ACT’s ‘Little Women’ a heartwarming step back in time

ALPENA -- If you've ever read the Louisa May Alcott classic "Little Women," you will love this play.

If you've never read it, but you enjoy a heartwarming story told through excellent acting, coupled with stunning costumes against an elaborately designed set, you will be impressed with Alpena Civic Theatre's "Little Women."

The timeless classic for every generation opened last week and continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and concludes with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

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

"Little Women" centers around four sisters ­-- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March -- growing up in a poor but proper home, raised by their loving mother, Marmee, in Concord, Massachusetts, while their father is off serving as an army chaplain in the Civil War.

The story focuses on the relational dynamics among the four sisters, each of them very different from one another. 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.

This play features five young actors who are new to the ACT stage, but act like they've been doing this a long time.

Tala Barton shines as Meg, who is often prim and serious, but has a fun side, too, as seen in the Christmas play dress rehearsal scene, when she conjours up her inner witch to concoct a potion, garnering lauhter from the audience, to accompany her witchy cackles. Her softer side shows through as well, as she watches over her younger sisters when Marmee's away.

Mariah Brancheau dazzles as Jo, the center of it all. She owns every room she enters, even without a word. Her energy cannot be contained, and often, neither can her temper. Brancheau doesn't play Jo -- she is Jo. She is an independent woman ahead of her time, and a prolific writer with a heart of gold.

Vie Luther plays the meek and mild Beth, and she does it so naturally that you feel like you're part of her family. She tugs at your heart strings with her sweet and gentle spirit.

Brianna Jasso plays the young and creative Amy, perfectly portraying her eager young personality and desire for beauty and luxury.

Kendra McInerney plays the kind, confident Marmee, bringing reliability and care to the stage with every word and expression. Her warmth can be felt throughout the theater, as she is the oak and her daughters are the branches.

Lucas Moquin plays her husband, the loving father of his "Little Women." His cheerful demeanor brings joy to his girls' faces as he gathers them into his arms.

ACT veteran Marlo Broad plays 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. Broad draws audience laughter on many occasions with her staunch commands and biting remarks.

Newcomer Eric Collins portrays Laurie/Lawrence/Teddy, the girls' friend 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. Newcomer Collins, who is only 13, plays a convincing Laurie, interacting naturally with the sisters as though they actually grew up together.

Iven Brown plays a wonderful Mr. Brooke, Laurie's tutor, who takes a strong interest in Meg, asking for her hand in marriage. Brown keeps a smile on through thick and thin, bringing more warmth to the stage.

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, who is an absolute hit with the audience. His ability to make people laugh added spirit to the play.

Carol Rundell directed "Little Women." Jackie Herbert is the assistant director, Dawn Collins is stage manager, and Dani Ayotte is the assistant stage manager.

MaryAnn Crawford as costume designer, and Virginia Hulsey as assistant costume designer, are the true stars of the show, as the elaborate Victorian dresses are absolutely breathtaking. The men look handsome, but the women especially shine in their traditional costumes, thanks to the talent of Crawford and Hulsey.

The set features vintage items on loan from ACT members, including Rundell and Broad. The scene panels visible through the set window were made by artist Danyeal Dorr. Moquin painted the floor to look like wood planks. The cranberry walls are adorned with antique photographs appropriate to the time period. Jason Luther and Bill Powell constructed and painted the set.

Jay Kettler is the lighting designer, and Andrew MacNeill and Powell are light and sound technicians.

Taylor Ayotte painted the exterior sign.

Bronwyn Woolman took photos and made the photo boards.

Box office staff includes Fran Hamp, Julie Meyers, Lillian Shriner, Elaine Smith, Lois Darga, Linda Suneson, and Sue Jackowiak.

"Little Women" 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.