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When LITTLE WOMEN—THE BROADWAY MUSICAL takes the Palace stage May 9-21, the story made famous by Louisa May Alcott will come to life, and the little women of the March family will sing, dance, entertain, and move us to laugher and tears. But who are these powerful characters, really? Josephine March – Jo, the second oldest of the March sisters, is the heroine of our production tale; she is loosely based on the author, Louisa May Alcott. One of the first “modern” women portrayed in literature, Jo challenges societal constraints and strives to define herself not just as a wife and mother, but also as a professional writer. She is rebellious, outspoken, and impatient with the limitations put upon women of her time. Remember this is 1868, but her character sounds like she could be from 1968. Meg March – The oldest March sister, Meg is named after their mother, and takes after her in many ways. She is nurturing and compassionate, and though she has a real desire for material luxuries, her virtuous nature is proven when she chooses true love over riches by marrying a man with little money or material goods. Beth March – The third sister, Beth is the typical old-fashioned heroine. She is musically talented, eager to please, and is ladylike and shy. She and Jo are both determined to hold their family together and are very close. Amy March – Amy is the baby of the family. She is comfortable and very much “in her own skin” playing the role of a lady. She is popular, artistic, and loves material possessions. Her attitudes are in direct contrast to Jo, each with wildly opposite views on how a woman should live her life. Marmee – The family matriarch, Marmee is a loving, devoted mother to the March girls. She provides stability and a strong moral center for the girls. Aunt March – Aunt March is the grouchy great-aunt of the March girls. She is rigid and formal; she believes that a woman’s place in life is to serve her husband and have his children. She does not think a woman should display an independent spirit, which, obviously, leads to tension between her and Jo. The “Honorary” March: Laurie Laurence – Laurie is the March’s charming, wealthy, handsome next-door neighbor. Laurie shares Jo’s feelings resisting societal norms and mores. His grandfather wants him to work in the business world and play the part of the “traditional” man, but Laurie is not interested. He much prefers music, theater and travel to the everyday routine of a businessman.
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