Jennifer Melville
Prepare to be charmed and delighted as you experience a timeless coming-of-age story that will delight audiences young and not-so-young alike. Fleming Island’s The Island Theater brings Little Women- A Broadway Musical to life in a sweet and homey way. Feel like a child again as you relive this classic tale, or discover it for the first time.
You’ll instantly fall in love with sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they explore themes such as family, friendship, purpose, and fulfillment during the Civil War years. Written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868, the show debuted on Broadway in 2005 with a unique twist penned by Allan Knee and with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickenstein. There are notable differences between the novel and the musical, but it’s absolutely wonderful. Powerful songs will stir your soul and add a lot of depth and dimension to a familiar story.
Directed by David Phillips, Little Women-The Broadway Musical features fabulous local talent. If you’ve been to a production at The Island Theater before, you’ll recognize many of these names.
Christine Phillips plays a masterful Jo. She’s also appeared in James and the Giant Peach, Company, White Christmas, Kiss Me Kate, and Shrek. Brava, Christine! You were wonderful.
Clare Hambleton plays the oldest March sister, Meg. She’s performed in Shrek the Musical, Oliver, and Hello Dolly.
Nicole Labadie won the audience over as adorable Beth. She’s appeared in Legally Blonde and Shrek and was voted “Best Director of a Play” at The Island Theater for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged].
Jodie Jernigan stole the show as Amy. Jernigan not only appears regularly in The Island Theater productions, but she also choreographed this show. Her portrayal of Amy was memorable and delightful.
Michelle Munley was fabulous as Marmee. Her rendition of “Here Alone” was a ballad to military wives everywhere and moved me deeply. Munley has also appeared in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and The King and I.
Another favorite was Noah Peacock as Laurie/ Rodrigo. His lovable smile enchanted the audience. While he’s an accomplished performer, this was his first performance at The Island Theater and he rocked it.
The set was lovely, the costumes were great, and the vocals outstanding. Don’t scoff at the idea of a Broadway musical performed on a community theater stage. These performers may be volunteers with day jobs or school to attend, but they give it their all and put on quite a show.
If you’re looking for wholesome fun close to home this Mother’s Day weekend, Little Women is a stellar musical not to be missed. Of all the productions I’ve seen at The Island Theater, this was my favorite. The theater may be small, but its heart is big and the men and women who perform on stage have incredible talent. There’s no language or provocative content, so the entire family can enjoy it. My nine-year-old daughter was delighted from beginning to end. I loved Little Women as a young girl—what a neat opportunity to experience it together and introduce her to a story dear to my heart.
Little Women- The Broadway Musical plays at The Island Theater from May 3-12. Bring mom out for a Mother’s Day weekend adventure, or share the experience with your own children. It’s charming and delightful and you won’t be disappointed.
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