BookbyAllanKneeLyricsbyMindiDicksteinMusicbyJasonHowland
PerformedundertherightsofMusicTheatreInternational
DirectorKatieSwimm
Co-DirectorChrisOrtiz
MusicDirectorJeffKimball
ProducersTracyWall,SusanTucker
AssistanttoProducersLindaMcConchie
StageManagerKatieEsser
AssistantStageManagerBillFisher
SetDesignandSetDressingAllenBantly
PropertiesCharlotteKelley
SoundDesignTomPowers
LightDesignSusanTucker
HairandMakeupDesignGabrielleHatcher
CostumeDesignLindaBurtt
WithSpecialThanks:JanTurnquist,TheOrchardHouse,TheValerieBeth SchwartzFoundation,MarcyFischer,NewburyCourt.CarlisleSLOC,TheConcord Bookshop,AmeliaBoyceMunson,ShiraCahn-Lipman,MelissaPaz,EmmaFuthey, ChrisCardoni,ArlingtonFriendsoftheDrama,TheQuannapowittPlayers,Vokes Theatre
Wearemostgratefultothosebusinessesandorganizationsthathavechosento advertiseinourprogram.Pleasesupportthemwithyourbusinessandgoodwill.
www.concordplayers.org
JoMarchDevinBean
MegMarch/ClarissaSamanthaCasale
AmyMarch/TrollAidenO'Neal
BethMarch/Rodrigo2AvaEnoch
MarmeeMarch/HagMargaretMcCarty
AuntMarch/Mrs.KirkMarthaWarren
ProfessorBhaerTravisKaras
LaurieLaurence/RodrigoSeanDonnelly
JohnBrooke/BraxtonA.J.Lyman
Mr.Laurence/KnightLonniePowell
JoAmandaCasale
MegMiaKania
AmyMollyLovell
BethMaddieFreeman
MarmeeSaraDeLong
AuntMarch/Mrs.KirkCathyMerlo
ProfessorBhaerA.J.Gaudreau
LaurieThomasMarsh
JohnBrookeZackPage
Mr.LaurenceMikeLague
TimeandPlace:1860'sConcord,MA
BackstageRunningCrewAllenBantly,AnneBantly,BrendonChetwynd,BillFisher, FredSchaaf
BookShopWindowAndreaRoessler
BoxOfficeKathyLague,SaraBallard,AnnieBreslin,JonCappetta, KathleenCaulfield,S.Columbus,CarolEhrlich, CeliaMariani,KatiOates
CastingCommitteeKatieSwimm,KatieEsser,JeffKimball,ChrisOrtiz, LindaMcConchie,SusanTucker,TracyWall
CastingCommitteeAssistantsAllenBantly,AnneBantly,MikeLague
ChoreographyAmeliaBoyceMunson—Choreographyfor"FiveForever" andtheBall,ShiraCahn-Lipman—FightChoreography, MelissaPaz—DanceCaptain
CostumeCrewCarolAntos,EllenBell-Irving,PatBentley,KathyBooth, PatKane,ShaynaLoeffler,LindaMcConchie, PaulaMcNabb,PriscillaStevens,MollyTrainer,TracyWall DramaturgEmmaFuthey
FightCoordinatorShiraCahnLipman
FrontofHouseAndreaRoessler
GraphicDesignBrianKelly,TracyWall
HouseManagersCheriFletcher,MichaelJay,AndreaRoessler
LightBoardOperatorSusanTucker
ActivityPlanningCommitteeTracyWall(Chair),DeniseCasale,StefanieCloutier, LindaMcConchie,AndreaRoessler,SusanTucker, JanTurnquist
LobbyDesignEmmaFuthey,LindaMcConchie,TracyWall PhotographyChrisPollari,RachelSwansburg
ProgramIainBason,CorinneKinsman,MikeLague,TracyWall ProgramAdsAndreaRoessler
PublicityAndreaRoessler,StefanieCloutier,MaraleeGlitzenstein, LindaMcConchie,JanTurnquist
SetConstructionAllenBantly,LarryBlundell,LarryGriffin
SetPaintersKateBeattie,KathyLague
SocialMediaConnieBenn
SoundDesign/BoardOperatorTomPowers
SubscriptionsAnneDamon TechSupperLindaMcConchie
UshersEmersonAmbrose,LowellAmbrose,SandyArmstrong, PauletteBinder,KateBlair,CarolBrady,CharlieBrown, JennButler,PollyCurran,JackDacey,FrancineDavis, KarenDervin,DavidDooks,SandyEdwards,CarolineEllis, SusanEllsworth,RichFeeley,RazvanFolger, JohannaHaagens,MaryHavens,DonnaHayes,JoelHersh, JaimeeJoroff,GraceKropa,MorganKripa,SusanMasse, RobertNajarian,CarolNichols,AndreaOkie,KatieOkie, AliciaO'Dwyer,EmilyOlson,JudiOlson,NancyPressler, KarenPrussing,AmandaReynolds,JonSaul,LillySoillis, AndrewSwansburg,BethvanDuzer,PatriciaWhite, JackWickwire,ErikaWilde
VideographerRachelSwansburg
WebsiteAdministratorMikeLague
AConcordPlayersproductionrequireseffortsofmanypeoplewhogivegenerously oftheirtimeandtalent,manyofwhomarelistedinthisprogram.Thankstothose whosteppedforwardafterthisprogramwenttoprint.
Overture
AnOperaticTragedy
Jo,Clarissa,Braxton,Rodrigo
Better Jo
OurFinestDreams
Jo,Beth,Amy,andMeg
HereAlone
Marmee
CouldYou?
AuntMarchandJo
Delighted
Marmee,Meg,Beth,andJo
TakeaChanceonMe Laurie
Better(Reprise) Jo
OfftoMassachusetts
BethandMr.Laurence
FiveForever
Jo,Beth,Meg,Amy,andLaurie
MoreThanIAm
Mr.BrookeandMeg
TakeAChanceonMe(Reprise) Laurie Astonishing Jo
TheWeeklyVolcanoPress
Jo,ProfessorBhaer,Mrs.Kirk,Clarissa, Braxton,Rodrigo,Hag,Troll,Knight, RodrigoII
OffToMassachusetts(Reprise)
Mr.Laurence,Beth,Jo,Marmee,Meg, Mr.Brooke
HowIAm
ProfessorBhaer
SomeThingsAreMeanttoBe
BethandJo
TheMostAmazingThing
AmyandLaurie
DaysofPlenty
Marmee
TheFireWithinMe Jo
SmallUmbrellaintheRain
JoandProfessorBhaer
SometimesWhenYouDream(Reprise)
Piano/MDJeffKimball
BassWarrenOlsen/RustyChandler
DrumsJoshGoldman
Violin1ChrisBrainard/LisaKempskie
Violin2NadiaPenkoffLidbeck/ClaraKebabian
ViolaCarolineLeguía
CelloDavidOgulnick
Reed1(Flutes&Clarinets)SteveMalionek
Reed2(Oboe&EnglishHorn)CheyennaEagle
HornAngelaChi
TrumpetCherylPrzytula/CalebMenkhus
TromboneSamHausman
Farm Fresh Flavor
Our own produce in season
PYO Strawberries, flowers, pumpkins
Bakery/Deli/Catering
CSA
Summer Family Friendly Festivals
For more information about our events
Open daily---9 - 7
ItismygreatpleasuretowelcomeyouallbacktoConcordPlayersasweembarkonour103rdseason providingyouwiththebestinCommunityTheater.
Thisseasoncontinuestobeveryexcitingwithabreadthofplaystoentertainandbedazzleyou.We openedthisfallwith The39Steps basedonthe1935Hitchcockfilmandperformedwithacastof onlyfour.ThishilariouschaoticfarcewasdirectedbyAndrewRhodesandhadtheaudienceroaring withlaughter.InFebruarywepresentedtheTonyawardwinner Indecent writtenbyPaulaVogeland directedbyShiraHelenaGitlin.Inspiredbythetrueeventssurroundingthe1923Broadwaydebutof GodofVengeance, thisplaywithinaplaydivesdeeplyintotheaterhistory,anti-Semitism, homophobia,censorshipandjoyfulhumanpassion.Nowwearebackwithourdecennialproduction LittleWomen with LittleWomen,theBroadwayMusical. WehonorourpatronsaintLouisaMay Alcottontheoccasionofher190thbirthdaywiththisupdatedmusicalthattellsthewonderfulstory oftheMarchsisterswhofindtheirvoicesandtheirwayintheworldwhiletheirfatherisfightingin theCivilWar.DirectedbyKatieSwimm,theplaywillhaveanextendedrunandisbeingsupported bymanyadditionalcommunityprogramsandevents.
ThePlayersareactiveintheareathroughthecontinuedperformancesoftheConcordTraveling PlayersatmanylocalnursingandassistedlivinghomesandadditionalproductionsoftheBard’s worknextsummerbyTheWorldsaStagePlayers.
OurrecognitionattheDASHawardssponsoredbyEMACTthislastyeargeneratedmultiple nominationsandawardsforalltheshows.Wearecommittedtoqualityinallwedoandwillcontinue topresentthebestincommunitytheater.
51WaldenhasinstalledUV-Cunitsthatarepositionedhighabovetheaudiencealongtheinterior walls,whichinconjunctionwithexistingfansandHEPAairfilters,mitigatetheeffectsofany pathogen.Additionalplansareafoottosignificantlyupgradetheventilationsystem,whichwilleven moregreatlyenhancethesafetyandcomfortofanyoneinthebuilding;thesesystemsadhereto ASHRAEstandards.
Asanall-volunteernon-profit501(c)(3)organization,wealwayswelcomeyourtime,supportand help.Ifyouhaveanyinterestincontributinginanywaytothetheater,pleasedropusalinethrough thewebsite(www.concordplayers.org).Icanpromiseyouawonderfulexperience!
Onapersonalnote,IamsteppingdownafterfiveyearsasthePresidentofthePlayersandampassing thetorchtotheadmirableNadineSawhowillleadtheorganizationstartingthisJuly.Theprivilege IhavealwaysfeltsinceIfirstjoinedThePlayersmanyyearsagowhenIhadpresidedbefore,cannot beunderstated.ThePlayersarebothacommunitytheaterandanhistoricorganization,andthehonor ofservingwithsomeofthemosttalentedpeopleinthecommunity,especiallyaswenavigated unknownwatersfortwoyears,iseverlasting.
ThankyouagainforsupportingTheConcordPlayerswithyourattendance.Weareallvery appreciativeandwelookforwardtoseeingyouatthetheater!
JayNewlon
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.
ALLEN BANTLY (SetDesign/ ChiefofSetConstruction) SetDesignisachallenge andAllenhashadthe tremendousadvantageto havethe“Larrys”tohelpfor manymanyyears.Larry BlundellandLarryGriffin havebeeninvolved,behind thescenes,foroveradecade puttingupwithbuilding technicallychallengingstageeffects.Sotothem andalltheothervolunteersIhereinextendmy thanksforhelpingbringthe“MagicalArts”tothe stage.
DEVIN BEAN (JoMarch)is ecstatictobemakingher ConcordPlayersdebut. SomepreviouscreditsincludePhilia AFunnyThing HappenedOnTheWayTo TheForum withtheGreater BostonStageCompany, Gertrude Rosencrantzand GuildensternareDead and Adriana AComedyofErrors bothwithKenyonCollegePlayers.Shewasatop 10finalistatthenationalsofEnglishShakespeare UnionCompetitionin2016.Shediscoveredand honedherloveoftheaterwithTheYoungCompanyattheGreaterBostonStageCompanyand WinchesterCooperativeTheater.Devinwould liketothankherfamilyandespeciallyhermom forgivingheracopyof LittleWomen whenshe was11.ToReed,Izzy, Christina,Katie,andMo, thankyouforyourendless love,support,andpatience. Thisisadreamcometrue.
LINDA BURTT (CostumeDesign)AfterwinningthecostumeDASHawardfor Vokes' Cinderella,Linda washappytofollowthisdirectortoConcord-happy
memoriesofwinningDASHfor DrowsyChaperone here!OtherfavoritedesignsincludeQP's Dracula and RomeoandJuliet (setin1860Wild West);AFD's RosencrantzandGuildensternare Dead; andVokes Heiress and Cryano. Retiredfor 3yearsfromSalemStateUniversity,itisajoyto seetheatercomingaliveagain,andanaddedjoy toworkwiththeConcordCostumeDivas.
AMANDA CASALE (Ensemble, u/sJo)lastappearedonthe ConcordPlayersstagein Spamalot,andissohappyto beback-shehearsthe womanplayingMegisa realstand-out!Amandahas abackgroundinchemical engineeringandmathematics,workingforMITbyday anddabblinginallthings CrossFitandmusicbynight.Thoughthepandemicandbecomingamomputthingsonpause thelastfewyears,Amandawasanactivemusical theatreactressthroughouttheNewEnglandarea between2009and2019.HerfavoriterolesincludeLouisein Gypsy,Join LittleWomen,Ellein LegallyBlonde,andWoman1in SongsforaNew World.Nowthathertoddlerhasstolenherheart andthespotlight,shehasfocusedmoreontaking thestageinvariousconcertsandshowcases.She isinthechoirfortheNewEnglandFilmOrchestraandfrequentlybringsmusicaltheatrerepertoiretotheMITcampusviaMIT’sArtistsBeyond theDesk.ShethanksherhusbandAlex(always) andGigiandPapaforalloftheirsupportasshe keepsupwithherpassions, andtheunbeatableartists andhumansKatieandJeff foronceagainhavinga placeforherintheirbeautifulwork.
SAMANTHA CASALE (Meg March/Clarissa)isthrilled tobemakingherConcord Playersdebutafterbeing awayfromtheatreformuch
978.618.8627
RobertAsher
SaraBallard
SuzieBarry
RoelinaBerst
RobertBicknell
LawrenceandJoyceBlundell
RolandBoutwell
LindaBoyer
AnnBrownell
DonnaCantera-Davis
ThomasClaflin
JohnandPamCovert
HeatherCratsley
MaryCurran
MichaelCurry
DavidandJenniferDalrymple
EmilyDicks
RayFaith
JamesandAnneFannin
LorettaFilipov
BarbaraFlight
WilliamFry
LindaGillespie
MarthaGilpatrickandRussellWolf
BarbaraGonda
CarolAnnHannan
LizbethHedstrom
JillHenderson
JillHenderson
MargaretHoag
ThomasHollocher
K.StevenandCarmelaHorlitz
LorrieHowe
JohnandEleanorHutchins
LorrieJacobsohn
KarenJones
EstelleKeast
JonathonKeyes
JudithKotanchik
CharlesLearoyd
CarmineandRosemaryLionetta
Ms.SallyLopezandDr.StenLofgren
YvonneMacCormack
EllenMacklin
CynthiaMaxwell
StephenandJacquelingMcGarry
JudithMenegakis
LesMiller
LindsayMillerandPeterAmbler
PeterMitchell
JenniferMorris
StephenNewbold
MaryJaneNichols
CarolParker
CarolynPennie
GailPenrod
JudyPerkins
JohnandMarie-LouisePetrie
NancyPowell-Daley
RebeccaPurcell
RichardandJudyQuanrud
ShirleyRabb
PeterandIngerRhoads
DonaldRosato
FredSchaaf
EileenSellew
AdrienneSt.John
DennisStatuto
PaulineStephens
MaryStokey
PamelaSturgis
ShirleySun
DennisandMaryTaylor
RobertaTaylor
GeorgeTisdale
SusanTucker
LindaTullman
JanTurnquist
TracyWall
MaryJaneWuensch
AlanandPatriciaWhite
BarbaraWolfenden-Owens
HelenYoung
Welcometoourproductionof LittleWomen:TheBroadwayMusical atConcordPlayers.Thereare manyreasonsyoumightbeheretoday.Maybeyouknowsomeoneinthecastorontheproduction team,butit’salsolikelythatyou’vereadthefamousnovel,seenoneofthecountlessfilmor televisionadaptations(includingonefilmedrighthereinConcord!),orseenapreviousproduction oftheshow.Maybeyouhaven’tseenthemusicalversionofthestoryandarecurioustoseewhatall thefussisabout.Audiencesaroundthecountrywhohaveseenthismusicaladaptationsharethese reasonsforcomingtothetheatre.
Butthisproductionisunique.Youmightbeattendingtodaywithadesiretohonorthehistoryof Little Women atConcordPlayersortoacknowledgethelegacythatLouisaMayAlcottandherfamilyleft ontheTownofConcord.Itmightbebecauseyou’veattendedtheproductionof LittleWomen puton bythePlayerseverytenyearssinceyouwereborn,orbecauseyourcousinorsisterorauntor neighborplayedoneofthebelovedcharacters.Maybeit’sbecauseyoulivearoundthecornerfrom OrchardHouseorwereatourguidethereinyouryouth.Maybeyouare,orknow,adescendentof LouisaMayAlcottorherextendedfamily.Partofwhatmakesthisproductionuniqueisits connectiontotheTownofConcordandtheAlcottfamily.
Ifeelincrediblyluckytohavedirectedtheshowyou’reabouttoseeinacommunitydedicatedtoits faithfulretellinganduponwhichitisbased.Ourcastandproductionteamhaveworkedtirelesslyto honorthestoryofMeg,Jo,Beth,andAmy.Aswe’verehearsedthescenes,builtthesets,sewnthe costumes,andselectedtheperfectprop,we’vetalkedaboutthesenseofcommunityandbelonging thatLouisaMayAlcottbroughttoherwriting.Shecreatedastoryaboutloveandcompassionfor othersandthatisthespiritwe’vetriedtobringintothisproduction.So–toallofyouwhoarehere todaybecauseofyourconnectiontothetown,totheAlcott’s,ortothe LittleWomen story,Ihopeyou enjoyourproduction.Itisyourstory.
toolong!Asalibrarian,ithasbeensuchajoy bringingthisclassicbooktolife,andshecouldn’t imaginedoingsowithabettercast/team!Mostrecentcreditsinclude:Ursula/Dancerin Sweet Charity (WestonFriendlySociety), Andrinain TheLittleMermaid (NeedhamCommunityTheatre), Laurenin SeeRockCityandOtherDestinations (RagnorokProductions–FRINGEFestival), andSoloist/ChoirwithNewEnglandFilm Orchestra. Specialthankstoherfamilyforallof theirencouragementandinvolvement,herfriends foralloftheirsupport,Frankforallhishelpand patienceduringthisprocess,andfinally,theproductionteam,fortheopportunitytobeapartof thisamazingexperience!
SARA DELONG (Ensemble, u/sMarmee)joinsTheConcordPlayersforthefirst timethisspring.Afrequent performerofbothmusical theatreandopera,afewof Sara'sfavoritepastrolesinclude SoundofMusic (MotherAbbess), Intothe Woods (Cinderella), Don Giovanni (DonnaElvira),and Yeomenofthe Guard (Phoebe).Whennotonstage,Saracanbe foundproducing,directing,orelseconcertmanagingfortheawardwinningensemble,Blue Heron.www.Sara-DeLong.com
SEAN DONNELLY (Laurie Laurence/Roderigo)is thrilledtojoinConcord Playersforthefirsttimeas partofthishistoricproduction,andisespeciallygratefultobeworkingwithsuch atalentedandenthusiastic castandcrew.Previous creditsinclude Witch (HoveyPlayers), Cinderella,TheBridgesofMadisonCounty (Vokes Players), SomethingRotten! (TheCompanyTheatre), tick,tick…BOOM! (ColonialChorusPlayers), TheSoundofMusic (BCE), LegallyBlonde, and Hairspray (WayneTheatre).Shoutoutto KSMBOP(here’stoanotherone),andmany thankstofriendsandfamilyforyourenduring support!
AVA ENOCH (BethMarch/ Roderigo#2)issomovedto bepartofthelongtradition of LittleWomen withThe ConcordPlayers.Mostrecently,sheperformedwith ThePlayersasaclownunderstudyin The39Steps ShealsoperformedincollegeatRITasJanetWeissin The RockyHorrorPicture Show,andasMiss.Scarlettin Clue.She'sgrateful
SESSION 1: JULY 10-14
9AM - 12PM: Grades 5-6
1PM - 4PM: Grades 2-4
1PM - 4PM: Grades 3-5
SESSION 2: JULY 17-21
9AM - 12PM: Grades 3-5
1PM - 4PM: Grades 2-4
1PM - 4PM: Grades 5-6
SESSION 3: JULY 24-28
9AM - 12PM: Grades 2-4
1PM - 4PM: Grades 1-2
1PM - 4PM: Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8; 3-WEEK SESSION
July 10?28, Mon?Fri 9AM-12:30PM
Performances 7/27 & 7/28 @7PM
Grade as of Fall 2023; Space is limited
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,
tobeabletoworkwithsuchakind&compassionategroupofpeople.
KATIE ESSER (StageManager)at Vokes: TheBridges ofMadisonCounty, Cinderella;atFootlightClub: TheEight:ReindeerMonologues.
BILL FISHER (Assistant StageManager)ishappyto beassistingwiththeConcordPlayers'productionof LittleWomen.ThisisBill's eleventhshowwiththe ConcordPlayers.Mostrecently,Billworkedon Titanic (ConcordPlayers)and GrandDuke (Sudbury Savoyards).Whennot calledupontowranglescenery,Billworksasa SoftwareArchitectforOracleCorporationin Nashua.HeresidesinConcordwithhisveryunderstandingpartner,Joyce.
MaddieFreeman (Ensemble,u/sBeth)isexcited tobemakingherConcordPlayersdebut.Shehas grownupperforminginActon'sOpenDoorTheater,aninclusiveandaccessibleorganizationthat
hasbeennearanddearto herheartsince2003.FavoriterolesincludeUrsula in TheLittleMermaid and TheBaker'sWifein Intothe Woods (OpenDoorTheater).Maddiegottobean extrainGretaGerwig's 2019 LittleWomen film,so youmayrecognizeheras theolivegreenskirtthat SaoirseRonanrunsbyforamillisecondinthe openingNewYorksequence.Sheisapsychotherapistbyday,andliveswithherhusbandin Somerville.Maddiewouldliketothankherfamilyandfriendsforrunninglineswithherandalwayssupportinghertheatricalendeavors.
EMMA FUTHEY (Dramaturg) Emmaisaprofessor,theatre historian,dramaturgworkingintheGreaterBoston area.Selectedshowsasdramaturg: TheDoll’sHouse; OurTown;DesireUnderthe Elms;RichardIII;Stop Kiss. Selectedshowsasdirector: Eurydice;Trifles; LoveLetters.Shereceived herPh.D.inTheatreandPerformanceStudies fromTuftsUniversity.SheisaFacultyAssociate inWritingandHumanitiesatMCPHSUniversity. Thankstothecast,crew,andTheConcordPlayers forwelcomingherintotheirproductionandfor
LouisaMayAlcott,prolificauthor,tirelessreformer,proud,independentspinsterandCivil Warnurse,createdJoMarch,hermostmemorablecharacter,fromthestuffofherownlife. Shemadechangestofittheconventionsofherday,yetJo'spersonalitymatchesthatofher creator,“bornwithaboy’sspiritundermybibandtucker.”TheMarch familyrepresentsthesouloftheAlcottfamily,fromtheirgenerosityin thefaceofpovertytotheirunbridleddelightinhomemadetheatricals. Atfirst,MissAlcottchafedatherpublisher’srequestfor“agirl’sstory,” saying“neverlikedgirlsorknewmanyexceptmysisters;butourplays andexperiencesmayproveinteresting,thoughIdoubtit.”Butafter readingproofsof LittleWomen,shewrote“ItreadsbetterthanIexpected. Notabitsensational,butsimpleandtrue,forwereallylivedmostofit; andifitsucceeds,thatwillbethereasonofit...somegirlswhohaveread themanuscriptssayitis‘splendid!’Asitisforthem,theyarethebest critics,soIshouldbesatisfied.”
By1888Louisahadpublishedovertwenty-fivebooksforchildrenandadults,countlessshort stories,andthrillers,andhercircleof“bestcritics”hadbecomeinternational.Atthattime, thetranslatoroftheAlcottbooksintoDutchwrote:“MissAlcottwasandissomuchbeloved herebyherbooksthatyoucouldscarcefindagirlthathadnotreadoneormoreofthem.”In 2023,155yearssinceitsfirstpublication, LittleWomen continuestobeoneofthemost belovedbooksaroundtheworld.
TheConcordPlayerstracetheirhistoryto1857andtheConcordDramaticUnion,which LouisaMayAlcottandhersister,Annahelpedtofound.AlfredWhitman,aclosefriendofthe Alcottfamily,wrotein1857,“InthevestryoftheUnitarianChurch,weerectedaportablestage …ThescenesfromDickensdramatizedbyLouisawereamongthebestoftheproduction”… Whitmanfoundhimselfinan“excitingwhirlofamassofplays”—muchlikelifewiththe ConcordPlayerstoday.
In1872,theUnionbecametheConcordDramaticCluband,ultimately,in1919,theConcord Players.Thus,whenyouobservetheMarchsistersrehearsingJo'splay, TheWitch'sCurse,in thisproduction,youarealsowatchingthebeginningoftheConcordPlayers.
In1932Concordwasabuzzwithplanstocelebratethe 100thanniversaryofthebirthofLouisaMayAlcott, authorofthebelovednovel LittleWomen.The ConcordPlayerscoulddonolessthanplanto highlightthefestivitieswithadramatizedversionof thenovel,littlerealizingthatatraditionwasinthe making.Thevenuewastheoldarmoryor“Veterans Hall”(now51Walden)towhichthePlayershadadded thestagein1919.DetailedstudiesofOrchardHouse, homeoftheAlcottswherethenovelwaswritten,were carefullycopiedinthesetandfurnishings.Costumes, oneofwhichincludedacaponcewornbyMrs.Alcott, wereauthenticrecreationsoftheperiodand reminiscentofAlcottfamilylife.Twomembersofthe castweredirectdescendantsoftheAlcotts—Louisa AlcottKussinandBronsonAlcottPratt,Anna's(Meg's) grandchildrenandLouisa'sgrandnieceand grandnephew.
HeraldedbyaNewYorkHeraldTribunecriticas“an excellentperformance,”theshowwent“ontheroad”toSROaudiencesinLexingtonand Cambridge,bringingthetotalticketssoldto3,550insevenperformances.Requestsforthe productionfromsixteenotherorganizationshadtobedenied.Itwasinevitablethatsucha resoundingsuccesswouldleadtoanewtradition—aConcordPlayers'productionof Little Women everytenyears.
WorldWarIIinterferedwiththe1942production,but 1952sawthedecennialplanrevived,andthecarefully preserved1932setwasusedagain.AccordingtoThe ConcordJournal,thisproductionplayedto1,500 peopleinfourperformances.Acommitteeheadedby Mrs.HansMiller,whosehusbandhadreorganizedthe earlierConcordDramaticClubandrenameditthe ConcordPlayersin1919,createdthefemale costumes.Twoexceptionsfrom1932wererepaired andaltered.OnewasabrowndresswornbyAnne Jewell(AuntMarch);theother,agrayonewornby CarolineFarnsworth(Mrs.March),had1859pennies anda"tradecoin"usedasweightsintheseams.These weightswerecarefullyreplacedinthealtered garment.
In1962,onceagaintheConcordPlayers’ dramatizationofAlcott'smasterpieceplayedto selloutcrowdsinsevenperformances,eachone requiringthe additionofsixty seats.The1952 costumes,socarefullypackedandstoredbyMr.andMrs. HansMiller,wereusedagain.Thosesame1859coins weighteddownthecostumewornbyVinnieMacLeodas Marmee.Fortheset,twenty-onemulticoloredflatsfrom otherproductionswerepulledforuse.Whenrepainting began,thebiggestchallengewastoreproducethediamondpatternedwallpaperinMay's(Amy's)bedroom.Twenty-five paintersstenciledonethousanddiamondsoverabasecoat ofblue—notoncebuttwice!
Afterseeingthisproduction,ConcordauthorJaneLangton wrotein TheConcordJournal,“Itistoobadshe[Louisa]could notseeher‘PatheticFamily’cometolifeagainin1962.The ConcordPlayersarehernaturaldescendants,andtheydid herproud.”
The1972productionmarkedadefiningmoment inthehistoryofthePlayersandtheVeteransHall theyhadoccupiedsince1919.ThePlayersjoined withtheConcordOrchestratosponsoranew corporation,“TheFriendsofthePerformingArts inConcord”orFOPAC(today,knownas51 Walden).
Asfortheproduction,anewscriptbyPeter Clapham,wasused-tolukewarmcriticalnotice. Theshowranfor tenperformances andfeatured FletcherAdams’
1962setcompletewiththatreproducedwallpaper. Unfortunately,theoriginalcostumes—althoughcarefully storedfor40years—hadbeenusedin18performances involvingvariousdressrehearsalsandinnumerablefittings andwerenolongerinusablecondition.Anewwardrobewas createdbyJoSosman.
1982,theGoldenAnniversaryyear!Thefifthdecennial productionwashighlightedbyaspecialdedicationtosix livingmembers,alluniquecontributorstothePlayersandto the LittleWomen tradition.ThegroupconsistedofMarion Miller,LouisaAlcottKussin,Mrs.BronsonAlcottPratt, WhitneyandLydiaSmith,andHeddieRootKent.The
productionalsomarkedanimportantturningpointinthesearchforabetteradaptationof thenovelthanthosecommerciallyavailable.Playwright(andConcordresident)David FieldingSmithagreedtotryhishandat LittleWomen,thoughhehadonlysixweekstoachieve themonumentaltask.AuniqueaspectofthisinitialscriptwasthatthereweretwoJo's—the younger,CarolAnderson,andtheolder,SusanCardwell—allowingtwotalentedactressesto becast.
Acknowledgingthatthe1982scriptwaswritteninhaste,theConcordPlayers'Board commissionedDavidFieldingSmithtodevelopanewscriptforthe1992production.In collaborationwithproducersLillianAndersonandMichaelHenchman,director,Dorothy Schecter,andOrchardHousestaff,workshopreadingswereheldfortwoyearspriorto production.
Intherevisedscript,Jomovedinandoutofscenesasbothnarrator andcharacter,andtheopensetallowedrapidshiftsbetweenlocales andevents.ThisnewproductionpromptedaConcordJournal headline,“LittleWomen isaTreasureforallTimes.”Therewere12 performancesusingcostumedushersandacommemorativesouvenir program,beautifullyphotographedbyDaveChaseattheOrchard House.Forthefirsttimesince1932,anAlcottdescendantparticipated inaperformance.Louisa’sgreat,greatgrandnephew,FritzKussin, playedMr.Dashwood,thecrustyNewYorkpublisherofJo'smore sensationalstories.1992alsomarksthefirsttimethatJanTurnquist, directorofOrchardHouse,playedMarmee.
Withafewminortweaks,theDavidFieldingscriptwas usedforthe2002production.Manynamesinthe programwereremindersofhowoftentherearecrossovers fromdecadetodecade.KateClarke,whostarredasJoin '92,wastheAssistantDirector;the'92costumerSheryl PetersplayedAuntMarch;BillMaxwellwhoplayed ProfessorBhaerin'92wasMr.Laurence.Newlycastwas MegStreffplayingBethwhileherownfather,Charlie Streff,playedMr.March,herfictionalfather,andFritz KussinreprisedhiscameoroleofMr.Dashwood.Inan unusualtwist,twooutstandingConcordactressesshared theroleofMarmee,performingonalternatenights—Jan Turnquist,Marmeein'92,andSusanEllsworth.Theybecameknownbehindthescenesas “Mar”and“Mee.”
The2012productionsawSmith’sscriptbroughttolifebydirector,KateClarke(Join’92, Asst.Dir.’02)andfeaturedJanTurnquistforherthirdstintasMarmee,andAlcott descendantsLouisaAlcottYamartinoandherson,Alec.InadditionaCostumeParadewas held,featuring100yearsofConcordPlayers’costumeswornbymothersanddaughtersfrom theNationalCharityLeague (Concord/CarlisleChapter). Theeventalsoservedasa reunioncelebrationforalumni castsandcrewsfrompast Little Women productions.Alecture series,“Community Conversations:Lookingat LittleWomen”featuringtooka scholarlylookatthehistorical andethicalimpactofLittle Women.
The2012productionranfor 12soldoutperformances, provingthatthestoryof Little Women isstillrelevantintothe 21stcenturyandtheConcord Playersisdedicatedtomaking surethattraditionliveson.
listeningtoherrambleaboutwomen,theCivil War,BronsonAlcott,andcourtshipinthe19th century.EternalthankstoKatieSwimmforbeing thebestcollaboratorandagreatfriend.
A.J.GAUDREAU (Ensemble, u/sProf.Bhaer)issoexcited tomakehissecondappearanceatTheConcordPlayers withthisincredibleproduction!Performingextensivelyinhishomestateof Mainebeforethis,hedebutedasamemberofthe Massachusettscommunity herestartingin2022with ConcordPlayers’productionof Titanic (2ndOfficerLightoller),andrecentlyArlingtonFriends oftheDrama’sproductionof Iolanthe (Strephon). Heisgratefultobeamongsuchatalentedcastand crewforthisshowandhopesyouwillenjoyevery second!
GABRIELLE HATCHER (Hair andMakeup)isthrilledtobe workingwithConcordPlayersonceagainafterdesigninghairfor SenseandSensibility lastseason,forwhich shewontheDASHaward. Shemostrecentlydesigned HairandMakeupatUmbrellaStageCompanyfor both MiddletonHeights and Dracula,AFeministRevengeFantasy.Favorite
onstagerolesincludeLucyWestenrain Dracula, AFeministRevengeFantasy (UmbrellaStage Company),Sarain StopKiss, andReggiein Some Girl(s) (HoveyPlayers).Otherprojectsinclude theAsianAmericanPlaywrightCollective,The 48HourFilmProject,andtheNationalFilm Challenge.
MIA KANIA (Ensemble,u/s Meg) isanurbanplannerby dayandahighflyingsopranobynight.Sheisexcitedtobebackonthestage afteracoupleyears’hiatus; evenmoresotobemaking herreturninherquasihometownofConcord wheresheoncegracedthe stagesofConcordAcademy andConcordYouthTheatre.Shewouldliketo thankherfamilyand,mostimportantly,herdogs andcat.
TRAVIS KARAS (Professor Bhaer)deeplyrespectsthe importanceinwhichthe Concordcommunityholds thisbeautiful,evocative story.TravisisnewtoMassachusettsandisthrilledto bebackonstageaftertwo yearsaway.Travishasbeen seenin GuysandDolls (Sky Masterson), SomethingRotten! (WilliamShakespeare),and Company
(Harry).Whennotonstage,Traviscanbefound listeningtoanaudiobookorwalkingtheirdog, Chewbacca.Asalways,Travissendstheirloveto theirfamilyandpartner.
ThisisaplaceholderforCharlotte.Ididn'tgeta newbiofromheryet,butwillsendanewone withthecorrections
CHARLOTTE KELLEY (Props)WhenCharlotte joinedConcordPlayers,she volunteeredtoworkon propsandsetdressing for LittleWomen withHeddieKentin2002.Charlotte hashelpedinavarietyof backstagerolesforover20 years.Herpassionhasbeen propsandsetdesign,for whichshehasbeenacknowledgedwithDASH nominationsandawards.Shepayshomagetoall thosewhohaveparticipatedovermanydecadesin producingthisparticularplay.Shewasproudto contributetothetraditionin 2002and2012andnowacknowledgesthejoyinparticipatinginthismusical versionwithfabulousdirectors,castandcrew!
JEFF KIMBALL (MusicDirector)isdelightedtobea partofthislovelyteam.Jeff isafrequentMDandper-
formeraroundtheNortheast.Mostrecently,he wasMDfortheVokesproductionsof TheBridges ofMadisonCounty and Cinderella, andatthe FootlightClub: LegallyBlonde, Heathers, BIG, and BatBoy (EMACTDASHawardsincluding BestMusicDirection,andnominationsincluding BestProductionandBestEnsemblePerformance.)Otherrecentshowsinclude RENT (UmbrellaStage), NextToNormal (BostonTheatre Dance)and LesMisérables (StadiumTheatre)In addition,JeffisanMD&instructorwithImprovBostonandwithArtbarnCommunityTheater,and performswithPhilHenry&theNewsfeed.http:// www.jeffkimballmusic.com/
MIKE LAGUE (Ensemble,u/s Mr.Laurence)MikeisdelightedtoreturntoTheConcordPlayers’mainstageafterahiatusfromperforming forthreeandahalfyears. LastseeninConcordas RichardNoakesin2018’s Arcadia,Mikehasparticipatedinover57productions inthepast25years,with16 differenttheatercompanies.Aretiredsoftware engineer,MikeisthePlayers’websiteadministrator,hasbeenactivewithTheWorld’sAStage Players(thePlayers’Shakespearetroupe)asactor andproducer,andkeepsbusyfinding,integrating, (andcreating)freesoftwaresolutionstoimprove theflowofinformationthatkeepscommunity theatersrunningsmoothly.
OLLY
OVELL (Ensemble, u/sAmy)isexcitedtobe makingherdebutwithThe ConcordPlayersintheirdecennialperformanceof LittleWomen.Herfavorite creditsincludeNora A Doll’sHouse, Babette BeautyandtheBeast, Mary Warren TheCrucible,Stella A StreetcarNamedDesire, andas CarrieWhite in Carrie. Whennotonstage, sheteaches3rdgradeinBrockton,andtheater performanceclassesatEnsemblePerformingArts StudioinWalpole.ShewouldliketothankFinn, herparents,family,andfriendsfortheirunwaveringsupportandlove.
A.J.LYMAN (JohnBrooke/ Braxton)istrulyhonoredto bemakinghisdebutwith TheConcordPlayersinthis historicproductionof Little Women.SomefavoritepreviouscreditsincludeJeanMichelin Cinderella (Vokes Players),Peterin Peterand theStarcatcher (Vokes Players),andGrandmaster Chadin LegallyBlonde (TheFootlightClub). OriginallyfromConnecticut,A.J.haslivedin Massachusettsfor12years,andworksatTufts UniversityasanAccessibilitySpecialist.Thank youtothisincrediblecastandproductionteamfor
anamazingexperience.ToKatieandJeff;to Mom,Dad,Sis,Theo,Josieandmyentirefamily; tomyincrediblefriends;thankyouforempoweringmetobelieveinmyself.Enjoytheshowand "engarde!"
THOMAS CHRISTOPHER MARSH (Ensemble,u/sLaurie)(He/Him)isexcitedto beapartofhisfirstConcord Playersshow!Heattended UMassLowellforelectrical engineeringandwasapart oftheall-maleACappella groupUMLHawkapella.He hasbeeninperformancesin MAsince2017asJack Kellyin Newsies, Laurieinapreviousproduction of LittleWoman,AaronShultzin LegallyBlonde atFootlightClub,Lefouin BeautyandtheBeast andBarnabyin Hello,Dolly! atRiversideTheater Works.Hewillbejoiningaproductionof The TrailtoOregon producedbyYorickEnsemblethis summer.Tomwouldliketo thankhisfamilyandfriends astheyarethereasonhe findstheenergytocontinue doingshowsnon-stop
MARGARET MCCARTY (MarmeeMarch/Hag)is pleasedtoreturntotheConcordstage,havinglastbeen seenherein Follies asSally
DurantPlummer.PreviousrolesincludeCora Swansonin Morning’satSeven (Quannapowitt Players),EstherFranzin ThePrice (VokesPlayers),LucyAngkatellin TheHollow (Burlington Players),BonitaWilsonin DeskSet (Concord Players),DesiréeArmfeldtin ALittleNightMusic (ArlingtonFriendsoftheDrama),BigEdie/Little Ediein GreyGardens (ArlingtonFriendsofthe Drama),AuntMarchin LittleWomen:TheMusical (WellesleyPlayers),theWomanin Veronica’s Room (BurlingtonPlayers),andEleanorin The LioninWinter (WakefieldRepertoryTheater).In reallife,sheteachesEnglishandhistorytoeighth gradersinMethuen.
LINDA MCCONCHIE (AssistanttotheProducers)loves herworkwithThePlayers. Doingprops,dressingsets, servingontheboard,lobby designormarketingareall partofthecollaborationthat makesmakingtheaterso satisfying.Ashoutoutto TracyWallandSusan Tuckerwhohaveworked miraclesproducingthis
show,andspecialaffectiontoCorinneKinsman whoworkshertushieoffforThePlayers,and withwhomshesharestwoadorablegrandsons. Lindaisamarketingprofessionalbyday.
CATHY MERLO (Ensemble, u/sAuntMarch/Mrs.Kirk) –isdelightedtoreturntothe ConcordPlayersafterplayingEthelinTCANPlayers’ productionof MoonOver Buffalo.Cathyhasperformedinmorethan50 playsandmusicalsthroughoutthegreaterBostonarea including Cinderella,AbsolutelyMurder,Hairspray,NightWatch,Secret Garden,Mousetrap,Titanic,Harvey,Wizardof Oz,Pride&Prejudice,Jekyll&Hyde,Assassins, Equus,HunchbackofNotreDame,AMurderis Announced, and LesMiserables. Manythanksto Katie&Jeffforanotherchancetoplaybeforethe footlights.Byday,sherunswithHuskieson HuntingtonAvenue.
AIDEN O'NEAL (AmyMarch/Troll)Aidenis thrilledtobeinhersecondConcordPlayersshow inarowafterplayingChanaandothersin Inde-
“Where
beseenonthe51Walden stageasKateMcGowanin Titanic andMarianneDashwoodin Senseand Sensibility (forwhichshereceived anEMACTDASHnomination).Sheisalsothrilledto bejoiningTheConcord Playersboardatthestartof thenextterm!Allofthetimespenthereinthepast fewyearssometimesmakesitseemasthoughshe hasalmostbecomearesidentofConcord,making herallthemorehonoredtobepartoftellingthis storythatissodeeplyrootedinthehistoryofthis community.Shewouldliketothankhersiblings (bothhersistersonstageandbrothersandsistersin-lawoffstage)fortheirsupportforherloveof theatreandliterature.Thestoryof LittleWomen is afavoriteforsomanyandsheisexcitedtobea partoftellingitonthisstagesheloves.Shehopes theshowexceedsyourfinest dreams!
CHRIS ORTIZ (AssistantDirector)issoexcitedtobe partoftheteambringing thisproductionof Little Women tolife!Pastproductionsinclude Chicagothe musical (GreaterBoston Stage), RomeoandJuliet
(CastleHillProductions),and
(Gordon
ZACK PAGE (Ensemble,u/s JohnBrooke)ishonoredto makehisConcordPlayers debutinsuchaspecialproduction.He'saMAnative withadegreeinArtsManagementfromMCLA,and hasperformedatanumber oftheatersinthearea.Some favoriterolesincludeCBin DogSeesGod (ArtsAfter Hours),Waynein Puffs (TheatreIII),Krogstadin ADoll'sHouse (VenableTheatre),andGeorge Gibbsin OurTown (TheFootlightClub).When notonstage,ZackworksinPropertyManagement,playsvideogames,feedshisgrowing LEGOhobby,andre-watcheshisfavoriteTV show,SMASH.Many,manythankstomum,dad, andthecountlessfriendsandfamilymembersthat supporthispassionfortheatre.Thiscastistremendouslytalented&heis proudtohaveworkedwith everyoneinvolvedinthis production.Enjoythe show!
LONNIE POWELL (Mr.Laurence/Knight)isvery pleasedtobeperforming withTheConcordPlayers
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.
OurrecentsuccessestoBroadwayinclude:
Pictures from Home
Heros of a Fourth Turning Hilary and Clinton
What the Constitution Means to Me www.capecodtheatreproject.org
onceagain.PreviousroleswithConcordinclude: CaptainSmithin Titanic,St.Aphrodisiusin The HunchbackofNotreDame, Man1in KissMe, Kate andGalahadin Spamalot. HelivesinNatick withhiswife,Karen.
KATIE SWIMM (Director)is honoredtobemakingher directorialdebutatConcord Players.Shehasbeenactive incommunity,regional,and universitytheatreforover twentyyearsasadirector, actor,intimacychoreographer/consultant,andeducator.DirectingcreditsinBostoninclude:AtTheFootlightClub: Big:TheMusical,You'reaGoodMan, CharlieBrown,OurTown,LegallyBlonde,adigitaladaptationof TheWomaninWhite (DASH Award,ExcellenceinAdaptationandDirection), andherownadaptationof TheDoll'sHouse;At VokesPlayers: PeterandtheStarcatcher (DASH Nomination,BestDirector,BestEnsemble,Best Production)RodgersandHammerstein's Cinderella,and TheBridgesofMadisonCounty;At HoveyPlayers: Witch;AtTuftsUniversity: Into theWoods and Rent.Sheisalsoavocalistinthe NastyWomenSingensemble,andhasappeared locallyin You'reaGoodMan,CharlieBrown and BatBoy atTheFootlightClub.InChicago,she
wasManagingDirectorforGreasyJoan&Co., andproducednumerousprojectswiththecompanyincludingtheJeffAwardNominated The Misanthrope.ShereceivedaBFAinTheatrePerformancefromNiagaraUniversity,anMAinLiteratureatNorthwestern,andaPhDinTheatreand PerformanceStudiesatTuftsUniversity.Herareasofexpertiseincludetheatreandmentalillness, theperformanceoffaith,politicsasperformance, andcommunity-basedtheatrepractice.Whennot involvedintheatremaking,KatieistheAssociate DirectorofAcademicSupportattheTuftsUniversityStudentAccessibilityandAcademicResourceCenter,wheresheoverseestheAcademic CoachingandSubjectTutoringPrograms.Much loveandthankstothespectacularcastandproductionteamwhoreallytaughtherwhatthe “community”incommunitytheatreisallabout whileworkingonthisshow.
SUSAN TUCKER (Producer/ LightDesigner/LightBoard Operator)ThisConcord Playersproductionof Little Women isactuallyherseventh.In1962shewasan usherasahighschoolstudent.HerfirstrealinvolvementwithThePlayersand with LittleWomen, wasin 1972whenhermother-in-
lawrecruitedherforthepropscrew.Shehasbeen involvedineachonesincetheninoneformor other.Sheisdelightedtobeco-producingand lightingourfirstmusicalversionofthiswelllovedclassic.Ithasbeenagreatprivilegetowork withthisverytalentedproductionteam.
TRACY WALL (Producer)is thrilledtobeapartofConcordPlayers’littlePassion Playforthethirdtime.Itis trulyawonderfultradition. Italsomarksher20thanniversarywiththetheater. Shecountsherselfveryfortunateindeedtobeapartofthisillustrioustheater companyandtobeabletoworkwithallthewonderfulandtalentedpeoplewhoputupsuchfirstrateproductions.Inadditiontoproducing,Tracy isChairoftheLittleWomenCommittee–whata blastit’sbeencomingupwithfunactivities:a galakick-off,essaycontest,filmfestival,Tea,and opening.Thankstothecommittee:DeniseCasale, StefanieCloutier,LindaMcConchie,Andrea Roessler,SusanTuckerandJanTurnquistfor theirhardworkandgreatspirit.
MARTHA WARREN (Aunt March/Mrs.Kirk)Musical Theatre:MissShingle, Gentleman’sGuidetoLoveand Murder;Mme.Armfeldt, A LittleNightMusic (both withGreaterWorcester Opera);Mrs.Strakosh, FunnyGirl (ConcordPlayers);FrauleinSchneider, Cabaret (TheatreIII);IdaStraus, Titanic,theMusical (TheatreIII);Margaret, TheLightinthePiazza (DreamplayTheatre);Opera/Operetta:Mme. GiorgiaGermont, LaTraviata (MassOpera); Katisha, TheMikado (GreaterWorcesterOpera); PublicOpinion,OrpheusintheUnderworld; LadyBillows, AlbertHerring;MissTodd, Old MaidandtheThief (allwithLongwoodOpera); Musetta, LaBoheme;Michaela, Carmen (Granite StateOpera).MusicDirector: Fiddleronthe Roof,MyFairLady (TheatreIII).Marthateaches voiceatherprivatestudioinBoxborough,andis excitedtobereturningtoConcordPlayers,andto livetheater.ThankyouPeterandDavidforyour constantsupport.
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