3rd Act Theatre puts on delightful showing of 'Little Women'

Elizabeth Hurd
·2 min read
Rosemary Orwig Rodgers (seated) as Mrs. March, ‘Marmee’ surrounded by her four daughters, Jillian Wheeler as Meg (standing, left), Caitlin Cairns as Jo (standing, right) and Zoë Parkinson as Amy (seated, left) with Pallas Johnson as Beth (seated, right).
Rosemary Orwig Rodgers (seated) as Mrs. March, ‘Marmee’ surrounded by her four daughters, Jillian Wheeler as Meg (standing, left), Caitlin Cairns as Jo (standing, right) and Zoë Parkinson as Amy (seated, left) with Pallas Johnson as Beth (seated, right).

3rd Act Theatre in the Shoppes at Northpark Mall in Oklahoma City is presenting Louisa May Alcott’s delightful “Little Women” through Dec. 19.

The show aptly directed by Jamie Brewster is an inspired choice for community theatre. Many of us grew up with Josephine (Jo) March and her three sisters as they struggled in this coming-of-age story.

Louisa May Alcott wrote “Little Women” based on her own family experiences and this adaptation by Scott Davidson captures the essentials. The cast of 10 veteran actors is led by Caitlin Cairns, who presents an excellent version of Jo, headstrong and kind. The time is a gloomy Christmas during the Civil War and the place is a cold Massachusetts, but the story is quite relevant and Cairns tells the story with integrity.

The play also stars Jillian Wheeler as Meg, Pallas Johnson as Beth, and Zoë Parkinson as Amy. The four sisters have their understanding mother, "Marmee," played by Rosemary Orwig Rodgers, and their kindly and unique old family retainer Hannah, played delightfully by Chris Spencer Harris.

Their father, Mr. March, played by Chris Rodgers, is off to war as an Army chaplain. They must also deal with the wealthy and rather crusty Aunt March, a favorite relative played by Lilli Bassett. Of great comfort to them is youthful neighbor Theodore Laurence, "Laurie," who is played by David Burkhart, and his tutor, John Brooke portrayed by James Copelan.

Brewster’s excellent direction is complimented by Assistant Director James Tyra, and Stage Manager Don Taylor, with ‘angel’ Stage Manager Christine Jolly.

“Little Women” is an excellent choice of show depicting the real meaning of Christmas for any family, and is as timeless and relevant as ever. The play is at 3rd Act Theatre in the Shoppes at Northpark Mall, 12040 N. May Avenue at 122nd and May Avenue. For tickets and information, go to infpo@3rdacttheatreco.com or call 405-593-8093.

Curtain is 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday with a 2:30 Sunday matinee. The December 19th performance is live stream only for those wishing to view the show from home.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3rd Act Theatre puts on delightful showing of 'Little Women'

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