West Aurora High School’s fall play features Louis May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women.”
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 20-22, in the school auditorium, 1201 W. New York St. in Aurora.
Director Jen Pauley said 55 students auditioned for the 11-member cast. They will perform an adaptation by Marisha Chamberlain.
Leads are Skylar Campbell, as Amy; Cara McLear, Jo; TeYonna Bailey, Meg; and Hazel Chan, Beth. Rounding out the cast are Mae Marcotte, Marmee; JJ Chan, Laurie; Daniel Mester, Brooke; Jillian Hatfield, Hannah; Iris Pawlowski, Aunt March; Jack Weber, Mr. Lawrence; and Charles Nash, Mr. March.
“Little Women” is a coming-of-age novel written by American novelist Louisa May Alcott, originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869.
Under the guidance of their beloved mother, the four young March sisters — tempestuous Jo, motherly Meg, shy Beth and spoiled baby Amy struggle to keep their family going while theri father’s away in the Civil War. In this beautifully dramatized adaptation of the classic novel, even as privation, illness, and sibling rivalry cast their shadows, each girl strives to find her true self.
The play has been adapted into numerous media, most notably through film, television, and stage productions. Key adaptations include the 1933 and 1949 films, Gillian Armstrong’s 1994 movie and Greta Gerwig’s 2019 version, which offer different interpretations of the original novel. Other versions include radio dramas, animated series and a 2018 television miniseries.
Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students in advance at sd129tickets.org. Tickets are $2 more at the door.
—Al Benson