The play is based on the Louisa May Alcott novel written for children and published in two parts in 1868 and 1869.

This classic has remained popular, with its traditional, heartwarming family themes resonating with readers and audiences over the years.

“I never realized how popular it was with the youth in the area and the community as a whole, but auditions proved it,” Rundell said at rehearsal on Friday. “It brings you warmth, whether reading it bundled up or watching the movie from the ’30s, ’40s, or more recent.”

Now, Alpena area audiences can enjoy the live performance from a very talented group of actors, many of whom are new to the ACT stage.

Courtesy Photo by Bronwyn Woolman The cast of “Little Women” poses at a recent rehearsal at Alpena Civic Theatre. Pictured, back row, from left, are Iven Brown, Marlo Broad, Eric Collins, Lucas Moquin, and Morgan Suszek. In front, from left, are Tala Barton, Brianna Jasso, Kendra McInerney, Vie Luther, and Mariah Brancheau.

“Little Women” centers around four sisters ­– Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March — growing up in refined poverty, raised by their kind mother, Marmee, in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father is away serving as an army chaplain in the Civil War. Each of the sisters is very unique in her own way — Meg longs for love and marriage, Jo is a strong-willed tomboy who won’t conform to the standards of others, Beth, a “mouse” as her father affectionately calls her, is the sweet and frail homebody, and Amy, a budding artist, finds beauty in the finer things in life. The story follows their formative years into adulthood, showing their search for love and their own place in the world.

Tala Barton plays Meg, Mariah Brancheau plays Jo, Vie Luther plays Beth, and Brianna Jasso plays Amy. Kendra McInerney plays the outspoken Marmee, and Lucas Moquin plays her husband, the loving father of his “Little Women.”

Seasoned ACT favorite Marlo Broad takes to the stage as the cross Aunt March, who holds her inheritance over the heads of the girls, choosing favorites day to day based on which of them is currently meeting her lofty demands.

Newcomer Eric Collins, at a very tall 13, portrays Laurie/Lawrence/Teddy, the girls’ childhood playmate and neighbor who has begun to notice Jo in a new romantic light. He is also trying to find his place in life, desperately wanting to be a part of the loving March family instead of being surrounded by the chill of a giant mansion with no one in it.

Iven Brown plays Mr. Brooke, Laurie’s tutor, who takes a strong interest in Meg, asking for her hand in marriage.

Later in the story, Jo decides to head to New York City to pursue her writing career, and meets Professor Bhaer, played by Morgan Suszek. The pair hit it off, but the timing is not right for Jo, as she continues to struggle with her true desires.

Director Rundell could not be happier with the cast’s hard work and cohesiveness.

“This is going great,” Rundell said. “The first rehearsal, many of them were off book for the first 10 pages. That never happens. And they’re energetic, they’re willing to help, they’re excited. It’s just so cool to see.”

Rundell has acted in and directed many plays at ACT. She loves the book “Little Women” and is elated to present the play to the community.

“I actually read it 50 years ago, or so, and I love the old movies,” Rundell said. “I had seen the ’40s version, with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh, and Margaret O’Brien, and I was mesmerized by the beauty of it, the flow, and the humor.”

She said her daughter watched it with her and loved it, too.

“She would call me ‘Marmee’ every now and then,” Rundell recalled. “It was cute.”

Rundell is excited to show the public the talent of the young actors in this play.

“I just decided, ‘let’s bring some new talent in,'” she said. “We have a younger cast.”

She said the whole cast has done an impressive job.

“Kendra McInerney is the mother, and she can do anything onstage,” Rundell said.

“Honestly, this experience has been phenomenal,” McInerney said. “Of all the shows I’ve done.”

She has been impressed with the teens’ dedication to the show.

“I’ve done so many shows, and it’s never been as smooth as this one has been,” she added. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

“It’s goosebump-worthy to watch how they’ve progressed,” Rundell added. “They write the notes. I ask them to do something, and they listen.”

She said the girls really make you believe they are sisters because they act so naturally up there.

“It’s just natural, and it’s nice,” Rundell said.

Jackie Herbert is the assistant director, Dawn Collins is stage manager, and Bill Powell is in charge of public relations for this production. Many others have helped with the set and prepping for the play.

The set takes you back in time, with antique and vintage items on loan from ACT members, including Rundell and Broad. The scene panel seen through the set window were made by artist Danyeal Dorr. Moquin painted the floor to look like wood planks by using various shades of brown paint mixed with water, sponged on in streaks to make it look genuine. The cranberry wall color completes the Victorian ambience. Jason Luther and Powell constructed and painted the set.

“I’m proud of this group,” Rundell added. “So dedicated.”

“You’re in for a treat,” McInerney said.

“It brings you back to the good old days,” Rundell said.

“Little Women” opens at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and runs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. It continues May 18 through 21. Tickets are $15 per person, and $8 per student. ACT is located at 401 River St., Alpena. Call the box office at 989-354-3624.

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