Theater review: ‘Women’ warms the heart

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By Kay Luna | Wednesday, July 16, 2008 3:33 PM CDT | () comments

Is “Little Women, the Musical,” as performed by the Quad-City Music Guild, “astonishing,” as its lead character, Jo March (Erin O’Shea), repeatedly says she wants her life to be?

No. But it is heartwarming in many parts, with classic themes from Louisa May Alcott’s book that still ring true in modern times: Overcoming society’s old standards for women, struggling to be happy in life and valuing family connections.

And, oh, the music. The music and singing are wonderful.

Even if you aren’t familiar with Alcott’s book — which focuses on the bonds and bickering among four sisters growing up with their mother in the Civil War era — most audience members will identify with someone, or something, in the musical.

I enjoyed O’Shea’s performance as Jo, a tomboy who goes to New York to become a famous writer of “blood and guts stories.” O’Shea portrays Jo as feisty and strong, someone who openly goes contrary to what the women of her time were expected to do.

“With a good marriage, you can have power,” Aunt March (Pami Triebel) says. “You can take your place in society.”

But Jo continues writing, with a passion played out in fantasy scenes that show Jo’s story characters coming alive.

I wish the audience could get to know the other characters in more depth. All we know, really, is that Meg (Laurel Williams) is the sensible one, Beth (Sarah Walker) is frail and sweet, and Amy (Abbey Donohoe) is more into her outward appearance. That isn’t the fault of these Music Guild actresses who perform their hearts out with the material they’re given.

But back to the music. I especially got goosebumps when Marmee (Dolores Sierra) sang her first solo, “Here Alone.” Sierra connects with the audience, portraying a loving, calm, rational, true-to-life mother who tries to protect her girls from the real hurt she feels in her husband’s absence and other struggles.

At just over 2 1/2 hours, younger children might not sit through this show. But, as Jo likes to say, “Christopher Columbus!” What a nice musical.

IF YOU GO

What: “Little Women, the Musical”

When: 7:30 p.m. July 17-19, and 2 p.m. July 20

Where: Quad-City Music Guild, Prospect Park Auditorium, Moline

How much: $15 for adults, $9 for children $12 and younger

Information: (309) 762-6610 or qcmusicguild.com on the Web

Kay Luna can be contacted at (563) 383-2323 or kluna@qctimes.com. Comment on this review at qctimes.com.