tackling a period piece such as ‘Little Women.’ The 30 youth in this production all have stage time and a moment in which they can shine. Equally skilled is musical director Neill Chambers, who plays the piano for the 19 songs and the overture. Danika Masi (Jo) sings in 13 of the numbers, proving that she not only has a powerful stage presence, but a strong and lovely voice. Her duet with Dylan La Rocque (Laurie) was a joy to hear. La Rocque seemed to light up the stage every time he made an entrance. The actresses playing the March sisters were also quite engaging. Gianna Pressman (Beth) fit her character completely and her singing was delightful. One of the highlights of opening night was her duet with Brendan Welch (Mr. Lawrence). Amy was played by two actresses: Niki Leshgold as the younger character in Act I and Katherine Kedeshian as the more mature Amy in Act II. Both were excellent and played their roles to perfection. Bailey Kirshner (Meg) hit exactly the right note both singing and acting. Joseph Thomas (Professor Bhaer), Ashley Longo (Aunt March) and Sam Collins (Marmee) were adept in their parts, with beautiful voices. Also entertaining as assorted trolls, ice skaters, knights, hags and other cast members were Quinn Albert, Gracie Evans, Mia Garrett, Rafe Israel, Halle Jacobs, Caroline Kedeshian, Lili Koenig, Dani Leshgold, Megan Lewis, Keavy Lynch, Ariel, Jakob and Joseph Pollack, Alexis Restum, Brooke Richards, Juliete Seo, Claire Suisman, Natalie Turgeman and Megan and Samantha White. Parents thinking of taking preschool or early elementary children should note the length, nearly two hours with intermission. The musical, which follows Alcott’s book, speaks of love, ambition and life’s tragedies, and the themes are more recognizable to middle school and older students. Tickets are $12. Visit www.theatrepalisades.org or call (310) 454-1970. v By SUE PASCOE Staff Writer The Theatre Palisades Youth production of ‘Little Women’ is a sweet evening showcasing local talent. The play will continue tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and conclude Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The show, which premiered on Broadway in 2005, has a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland. It follows the 1869 novel by Louisa May Alcott about a headstrong young woman Jo, her three sisters’romantic Meg, even-tempered sweet Beth and the volatile, pretentious Amy’and their beloved mother Marmee. The action takes place in Concord, Massachusetts, while the girls’ chaplain father is serving in the Civil War. Kudos to Dorothy Dillingham Blue (who has directed a wide assortment of TPY plays, including originals like ‘Piggy Nation’ and children’s classics like ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Annie’) for tackling a period piece such as ‘Little Women.’ The 30 youth in this production all have stage time and a moment in which they can shine. Equally skilled is musical director Neill Chambers, who plays the piano for the 19 songs and the overture. Danika Masi (Jo) sings in 13 of the numbers, proving that she not only has a powerful stage presence, but a strong and lovely voice. Her duet with Dylan La Rocque (Laurie) was a joy to hear. La Rocque seemed to light up the stage every time he made an entrance. The actresses playing the March sisters were also quite engaging. Gianna Pressman (Beth) fit her character completely and her singing was delightful. One of the highlights of opening night was her duet with Brendan Welch (Mr. Lawrence). Amy was played by two actresses: Niki Leshgold as the younger character in Act I and Katherine Kedeshian as the more mature Amy in Act II. Both were excellent and played their roles to perfection. Bailey Kirshner (Meg) hit exactly the right note both singing and acting. Joseph Thomas (Professor Bhaer), Ashley Longo (Aunt March) and Sam Collins (Marmee) were adept in their parts, with beautiful voices. Also entertaining as assorted trolls, ice skaters, knights, hags and other cast members were Quinn Albert, Gracie Evans, Mia Garrett, Rafe Israel, Halle Jacobs, Caroline Kedeshian, Lili Koenig, Dani Leshgold, Megan Lewis, Keavy Lynch, Ariel, Jakob and Joseph Pollack, Alexis Restum, Brooke Richards, Juliete Seo, Claire Suisman, Natalie Turgeman and Megan and Samantha White. Parents thinking of taking preschool or early elementary children should note the length, nearly two hours with intermission. The musical, which follows Alcott’s book, speaks of love, ambition and life’s tragedies, and the themes are more recognizable to middle school and older students. Tickets are $12. Visit www.theatrepalisades.org or call (310) 454-1970.
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