Reviewed by Rachel Doulton
The timeless classic Little Women was the perfect fit for Emergent Academy to showcase its young students. For those who don't know the story by now from its endless adaptations over the past 150 years, it follows a young woman's growth in maturity through her relationships with her three sisters who each have their own strengths and ambitions for their future in a world that imposes rigid expectations upon them. This musical adaptation by Allan Knee shows us the joy and passion that these young girls have for their interests, which only makes their lives and those around them richer.
The three-piece band blended effortlessly with pre-recorded accompaniment under the direction of David Gray. There were some technical issues with the mics that affected the balance. The cast managed as best they could to accommodate, although it felt as though some were apprehensive of the sound balance and held back singing with their full voice.
The set, consisting of double-sided flats, was seamlessly and quickly changed by the ensemble for each scene. In the March household scenes, the number of set pieces felt crowded and a bit cumbersome for the cast to navigate, especially as there isn't much stage space in the Studio Underground at the State Theatre Centre. Despite the challenges of space the ensemble was well-rehearsed and supported the main cast well.
Jemma Deforges brought a youthful exuberance to Jo March and carried the ensemble with her commitment and energy throughout. Lawrie, played by Brock Klompmaker, had a standout vocal performance in Act One's ballad, Take a Chance On Me. Klompmaker was endearing and measured in his comedic timing and approach to Lawrie.
The moments of proclamations of love came across as awkward which can be forgiven since the characters are meant to be young and inexperienced but with no intimacy coordinator credited to the show, it is likely that these young performers had trouble navigating those scenes that could have been improved with guidance.
These emerging performers have great potential and it will be exciting to see them progress in their careers as performers. This production of Little Women was charming with each cast member pouring their hearts out in devoted performances with an audience that was with them through every moment. With the naivety of youthful confidence growing into self-assured maturity being so universal for audiences, it is no wonder why we are still drawn to the story over and over again.
Reviewer note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.
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