Concord Players: Little Women -- The Broadway Musical: April 28 - May 13, 2023

The Concord Players Present Their Decennial Production

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

April 28 – May 13, 2023

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Little Women Book by Allan Knee

Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein

Music by Jason Howland

Performed under the rights of Music Theatre International

Director Katie Swimm Co-Director Chris Ortiz Music Director Jeff Kimball Producers Tracy Wall, Susan Tucker Assistant to Producers Linda McConchie Stage Manager Katie Esser Assistant Stage Manager Bill Fisher Set Design and Set Dressing Allen Bantly Properties Charlotte Kelley Sound Design Tom Powers Light Design Susan Tucker Hair and Makeup Design Gabrielle Hatcher Costume Design Linda Burtt

With Special Thanks: Jan Turnquist, The Orchard House, The Valerie Beth Schwartz Foundation, Marcy Fischer, Newbury Court. Carlisle SLOC, The Concord Bookshop, Amelia Boyce Munson, Shira Cahn-Lipman, Melissa Paz, Emma Futhey, Chris Cardoni, Arlington Friends of the Drama, The Quannapowitt Players, Vokes Theatre We are most grateful to those businesses and organizations that have chosen to advertise in our program. Please support them with your business and good will. www.concordplayers.org

CAST Jo March Meg March/Clarissa Amy March/Troll Beth March/Rodrigo 2

Devin Bean Samantha Casale Aiden O'Neal Ava Enoch

Marmee March/Hag

Margaret McCarty

Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk

Martha Warren

Professor Bhaer Laurie Laurence/Rodrigo

Travis Karas Sean Donnelly

John Brooke/Braxton

A.J. Lyman

Mr. Laurence/Knight

Lonnie Powell

ENSEMBLE/UNDERSTUDIES Jo

Amanda Casale

Meg

Mia Kania

Amy

Molly Lovell

Beth

Maddie Freeman

Marmee

Sara DeLong

Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk

Cathy Merlo

Professor Bhaer

A.J. Gaudreau

Laurie

Thomas Marsh

John Brooke

Zack Page

Mr. Laurence

Mike Lague

Time and Place: 1860's Concord, MA

EXIT

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Refreshments Auditorium/ House

Lobby

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Stage

Walden Street

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FACILITY FIRE EXITS

Backstage Running Crew Allen Bantly, Anne Bantly, Brendon Chetwynd, Bill Fisher, Fred Schaaf Book Shop Window Andrea Roessler Box Office Kathy Lague, Sara Ballard, Annie Breslin, Jon Cappetta, Kathleen Caulfield, S. Columbus, Carol Ehrlich, Celia Mariani, Kati Oates Casting Committee Katie Swimm, Katie Esser, Jeff Kimball, Chris Ortiz, Linda McConchie, Susan Tucker, Tracy Wall Casting Committee Assistants Allen Bantly, Anne Bantly, Mike Lague Choreography Amelia Boyce Munson—Choreography for "Five Forever" and the Ball, Shira Cahn-Lipman—Fight Choreography, Melissa Paz—Dance Captain Costume Crew Carol Antos, Ellen Bell-Irving, Pat Bentley, Kathy Booth, Pat Kane, Shayna Loeffler, Linda McConchie, Paula McNabb, Priscilla Stevens, Molly Trainer, Tracy Wall Dramaturg Emma Futhey Fight Coordinator Shira Cahn Lipman Front of House Andrea Roessler Graphic Design Brian Kelly, Tracy Wall House Managers Cheri Fletcher, Michael Jay, Andrea Roessler Light Board Operator Susan Tucker Activity Planning Committee Tracy Wall (Chair), Denise Casale, Stefanie Cloutier, Linda McConchie, Andrea Roessler, Susan Tucker, Jan Turnquist Lobby Design Emma Futhey, Linda McConchie, Tracy Wall Photography Chris Pollari, Rachel Swansburg Program Iain Bason, Corinne Kinsman, Mike Lague, Tracy Wall Program Ads Andrea Roessler Publicity Andrea Roessler, Stefanie Cloutier, Maralee Glitzenstein, Linda McConchie, Jan Turnquist Set Construction Allen Bantly, Larry Blundell, Larry Griffin Set Painters Kate Beattie, Kathy Lague Social Media Connie Benn Sound Design/Board Operator Tom Powers Subscriptions Anne Damon Tech Supper Linda McConchie Ushers Emerson Ambrose, Lowell Ambrose, Sandy Armstrong, Paulette Binder, Kate Blair, Carol Brady, Charlie Brown, Jenn Butler, Polly Curran, Jack Dacey, Francine Davis, Karen Dervin, David Dooks, Sandy Edwards, Caroline Ellis, Susan Ellsworth, Rich Feeley, Razvan Folger, Johanna Haagens, Mary Havens, Donna Hayes, Joel Hersh, Jaimee Joroff, Grace Kropa, Morgan Kripa, Susan Masse, Robert Najarian, Carol Nichols, Andrea Okie, Katie Okie, Alicia O'Dwyer, Emily Olson, Judi Olson, Nancy Pressler, Karen Prussing, Amanda Reynolds, Jon Saul, Lilly Soillis, Andrew Swansburg, Beth van Duzer, Patricia White, Jack Wickwire, Erika Wilde Videographer Rachel Swansburg Website Administrator Mike Lague

A Concord Players production requires efforts of many people who give generously of their time and talent, many of whom are listed in this program. Thanks to those who stepped forward after this program went to print.

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act I Overture

An Operatic Tragedy Jo, Clarissa, Braxton, Rodrigo Better Jo

Act II

The Weekly Volcano Press Jo, Professor Bhaer, Mrs. Kirk, Clarissa, Braxton, Rodrigo, Hag, Troll, Knight, Rodrigo II Off To Massachusetts (Reprise) Mr. Laurence, Beth, Jo, Marmee, Meg, Mr. Brooke

Our Finest Dreams Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg

How I Am Professor Bhaer

Here Alone Marmee

Some Things Are Meant to Be Beth and Jo

Could You? Aunt March and Jo

The Most Amazing Thing Amy and Laurie

Delighted Marmee, Meg, Beth, and Jo

Days of Plenty Marmee

Take a Chance on Me Laurie

The Fire Within Me Jo

Better (Reprise) Jo

Small Umbrella in the Rain Jo and Professor Bhaer

Off to Massachusetts Beth and Mr. Laurence Five Forever Jo, Beth, Meg, Amy, and Laurie

Sometimes When You Dream (Reprise) Jo

More Than I Am Mr. Brooke and Meg Take A Chance on Me (Reprise) Laurie Astonishing Jo Piano/MD Bass

Jeff Kimball Warren Olsen / Rusty Chandler

Drums

Josh Goldman

Violin 1

Chris Brainard / Lisa Kempskie

Violin 2

Nadia PenkoffLidbeck / Clara Kebabian

Viola

Caroline Leguía

Cello

David Ogulnick

Reed 1 (Flutes & Clarinets)

Steve Malionek

Reed 2 (Oboe & English Horn)

Cheyenna Eagle

Horn Trumpet Trombone

Angela Chi Cheryl Przytula / Caleb Menkhus Sam Hausman

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It is my great pleasure to welcome you all back to Concord Players as we embark on our 103rd season providing you with the best in Community Theater.

This season continues to be very exciting with a breadth of plays to entertain and bedazzle you. We opened this fall with The 39 Steps based on the 1935 Hitchcock film and performed with a cast of only four. This hilarious chaotic farce was directed by Andrew Rhodes and had the audience roaring with laughter. In February we presented the Tony award winner Indecent written by Paula Vogel and directed by Shira Helena Gitlin. Inspired by the true events surrounding the 1923 Broadway debut of God of Vengeance, this play within a play dives deeply into theater history, anti-Semitism, homophobia, censorship and joyful human passion. Now we are back with our decennial production Little Women with Little Women, the Broadway Musical. We honor our patron saint Louisa May Alcott on the occasion of her 190th birthday with this updated musical that tells the wonderful story of the March sisters who find their voices and their way in the world while their father is fighting in the Civil War. Directed by Katie Swimm, the play will have an extended run and is being supported by many additional community programs and events.

The Players are active in the area through the continued performances of the Concord Traveling Players at many local nursing and assisted living homes and additional productions of the Bard’s work next summer by The Worlds a Stage Players.

Our recognition at the DASH awards sponsored by EMACT this last year generated multiple nominations and awards for all the shows. We are committed to quality in all we do and will continue to present the best in community theater.

51 Walden has installed UV-C units that are positioned high above the audience along the interior walls, which in conjunction with existing fans and HEPA air filters, mitigate the effects of any pathogen. Additional plans are afoot to significantly upgrade the ventilation system, which will even more greatly enhance the safety and comfort of anyone in the building; these systems adhere to ASHRAE standards.

As an all- volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we always welcome your time, support and help. If you have any interest in contributing in any way to the theater, please drop us a line through the web site ( www.concordplayers.org). I can promise you a wonderful experience!

On a personal note, I am stepping down after five years as the President of the Players and am passing the torch to the admirable Nadine Sa who will lead the organization starting this July. The privilege I have always felt since I first joined The Players many years ago when I had presided before, cannot be understated. The Players are both a community theater and an historic organization, and the honor of serving with some of the most talented people in the community, especially as we navigated unknown waters for two years, is everlasting.

Thank you again for supporting The Concord Players with your attendance. We are all very appreciative and we look forward to seeing you at the theater!

Jay Newlon

The curtain, once again, rises at 51 Walden Street for another spectacular season of theatrical brillance.

The staff and residents at Newbury Court wish all The Concord Players much success this season and endless curtain calls.

Whether it’s going to a show or art exhibit, working out in our gym and pool, or even sitting down to begin a painting, life at Newbury Court is colorful, exciting and fun. We work harmoniously to set the stage for our residents to enjoy a wonderful way of life.

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ALLEN BANTLY (Set Design/ memories of winning DASH for Drowsy ChaperChief of Set Construction) one here! Other favorite designs include QP's Set Design is a challenge Dracula and Romeo and Juliet (set in 1860 Wild and Allen has had the West); AFD's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are tremendous advantage to Dead; and Vokes Heiress and Cryano. Retired for have the “Larrys” to help for 3 years from Salem State University, it is a joy to many many years. Larry see theater coming alive again, and an added joy Blundell and Larry Griffin to work with the Concord Costume Divas. have been involved, behind AMANDA CASALE (Ensemble, the scenes, for over a decade u/s Jo) last appeared on the putting up with building Concord Players stage in technically challenging stage effects. So to them Spamalot, and is so happy to and all the other volunteers I herein extend my be back - she hears the thanks for helping bring the “Magical Arts” to the woman playing Meg is a stage. real stand-out! Amanda has DEVIN BEAN (Jo March) is a background in chemical ecstatic to be making her engineering and mathematConcord Players debut. ics, working for MIT by day Some previous credits inand dabbling in all things clude Philia A Funny Thing CrossFit and music by night. Though the panHappened On The Way To demic and becoming a mom put things on pause The Forum with the Greater the last few years, Amanda was an active musical Boston Stage Company, theatre actress throughout the New England area Gertrude Rosencrantz and between 2009 and 2019. Her favorite roles inGuildenstern are Dead and clude Louise in Gypsy, Jo in Little Women, Elle in Adriana A Comedy of Errors Legally Blonde, and Woman 1 in Songs for a New both with Kenyon College Players. She was a top World. Now that her toddler has stolen her heart 10 finalist at the nationals of English Shakespeare and the spotlight, she has focused more on taking Union Competition in 2016. She discovered and the stage in various concerts and showcases. She honed her love of theater with The Young Com- is in the choir for the New England Film Orchespany at the Greater Boston Stage Company and tra and frequently brings musical theatre reperWinchester Cooperative Theater. Devin would toire to the MIT campus via MIT’s Artists Beyond like to thank her family and especially her mom the Desk. She thanks her husband Alex (always) for giving her a copy of Little Women when she and Gigi and Papa for all of their support as she was 11. To Reed, Izzy, keeps up with her passions, Christina, Katie, and Mo, and the unbeatable artists thank you for your endless and humans Katie and Jeff love, support, and patience. for once again having a This is a dream come true. place for her in their beautiful work.

LINDA BURTT (Costume Design) After winning the cosSAMANTHA CASALE (Meg tume DASH award for March/Clarissa) is thrilled Vokes' Cinderella, Linda to be making her Concord was happy to follow this diPlayers debut after being rector to Concord - happy away from theatre for much

Moonrise Piano 978.618.8627 moonrisepiano.com

THANK YOU TO OUR PATRONS WHO KINDLY MADE DONATIONS DURING OUR 2022-23 SUBSCRIPTION AND MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Robert Asher Sara Ballard Suzie Barry Roelina Berst Robert Bicknell Lawrence and Joyce Blundell Roland Boutwell Linda Boyer Ann Brownell Donna Cantera-Davis Thomas Claflin John and Pam Covert Heather Cratsley Mary Curran Michael Curry David and Jennifer Dalrymple Emily Dicks Ray Faith James and Anne Fannin Loretta Filipov Barbara Flight William Fry Linda Gillespie Martha Gilpatrick and Russell Wolf Barbara Gonda Carol Ann Hannan Lizbeth Hedstrom Jill Henderson Jill Henderson Margaret Hoag Thomas Hollocher K. Steven and Carmela Horlitz Lorrie Howe John and Eleanor Hutchins Lorrie Jacobsohn Karen Jones Estelle Keast Jonathon Keyes Judith Kotanchik Charles Learoyd Carmine and Rosemary Lionetta Ms. Sally Lopez and Dr. Sten Lofgren

Yvonne MacCormack Ellen Macklin Cynthia Maxwell Stephen and Jacqueling McGarry Judith Menegakis Les Miller Lindsay Miller and Peter Ambler Peter Mitchell Jennifer Morris Stephen Newbold Mary Jane Nichols Carol Parker Carolyn Pennie Gail Penrod Judy Perkins John and Marie-Louise Petrie Nancy Powell-Daley Rebecca Purcell Richard and Judy Quanrud Shirley Rabb Peter and Inger Rhoads Donald Rosato Fred Schaaf Eileen Sellew Adrienne St. John Dennis Statuto Pauline Stephens Mary Stokey Pamela Sturgis Shirley Sun Dennis and Mary Taylor Roberta Taylor George Tisdale Susan Tucker Linda Tullman Jan Turnquist Tracy Wall Mary Jane Wuensch Alan and Patricia White Barbara Wolfenden-Owens Helen Young

DIRECTOR’S NOTE Welcome to our production of Little Women: The Broadway Musical at Concord Players. There are many reasons you might be here today. Maybe you know someone in the cast or on the production team, but it’s also likely that you’ve read the famous novel, seen one of the countless film or television adaptations (including one filmed right here in Concord!), or seen a previous production of the show. Maybe you haven’t seen the musical version of the story and are curious to see what all the fuss is about. Audiences around the country who have seen this musical adaptation share these reasons for coming to the theatre.

But this production is unique. You might be attending today with a desire to honor the history of Little Women at Concord Players or to acknowledge the legacy that Louisa May Alcott and her family left on the Town of Concord. It might be because you’ve attended the production of Little Women put on by the Players every ten years since you were born, or because your cousin or sister or aunt or neighbor played one of the beloved characters. Maybe it’s because you live around the corner from Orchard House or were a tour guide there in your youth. Maybe you are, or know, a descendent of Louisa May Alcott or her extended family. Part of what makes this production unique is its connection to the Town of Concord and the Alcott family.

I feel incredibly lucky to have directed the show you’re about to see in a community dedicated to its faithful retelling and upon which it is based. Our cast and production team have worked tirelessly to honor the story of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. As we’ve rehearsed the scenes, built the sets, sewn the costumes, and selected the perfect prop, we’ve talked about the sense of community and belonging that Louisa May Alcott brought to her writing. She created a story about love and compassion for others and that is the spirit we’ve tried to bring into this production. So – to all of you who are here today because of your connection to the town, to the Alcott’s, or to the Little Women story, I hope you enjoy our production. It is your story.

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too long! As a librarian, it has been such a joy SEAN DONNELLY (Laurie Laurence/Roderigo) is bringing this classic book to life, and she couldn’t thrilled to join Concord imagine doing so with a better cast/team! Most rePlayers for the first time as cent credits include: Ursula/Dancer in Sweet part of this historic producCharity (Weston Friendly Society), Andrina in tion, and is especially grateThe Little Mermaid (Needham Community Theful to be working with such atre), Lauren in See Rock City and Other Destinaa talented and enthusiastic tions (Ragnorok Productions – FRINGE Festicast and crew. Previous val), and Soloist/Choir with New England Film credits include Witch Orchestra. Special thanks to her family for all of (Hovey Players), Cintheir encouragement and involvement, her friends derella, The Bridges of Madison County (Vokes for all of their support, Frank for all his help and patience during this process, and finally, the pro- Players), Something Rotten! (The Company Theduction team, for the opportunity to be a part of atre), tick, tick… BOOM! (Colonial Chorus Players), The Sound of Music (BCE), Legally Blonde, this amazing experience! and Hairspray (Wayne Theatre). Shout out to SARA DELONG (Ensemble, KSMBOP (here’s to another one), and many u/s Marmee) joins The Con- thanks to friends and family for your enduring cord Players for the first support! time this spring. A frequent AVA ENOCH (Beth March/ performer of both musical Roderigo #2) is so moved to theatre and opera, a few of be part of the long tradition Sara's favorite past roles inof Little Women with The clude Sound of Music Concord Players. Most re(Mother Abbess), Into the cently, she performed with Woods (Cinderella), Don The Players as a clown unGiovanni (Donna Elvira), and Yeomen of the derstudy in The 39 Steps.

Guard (Phoebe). When not on stage, Sara can be She also performed in colfound producing, directing, or else concert manlege at RIT as Janet Weiss in aging for the award winning ensemble, Blue The Rocky Horror Picture Heron. www.Sara-DeLong.com Show, and as Miss. Scarlett in Clue. She's grateful

SUMMER LOOKS BRIGHT AT CYT! CENTER STAGE PLAYERS

SESSION 3: JULY 24-28

SESSION 1: JULY 10-14

9AM - 12PM: Grades 2-4

9AM - 12PM: Grades 5-6 1PM - 4PM: Grades 2-4

1PM - 4PM: Grades 1-2 1PM - 4PM: Grades 3-5

1PM - 4PM: Grades 3-5

SUM M ER STOCK TROUPE

SESSION 2: JULY 17-21

Grades 6-8; 3-WEEK SESSION

9AM - 12PM: Grades 3-5

July 10?28, Mon?Fri 9AM-12:30PM

1PM - 4PM: Grades 2-4

Performances 7/27 & 7/28 @ 7PM

1PM - 4PM: Grades 5-6

Grade as of Fall 2023; Space is limited.

con cor dyou t h t h eat r e.or g

Visit Louisa May Alcott's childhood home at

Fruitlands Museum In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane founded the Fruitlands community: a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance.

Little Women author, Louisa May Alcott, was 10-years-old when her family lived on the site.

Today, Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, with stunning views, miles of walking trails, and a full calendar of programs, events, and concerts.

102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, MA www.thetrustees.org/fruitlands

to be able to work with such a kind & compassionate group of people.

has been near and dear to her heart since 2003. Favorite roles include Ursula KATIE ESSER (Stage Manin The Little Mermaid and ager) at Vokes: The Bridges The Baker's Wife in Into the of Madison County, CinWoods (Open Door Thederella; at Footlight Club: ater). Maddie got to be an The Eight: Reindeer Monoextra in Greta Gerwig's logues.

2019 Little Women film, so you may recognize her as the olive green skirt that Saoirse Ronan runs by for a millisecond in the opening New York sequence. She is a psychotherapist by day, and lives with her husband in BILL FISHER (Assistant Somerville. Maddie would like to thank her famStage Manager) is happy to ily and friends for running lines with her and albe assisting with the Con- ways supporting her theatrical endeavors. cord Players' production of EMMA FUTHEY (Dramaturg) Little Women. This is Bill's Emma is a professor, theatre eleventh show with the historian, dramaturg workConcord Players. Most reing in the Greater Boston cently, Bill worked on Tiarea. Selected shows as dratanic (Concord Players) and maturg: The Doll’s House; Grand Duke (Sudbury Our Town; Desire Under the Savoyards). When not Elms; Richard III; Stop called upon to wrangle scenery, Bill works as a Kiss. Selected shows as diSoftware Architect for Oracle Corporation in rector: Eurydice; Trifles; Nashua. He resides in Concord with his very unLove Letters. She received derstanding partner, Joyce. her Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies Maddie Freeman (Ensemble, u/s Beth) is excited from Tufts University. She is a Faculty Associate to be making her Concord Players debut. She has in Writing and Humanities at MCPHS University. grown up performing in Acton's Open Door The- Thanks to the cast, crew, and The Concord Players ater, an inclusive and accessible organization that for welcoming her into their production and for

BARROW BOOKSTORE 79 MAIN STREET, CONCORD, MA 01742

BRAVO, CONCORD PLAYERS! “You are the best [actors] and actress[es]!” said Jo. From Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Ch. 1

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A Little History of Little Women at Concord Players 1932-2023*

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) Louisa May Alcott, prolific author, tireless reformer, proud, independent spinster and Civil War nurse, created Jo March, her most memorable character, from the stuff of her own life.

She made changes to fit the conventions of her day, yet Jo's personality matches that of her creator, “born with a boy’s spirit under my bib and tucker.” The March family represents the soul of the Alcott family, from their generosity in the face of poverty to their unbridled delight in homemade theatricals.

At first, Miss Alcott chafed at her publisher’s request for “a girl’s story,” saying “never liked girls or knew many except my sisters; but our plays and experiences may prove interesting, though I doubt it.” But after reading proofs of Little Women, she wrote “It reads better than I expected.

Not a bit sensational, but simple and true, for we really lived most of it; and if it succeeds, that will be the reason of it ... some girls who have read the manuscripts say it is ‘splendid!’ As it is for them, they are the best critics, so I should be satisfied.”

By 1888 Louisa had published over twenty-five books for children and adults, countless short stories, and thrillers, and her circle of “best critics” had become international. At that time, the translator of the Alcott books into Dutch wrote: “Miss Alcott was and is so much beloved here by her books that you could scarce find a girl that had not read one or more of them.” In 2023, 155 years since its first publication, Little Women continues to be one of the most beloved books around the world.

The Concord Players The Concord Players trace their history to 1857 and the Concord Dramatic Union, which Louisa May Alcott and her sister, Anna helped to found. Alfred Whitman, a close friend of the Alcott family, wrote in 1857, “In the vestry of the Unitarian Church, we erected a portable stage … The scenes from Dickens dramatized by Louisa were among the best of the production” …

Whitman found himself in an “exciting whirl of a mass of plays”—much like life with the Concord Players today.

In 1872, the Union became the Concord Dramatic Club and, ultimately, in 1919, the Concord Players. Thus, when you observe the March sisters rehearsing Jo's play, The Witch's Curse, in this production, you are also watching the beginning of the Concord Players.

In 1932 Concord was abuzz with plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Louisa May Alcott, author of the beloved novel Little Women. The Concord Players could do no less than plan to highlight the festivities with a dramatized version of the novel, little realizing that a tradition was in the making. The venue was the old armory or “Veterans Hall” (now 51 Walden) to which the Players had added the stage in 1919. Detailed studies of Orchard House, home of the Alcotts where the novel was written, were carefully copied in the set and furnishings. Costumes, one of which included a cap once worn by Mrs. Alcott, were authentic recreations of the period and reminiscent of Alcott family life. Two members of the cast were direct descendants of the Alcotts — Louisa Alcott Kussin and Bronson Alcott Pratt, Anna's (Meg's) grandchildren and Louisa's grandniece and grandnephew.

Heralded by a New York Herald Tribune critic as “an excellent performance,” the show went “on the road” to SRO audiences in Lexington and Cambridge, bringing the total tickets sold to 3,550 in seven performances. Requests for the production from sixteen other organizations had to be denied. It was inevitable that such a resounding success would lead to a new tradition — a Concord Players' production of Little Women every ten years.

World War II interfered with the 1942 production, but 1952 saw the decennial plan revived, and the carefully preserved 1932 set was used again. According to The Concord Journal, this production played to 1,500 people in four performances. A committee headed by Mrs. Hans Miller, whose husband had reorganized the earlier Concord Dramatic Club and renamed it the Concord Players in 1919, created the female costumes. Two exceptions from 1932 were repaired and altered. One was a brown dress worn by Anne Jewell (Aunt March); the other, a gray one worn by Caroline Farnsworth (Mrs. March), had 1859 pennies and a "trade coin" used as weights in the seams. These weights were carefully replaced in the altered garment.

In 1962, once again the Concord Players’ dramatization of Alcott's masterpiece played to sellout crowds in seven performances, each one requiring the addition of sixty seats.

The 1952 costumes, so carefully packed and stored by Mr. and Mrs. Hans Miller, were used again. Those same 1859 coins weighted down the costume worn by Vinnie MacLeod as Marmee. For the set, twenty-one multicolored flats from other productions were pulled for use. When repainting began, the biggest challenge was to reproduce the diamondpatterned wallpaper in May's (Amy's) bedroom. Twenty-five painters stenciled one thousand diamonds over a base coat of blue — not once but twice!

After seeing this production, Concord author Jane Langton wrote in The Concord Journal, “It is too bad she [Louisa] could not see her ‘Pathetic Family’ come to life again in 1962. The Concord Players are her natural descendants, and they did her proud.”

The 1972 production marked a defining moment in the history of the Players and the Veterans Hall they had occupied since 1919. The Players joined with the Concord Orchestra to sponsor a new corporation, “The Friends of the Performing Arts in Concord” or FOPAC (today, known as 51 Walden).

As for the production, a new script by Peter Clapham, was used - to lukewarm critical notice.

The show ran for ten performances and featured Fletcher Adams’ 1962 set complete with that reproduced wallpaper.

Unfortunately, the original costumes — although carefully stored for 40 years — had been used in 18 performances involving various dress rehearsals and innumerable fittings and were no longer in usable condition. A new wardrobe was created by Jo Sosman.

1982, the Golden Anniversary year! The fifth decennial production was highlighted by a special dedication to six living members, all unique contributors to the Players and to the Little Women tradition. The group consisted of Marion Miller, Louisa Alcott Kussin, Mrs. Bronson Alcott Pratt, Whitney and Lydia Smith, and Heddie Root Kent. The

production also marked an important turning point in the search for a better adaptation of the novel than those commercially available. Playwright (and Concord resident) David Fielding Smith agreed to try his hand at Little Women, though he had only six weeks to achieve the monumental task. A unique aspect of this initial script was that there were two Jo's — the younger, Carol Anderson, and the older, Susan Cardwell — allowing two talented actresses to be cast.

Acknowledging that the 1982 script was written in haste, the Concord Players' Board commissioned David Fielding Smith to develop a new scriptfor the 1992 production. In collaboration with producers Lillian Anderson and Michael Henchman, director, Dorothy Schecter, and Orchard House staff, workshop readings were held for two years prior to production.

In the revised script, Jo moved in and out of scenes as both narrator and character, and the open set allowed rapid shifts between locales and events. This new production prompted a Concord Journal headline, “Little Women is a Treasure for all Times.” There were 12 performances using costumed ushers and a commemorative souvenir program, beautifully photographed by Dave Chase at the Orchard House. For the first time since 1932, an Alcott descendant participated in a performance. Louisa’s great, great grand nephew, Fritz Kussin, played Mr. Dashwood, the crusty New York publisher of Jo's more sensational stories. 1992 also marks the first time that Jan Turnquist, director of Orchard House, played Marmee.

With a few minor tweaks, the David Fielding script was used for the 2002 production. Many names in the program were reminders of how often there are crossovers from decade to decade. Kate Clarke, who starred as Jo in '92, was the Assistant Director; the '92 costumer Sheryl Peters played Aunt March; Bill Maxwell who played Professor Bhaer in '92 was Mr. Laurence. Newly cast was Meg Streff playing Beth while her own father, Charlie Streff, played Mr. March, her fictional father, and Fritz Kussin reprised his cameo role of Mr. Dashwood. In an unusual twist, two outstanding Concord actresses shared the role of Marmee, performing on alternate nights — Jan Turnquist, Marmee in '92, and Susan Ellsworth. They became known behind the scenes as “Mar” and “Mee.” The 2012 production saw Smith’s script brought to life by director, Kate Clarke (Jo in ’92, Asst. Dir. ’02) and featured Jan Turnquist for her third stint as Marmee, and Alcott descendants Louisa Alcott Yamartino and her son, Alec. In addition a Costume Parade was held, featuring 100 years of Concord Players’ costumes worn by mothers and daughters from the National Charity League (Concord/Carlisle Chapter).

The event also served as a reunion celebration for alumni casts and crews from past Little Women productions. A lecture series, “Community Conversations: Looking at Little Women” featuring took a scholarly look at the historical and ethical impact of Little Women.

The 2012 production ran for 12 sold out performances, proving that the story of Little Women is still relevant into the 21st century and the Concord Players is dedicated to making sure that tradition lives on.

The Concord Players 2023 - 2024 Season www.concordplayers.org 978-369-2990

November 3 – 18, 2023 Directed by Brian Kelly

by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, & Henry Shields

February 9 – 24, 2024 Directed by Paul R. Dixon

April 26 – May 11, 2024 Directed by Paul Murphy Music Direction by Kathryn Denney

listening to her ramble about women, the Civil onstage roles include Lucy Westenra in Dracula, War, Bronson Alcott, and courtship in the 19th A Feminist Revenge Fantasy (Umbrella Stage century. Eternal thanks to Katie Swimm for being Company), Sara in Stop Kiss, and Reggie in Some the best collaborator and a great friend.

Girl(s) (Hovey Players). Other projects include A.J. GAUDREAU (Ensemble, the Asian American Playwright Collective, The u/s Prof. Bhaer) is so excited 48 Hour Film Project, and the National Film to make his second appear- Challenge. ance at The Concord Players MIA KANIA (Ensemble, u/s with this incredible producMeg) is an urban planner by tion! Performing extenday and a high flying sosively in his home state of prano by night. She is exMaine before this, he decited to be back on the stage buted as a member of the after a couple years’ hiatus; Massachusetts community even more so to be making here starting in 2022 with her return in her quasiConcord Players’ production of Titanic (2nd Ofhometown of Concord ficer Lightoller), and recently Arlington Friends where she once graced the of the Drama’s production of Iolanthe (Strephon). stages of Concord Academy He is grateful to be among such a talented cast and and Concord Youth Theatre. She would like to crew for this show and hopes you will enjoy every thank her family and, most importantly, her dogs second! and cat.

GABRIELLE HATCHER (Hair TRAVIS KARAS (Professor and Makeup) is thrilled to be Bhaer) deeply respects the working with Concord Playimportance in which the ers once again after designConcord community holds ing hair for Sense and Sensithis beautiful, evocative bility last season, for which story. Travis is new to Massshe won the DASH award. achusetts and is thrilled to She most recently designed be back on stage after two Hair and Makeup at Umyears away. Travis has been brella Stage Company for seen in Guys and Dolls (Sky both Middleton Heights and Masterson), Something RotDracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy. Favorite ten! (William Shakespeare), and Company

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(Harry). When not on stage, Travis can be found former around the Northeast. Most recently, he listening to an audiobook or walking their dog, was MD for the Vokes productions of The Bridges Chewbacca. As always, Travis sends their love to of Madison County and Cinderella, and at the Footlight Club: Legally Blonde, Heathers, BIG, their family and partner.

This is a place holder for Charlotte. I didn't get a and Bat Boy (EMACT DASH awards including new bio from her yet, but will send a new one Best Music Direction, and nominations including Best Production and Best Ensemble Perforwith the corrections mance.) Other recent shows include RENT (UmCHARLOTTE KELLEY brella Stage), Next To Normal (Boston Theatre (Props) When Charlotte Dance) and Les Misérables (Stadium Theatre) In joined Concord Players, she addition, Jeff is an MD & instructor with Improvvolunteered to work on Boston and with Artbarn Community Theater, and props and set dressing performs with Phil Henry & the Newsfeed. http:// for Little Women with Hed- www.jeffkimballmusic.com/ die Kent in 2002. Charlotte MIKE LAGUE (Ensemble, u/s has helped in a variety of Mr. Laurence) Mike is debackstage roles for over 20 lighted to return to The Conyears. Her passion has been cord Players’ main stage afprops and set design, for ter a hiatus from performing which she has been acknowledged with DASH for three and a half years. nominations and awards. She pays homage to all Last seen in Concord as those who have participated over many decades in Richard Noakes in 2018’s producing this particular play. She was proud to Arcadia, Mike has particicontribute to the tradition in pated in over 57 productions 2002 and 2012 and now acin the past 25 years, with 16 knowledges the joy in par- different theater companies. A retired software ticipating in this musical engineer, Mike is the Players’ website administraversion with fabulous direc- tor, has been active with The World’s A Stage tors, cast and crew!

Players (the Players’ Shakespeare troupe) as actor JEFF KIMBALL (Music Di- and producer, and keeps busy finding, integrating, rector) is delighted to be a (and creating) free software solutions to improve part of this lovely team. Jeff the flow of information that keeps community is a frequent MD and per- theaters running smoothly.

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In Tribute to the Concord Players 2022-2023 Season And Susan Tucker

MOLLY LOVELL (Ensemble, an amazing experience. To Katie and Jeff; to u/s Amy) is excited to be Mom, Dad, Sis, Theo, Josie and my entire family; making her debut with The to my incredible friends; thank you for empowerConcord Players in their de- ing me to believe in myself. Enjoy the show and cennial performance of Lit- "en garde!" tle Women. Her favorite THOMAS CHRISTOPHER credits include Nora A MARSH (Ensemble, u/s LauDoll’s House, Babette rie) (He/Him) is excited to Beauty and the Beast, Mary be a part of his first Concord Warren The Crucible, Stella Players show! He attended A Streetcar Named Desire, UMass Lowell for electrical and as Carrie White in Carrie. When not on stage, engineering and was a part she teaches 3rd grade in Brockton, and theater of the all-male A Cappella performance classes at Ensemble Performing Arts group UML Hawkapella. He Studio in Walpole. She would like to thank Finn, has been in performances in her parents, family, and friends for their unwaverMA since 2017 as Jack ing support and love.

Kelly in Newsies, Laurie in a previous production A. J. LYMAN (John Brooke/ of Little Woman, Aaron Shultz in Legally Blonde Braxton) is truly honored to at Footlight Club, Lefou in Beauty and the Beast be making his debut with and Barnaby in Hello, Dolly! at Riverside Theater The Concord Players in this Works. He will be joining a production of The historic production of Little Trail to Oregon produced by Yorick Ensemble this Women. Some favorite presummer. Tom would like to vious credits include Jeanthank his family and friends Michel in Cinderella (Vokes as they are the reason he Players), Peter in Peter and finds the energy to continue the Starcatcher (Vokes doing shows non-stop Players), and Grandmaster MARGARET MCCARTY Chad in Legally Blonde (The Footlight Club).

(Marmee March/Hag) is Originally from Connecticut, A.J. has lived in pleased to return to the ConMassachusetts for 12 years, and works at Tufts cord stage, having last been University as an Accessibility Specialist. Thank you to this incredible cast and production team for seen here in Follies as Sally

Durant Plummer. Previous roles include Cora show, and special affection to Corinne Kinsman Swanson in Morning’s at Seven (Quannapowitt who works her tushie off for The Players, and Players), Esther Franz in The Price (Vokes Play- with whom she shares two adorable grandsons. ers), Lucy Angkatell in The Hollow (Burlington Linda is a marketing professional by day.

Players), Bonita Wilson in Desk Set (Concord CATHY MERLO (Ensemble, Players), Desirée Armfeldt in A Little Night Music u/s Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk) (Arlington Friends of the Drama), Big Edie/Little – is delighted to return to the Edie in Grey Gardens (Arlington Friends of the Concord Players after playDrama), Aunt March in Little Women: The Musiing Ethel in TCAN Players’ cal (Wellesley Players), the Woman in Veronica’s production of Moon Over Room (Burlington Players), and Eleanor in The Buffalo. Cathy has perLion in Winter (Wakefield Repertory Theater). In formed in more than 50 real life, she teaches English and history to eighth plays and musicals throughgraders in Methuen. out the greater Boston area including Cinderella, AbsoLINDA MCCONCHIE (Assistant to the Producers) loves lutely Murder, Hairspray, Night Watch, Secret her work with The Players. Garden, Mousetrap, Titanic, Harvey, Wizard of Doing props, dressing sets, Oz, Pride & Prejudice, Jekyll & Hyde, Assassins, serving on the board, lobby Equus, Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Murder is design or marketing are all Announced, and Les Miserables. Many thanks to part of the collaboration that Katie & Jeff for another chance to play before the makes making theater so footlights. By day, she runs with Huskies on satisfying. A shout out to Huntington Avenue.

Tracy Wall and Susan AIDEN O'NEAL (Amy March/Troll) Aiden is Tucker who have worked thrilled to be in her second Concord Players show miracles producing this in a row after playing Chana and others in Inde-

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cent. Before that, she could (Castle Hill Productions), and A Doll’s House Pt.2 be seen on the 51 Walden (Gordon stage as Kate McGowan in ZACK PAGE (Ensemble, u/s Titanic and Marianne DashJohn Brooke) is honored to wood in Sense and Sensibilmake his Concord Players ity (for which she received debut in such a special proan EMACT DASH nominaduction. He's a MA native tion). She is also thrilled to with a degree in Arts Manbe joining The Concord agement from MCLA, and has performed at a number Players board at the start of of theaters in the area. Some the next term! All of the time spent here in the past favorite roles include CB in few years sometimes makes it seem as though she Dog Sees God (Arts After has almost become a resident of Concord, making her all the more honored to be part of telling this Hours), Wayne in Puffs (Theatre III), Krogstad in story that is so deeply rooted in the history of this A Doll's House (Venable Theatre), and George community. She would like to thank her siblings Gibbs in Our Town (The Footlight Club). When (both her sisters onstage and brothers and sisters- not on stage, Zack works in Property Managein-law offstage) for their support for her love of ment, plays video games, feeds his growing theatre and literature. The story of Little Women is LEGO hobby, and re-watches his favorite TV show, SMASH. Many, many thanks to mum, dad, a favorite for so many and she is excited to be a and the countless friends and family members that part of telling it on this stage she loves. She hopes support his passion for thethe show exceeds your finest atre. This cast is tremendreams! dously talented & he is proud to have worked with CHRIS ORTIZ (Assistant Dieveryone involved in this rector) is so excited to be production. Enjoy the part of the team bringing show! this production of Little Women to life! Past producLONNIE POWELL (Mr. Lautions include Chicago the rence/Knight) is very musical (Greater Boston pleased to be performing Stage), Romeo and Juliet with The Concord Players

Come be a part of a new American play!

Our 29th Season in Falmouth

Falmouth’s LIVE developmental theatre project contributing to the vitality of the American theatre.

Come be a part of this unique experience; four new plays in the making and be a part of the discussion afterward with the artists or just enjoy the show!

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday in July.

Our readings are LIVE with Equity actors at Falmouth Academy, Falmouth, MA.

Our recent successes to Broadway include: Pictures from Home Heros of a Fourth Turning Hilary and Clinton What the Constitution Means to Me

www.capecodtheatreproject.org

once again. Previous roles with Concord include: was Managing Director for Greasy Joan & Co., Captain Smith in Titanic, St. Aphrodisius in The and produced numerous projects with the comHunchback of Notre Dame, Man 1 in Kiss Me, pany including the Jeff Award Nominated The Kate and Galahad in Spamalot. He lives in Natick Misanthrope. She received a BFA in Theatre Perwith his wife, Karen. formance from Niagara University, an MA in LitKATIE SWIMM (Director) is erature at Northwestern, and a PhD in Theatre and honored to be making her Performance Studies at Tufts University. Her ardirectorial debut at Concord eas of expertise include theatre and mental illness, Players. She has been active the performance of faith, politics as performance, in community, regional, and and community-based theatre practice. When not university theatre for over involved in theatre making, Katie is the Associate twenty years as a director, Director of Academic Support at the Tufts Univeractor, intimacy choreogra- sity Student Accessibility and Academic Repher/consultant, and educa- source Center, where she oversees the Academic tor. Directing credits in Bos- Coaching and Subject Tutoring Programs. Much ton include: At The Foot- love and thanks to the spectacular cast and prolight Club: Big: The Musical, You're a Good Man, duction team who really taught her what the Charlie Brown, Our Town, Legally Blonde, a dig- “community” in community theatre is all about ital adaptation of The Woman in White (DASH while working on this show.

Award, Excellence in Adaptation and Direction), and her own adaptation of The Doll's House; At Vokes Players: Peter and the Starcatcher (DASH Nomination, Best Director, Best Ensemble, Best Production) Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, and The Bridges of Madison County; At Hovey Players: Witch; At Tufts University: Into the Woods and Rent. She is also a vocalist in the Nasty Women Sing ensemble, and has appeared locally in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Bat Boy at The Footlight Club. In Chicago, she

SUSAN TUCKER (Producer/ Light Designer/Light Board Operator) This Concord Players production of Little Women is actually her seventh. In 1962 she was an usher as a high school student. Her first real involvement with The Players and with Little Women, was in 1972 when her mother-in-

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November December The utcracker

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October

New Fall Ballet to be announce

Special programs for youth groups

Nov 26-Dec 17.

Fall River, Sudbury, Littleton, Worcester, Andover Young Dancer Auditions Sept 10

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law recruited her for the props crew. She has been involved in each one since then in one form or other. She is delighted to be co-producing and lighting our first musical version of this wellloved classic. It has been a great privilege to work with this very talented production team.

MARTHA WARREN (Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk) Musical Theatre: Miss Shingle, Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder; Mme. Armfeldt, A Little Night Music (both with Greater Worcester TRACY WALL (Producer) is Opera); Mrs. Strakosh, thrilled to be a part of ConFunny Girl (Concord Playcord Players’ little Passion ers); Fraulein Schneider, Play for the third time. It is Cabaret (Theatre III); Ida Straus, Titanic, the Mutruly a wonderful tradition.

It also marks her 20th an- sical (Theatre III); Margaret, The Light in the Piniversary with the theater. azza (Dreamplay Theatre); Opera/Operetta: Mme. She counts herself very for- Giorgia Germont, La Traviata (MassOpera); tunate indeed to be a part of this illustrious theater Katisha, The Mikado (Greater Worcester Opera); company and to be able to work with all the won- Public Opinion, Orpheus in the Underworld; derful and talented people who put up such first- Lady Billows, Albert Herring; Miss Todd, Old rate productions. In addition to producing, Tracy Maid and the Thief (all with Longwood Opera); is Chair of the Little Women Committee – what a Musetta, La Boheme; Michaela, Carmen (Granite blast it’s been coming up with fun activities: a State Opera). Music Director: Fiddler on the gala kick-off, essay contest, film festival, Tea, and Roof, My Fair Lady (Theatre III). Martha teaches opening. Thanks to the committee: Denise Casale, voice at her private studio in Boxborough, and is Stefanie Cloutier, Linda McConchie, Andrea excited to be returning to Concord Players, and to Roessler, Susan Tucker and Jan Turnquist for live theater. Thank you Peter and David for your their hard work and great spirit. constant support.

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