The Black and White

What You Can Accomplish When You Dream – Little Women the Musical

By: Bridget Pouliot

“My favorite part of the rehearsal process is seeing the show finally come together,” sophomore Sam Doster, who plays Aunt March in the show, described. “You spend hours every day for weeks on end building up a show and hoping it turns out well. When you finally get to run the show and perform it, it is worth all the late nights.” 

Less than a week from now, the lights will go up on the Pilgrim Players’ fall musical, Little Women. An extravagant and moving story, Little Women tells the tale of four sisters – Meg, Amy, Beth, and, in terms of the musical, primarily Jo – during the Civil War as they search for their place in society and navigate the troubles and gifts of family. 

“This show, to me, is a heartwarming story that brings me comfort,” director and Pilgrim English teacher Richard Denningham explained. “It’s a nice reminder that there are stories that can make us feel good about the world, and about each other. It is a story about how when we come together, we can achieve greatness.”

Little Women is a beloved by many, and the company of the show is no exception. “Personally, this show means so much to me as I’ve loved the book for years,” junior, and Pilgrim drama Costume Manager, Rory Kelaghan expressed. “Overall, its message about perusing dreams and how each sister isn’t less than another is something I think we need more of.”

The Pilgrim Players have spent two months rehearsing, learning lines and dances, constructing sets, painting walls, sewing costumes, and building the show from the ground up. At school for hours after most go home, the students and their director are committed and determined to put on the best show they can.

Sophomore Addison Eaton, who plays Amy March, expressed, “Being forced together for five-hour long rehearsals makes you immeasurably close with people.” She, like many others, enjoys getting to build friendships with her fellow castmates and create memories. “My favorite part of rehearsals is working so closely together.”

“My favorite part of rehearsal process is the silly moments where we are all dancing and laughing about a missed step or someone flubbing a line,” Rory shared. “However, I equally love when it’s the end of a long rehearsal and everyone is laying on the floor, out of their minds tired, but tired together, and as a group knowing we are making it work.”

Many of the drama students share a pride in the work they do and what they achieve in the club. Called their “most polished production” they’ve done in years by Lighting Manager Isaac Ou, Little Women is shaping to be “something magnificent”, in the words of Alexandra Howlett.

“People should come see the show to support all the members of the club,” Addison declared. “Besides the fact that it is going to be amazing, we all spend so much time on these shows and seeing people filling the audience is the biggest reward.”

Tech freshman Lily Smiley explained, “I think people should come to this show to experience true passion in the arts. Every single person that helped make this show, whether cast or crew, is truly dedicated and passionate about their work,” she described. “Not to mention the show will tell the well-known and loved story of Little Women, but with an amazing Broadway musical twist, and young actors making their way into the world.”

The show dates and times are Friday, November 22nd at 7pm, Saturday, November 23rd at 7pm, and Sunday, November 24th at 2pm. Tickets are $8 for students, seniors, and children, and $14 for adults. Buy tickets at lunches on November 18th through the 22nd, at the door before all three shows, or online at https://pilgrim.booktix.com/

As Jo March/Alexandra Howlett sings in the finale of the first act, “I’m ready to take a bow, I’ve taken a solemn vow. My destiny here and now, I’ll astonish the world.”