The March sisters surround their mother while she reads a letter aloud from their father in the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre production of Little Women, opening tonight with all shows already sold out.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat Musical Theatre’s latest production of Little Women is already successful, with all shows selling out before media night, a live-audience final dress rehearsal for cast and crew that took place on Wednesday.
The theatre was about half full of those invited to attend media night and the reception to the production was enthusiastic, the cast receiving a standing ovation at the close of the show.
While all cast gave excellent performances, Darleen Dee’s interpretation of Aunt March was exquisite. A wealthy relative firm in her beliefs in how all women should think, feel and behave, Dee was able to capture the mood of her character each time she walked on stage, from the tone of disapproval in her voice to the way she flinched each time someone attempted to show her physical affection.
Once again Simon Frelick stole each scene he appeared in, playing both his characters with charm while also displaying excellent comic timing. Kudos need to be given to the director and producer along with all other crew members for ensuring Little Women is a top-notch production.
Set in the midst of the Civil War, the musical opens with main character Jo, played with great energy by Shelby MacPhail who also has an incredible singing voice, disheartened by the latest rejection to one of her manuscripts. The vast differences between siblings and the rivalries that exist within families was well portrayed by Sarah Latimer, Jocelyn Walters and Jasmyn Bojakli, who play Jo’s sisters Meg, Beth and Amy respectively.
All those who have bought tickets to one of the sold-out shows are in for a treat and an evening or afternoon of excellent entertainment.
