The March sisters are coming to the Seldin Center on February 24! The SLS Theater Department is putting on Little Women, with Mrs. Fuller as Stage Director and Mr. Barry as Musical Director.

Written by Louisa May Alcott in 1869, the novel Little Women follows the story of four sisters – Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth – as they navigate love, family, sickness, and what it means to be a woman. In 2019, the beloved story was adapted into a movie, starring Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Meryl Streep, and Laura Dern.

Mrs. Fuller said, “It’s been an absolute delight directing an incredibly talented cast in this classic story. The source material (Alcott’s book) was written over 150 years ago, but the themes of choosing your destiny, following your heart’s desire, and perseverance still ring true.”

In the St. Luke’s adaptation, senior Cessa Lewis ‘23 will be taking on the heroine Jo March, a flourishing young woman and feminist, adamant on publishing books of her own. Lewis said, “I love Jo because she’s at this exact stage in her life as we are right now. Like she’s right on the cusp of things, and so are we [as seniors]… She also wants to be her own person and pave her own path and find her own way, and I can also relate to that.”

Lewis also loves Jo’s character development, as the Jo that “ends the show is not the same as the character who starts the show.” Over the course of the story, Jo grows into a woman who is more outspoken, nonconforming, and independent. Lewis said, “[Jo is] not a feminist in the image that comes to our mind with someone marching… She’s a feminist in how she embodies it in herself. She listens to her gut and her heart… There are these limitations that are placed on women, and she kind of breaks them, but it’s in her own way, and I think that’s really cool… She’s just a feminist in her day-to-day [life].”

Acting opposite Lewis is Alan Calver ‘24, who will be playing Jo’s best friend and love interest, Laurie. Little Women will be Calver’s first musical at St. Luke’s. He said, “I had no idea what Little Women was, and people kept saying ‘oh my goodness, you’d be a great Laurie’… So I went into it not knowing what to expect.” Despite his inexperience, Calver quickly found his footing.

Calver has enjoyed taking creative liberties with his character. He said, “[It’s] been interesting this last week or so, playing that role [and] playing around with what feels right, especially with other actors… He’s a fun character, because I think there’s a lot of different ways you can go with it.”

Lewis added, “It’s so much fun working with Alan because it’s fun acting with somebody who you’re already friends with… So we already have good friend chemistry, so when we’re on stage it just feels more natural and kind of organic.”

Calver echoed Lewis’ sentiment and said, “I remember during auditions… the back and forth [Cessa and I] had in this one particular scene… There was a lot of vitality there, and it felt like I was in the scene, even though I’d just picked up the script.”

Rounding out the rest of the March sisters are Elissa Tobin ‘26 as Amy, Sam Bauer ‘23 as Meg, and Ali DeFilippo ‘25 as Beth.

The cast and crew alike feel anticipation for the final performances. While there are some nerves, the experience is a joy to everyone involved. Fuller said, “My favorite moments in any production evolve throughout the rehearsal process. What strikes me the most in Little Women is the tender comedy…The honest reflections about life that have made me smile and give me a little chuckle – they always catch me by surprise.”

Lewis has been performing for the theater department since she was in 6th grade. She reflected on her time at St. Luke’s, saying, “Musicals have been one of the best parts of St. Luke’s, and I’m just grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had…and to end this year with one last big bang!… It feels right… I’m so glad that I get to have my last show with Jo.”

Come see Little Women on February 24th at 7:00 or the 25th at 2:00 and 7:00! There are no tickets or reservations required. The seating is first come first serve. Hope to see you there!