About Little Women: A Director's Analysis

The novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is known as one of the great American novels. Alcott set the piece in her own time and place, even basing the characters loosely on herself and her sisters. The musical is set in the same time and place – Concord, Massachusetts in the late 19th century. When the play begins, Mr. March (whom we never see) is off fighting the civil war. Studying the play, there are numerous references to this event and the hardships that the people of the United States faced during that time. The March girls persevere and do whatever they have to in order to survive in a world that is too often cruel and unfair.

In all its forms, Little Women is a story of overcoming seemingly impossible odds in the pursuit of your dreams. But we not only see Jo persevere – we see her learn and grow as well. As she matures, she comes to realize what’s most important to her, and once she sets her priorities in order, she is unstoppable. This message is applicable to everyone regardless of what stage of life they might be in. Sometimes, the obstacles we face seem insurmountable, but this production illustrates that when we take control of our life and persevere, anything is possible.

Jo had to overcome physical, emotional, mental, and social barriers in order to achieve her dream, and in the process she found that her dream evolved and was no longer what it used to be. I was intrigued by this process, which we also see in the others sisters and even Marmee, Laurie, and Professor Bhaer – the process of finding yourself through your trials and coming out on top regardless of what is thrown at you. This resonated with me, and made me want to direct this production more than ever before.

In Jo’s story that she sells to the Weekly Volcano Press, an aging knight says to her heroine: “Your fate is in your hands.” At times it may seem that we have no control over what is happening, but we at least always have control over our reactions to events in our life. Though we cannot predict everything that will happen, we are the masters of our own fate. Jo’s story, and those of her sisters, demonstrates this important principle beautifully.

As we persevere and work hard, we will rise victorious.