Overview
Synopsis
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid musical life in Little Women. The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters -- Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy -- live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield.
Filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.”
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Context
Little Women is based on the novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott, written in 1868. Though the show opened on Broadway in 2005, its very first workshop took place five years prior, in 2000. Soon after, two more workshops were put on at Duke University, first in 2001 and again in 2004. Director Susan H. Schulman joined the production for the last workshop and ushered it to the August Wilson Theatre a year later, where it ran from January 23, 2005, to May 22, 2005. The Broadway cast
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Act One
The show begins in 1865 at Mrs. Kirk’s Boarding House, where Jo March receives yet another rejection from a publisher for her short story. When Jo asks Professor Bhaer, a fellow boarder, his opinion (“An Operatic Tragedy”), he admits that he doesn’t care for the gore and blood in her story. Jo is angered by his reaction and dismisses him as old. She wonders how she could possibly improve her story and admits that her writing was better when she was home in Concord, Massachusetts
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Showing 8 of 18 characters
Interactive Character Map
Visualize how the characters in Little Women connect and drive the story.
Understand the relationships that shape the story of Little Women
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
Showing 8 of 21 songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Sisterhood and Family Bonds
Sisterhood and family bonds form the emotional bedrock, portraying the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—not merely as siblings but as a resilient unit that sustains one another through the Civil War's deprivations and personal trials. This theme is vividly embodied in ensemble numbers like "Our Finest Dreams," where the sisters harmonize their aspirations, and in acts of sacrifice such as Jo selling her hair to fund Marmee's journey or the
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Little Women and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
A recurring theme in historical drama, particularly reflecting internal conflict, loyalty, and national identity.
Meta-theatre refers to drama that draws attention to itself as a play, reminding audiences that they are watching a performance. This may include breaking the fourth wall, plays-within-plays, or showing the mechanics of stagecraft. By highlighting its own theatricality, meta-theatre often creates humor, irony, or deeper reflection.
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Guide Written By:
Mychele Lebrun
Canadian music theatre artist currently based in London, England.
