CLASSIC STORY ENCHANTS
Sonoma Arts Live captures the challenges of four sisters growing up in the late 1800s in this adaptation by Allan Knee, based on the classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott.
Nate Mercer, Joanna “Lynn” Burt, Dani Innocenti Beem,
Hannah Passinisi, and Emma Sutherland
Sandra Ish skillfully directs a cast of eleven to overflow the stage in Andrews Hall. With music by Jason Howland and imaginative lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, this charming period piece moves quickly. The imposing set by Andrew Patton encompasses SAL’s raised stage, gorgeously illuminated by Frank Sarubbi, and the period-appropriate costumes are by Allison Sutherland.
Lauren Hartley as Jo March, Owen Hardisty as Professor Bhaer
Little Women has endured for many decades, endearing readers by depicting the four March girls, bonded yet disparate siblings yearning for their destinies.
Lauren Hartley as Jo
Jo, the eldest, is a writer whose many rejection letters from publishers cannot dim her resolve to succeed. Lauren Hartley channels Jo’s determination with a commanding poise and powerful voice. Understudy Sarah Curtis, standing in for Hannah Passanisi, was in fine voice as Middle sister Meg.
(seated) Emma Sutherland as Amy, Dani Innocenti Beem as Marmie
(standing) Hannah Passinisi as Meg, Joanna “Lynn” Burt as Beth, Lauren Hartley as Jo
Beth, the shy, musical sister with a sweet voice, is perfectly cast in lovely Joanna Lynn Bert. Emma Sutherland has lots of fun as Amy, the petulant and youngest March girl who can’t wait to grow up. She receives the biggest laugh from the audience when she sighs “Men are amazing!”
Joanna “Lynn” Burt as Beth, Lauren Hartley as Jo March,
Hannah Passinisi as Meg, Emma Sutherland as Amy
The amazing men are Scott Slagle as Mr. Laurence, Owen Hardesty as Professor Bhaer, Anderson Templeton as John Brooke, and Nathaniel Mercier as Laurie Laurence. They are all good, but in this show it’s the women who really shine, including Julia Holsworth as the cranky Aunt March.
Joanna “Lynn” Burt as Beth, Lauren Hartley as Jo
The veteran performer and standout is Daniela Innocenti-Beem, whose powerful voice has raised the roof of many theatres. Beem shows she is the consummate performer as she quietly portrays the mother, Marmee, with a genteel wisdom for her daughters. A gifted comic actor with Broadway-quality chops, Innocenti-Beem has her moment to soar with “Alone.”
Lauren Hartley as Jo, Julia Holsworth as Aunt March
Act II brings surprises and sadness, as the sisters match their futures with their dreams. Seated next to me was a mother with her two pre-teen daughters who were captivated by their first live show. When I asked why they chose this one, the girls answered “This has always been our favorite book.”
Dani Innocenti Beem as Marmie, Lauren Hartley as Jo, Nate Mercer as Laurie,
Hannah Passinisi as Meg, Emma Sutherland as Amy
Judging by their huge smiles, Little Women is now their favorite production.
Anderson Templeton and Nate Mercer
photos by Katie Kelley
Little Women the Musical
Sonoma Arts Live
Andrews Hall, Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa St. in Sonoma
ends on December 22, 2025
for tickets, call 707.484.4874 or visit Sonoma Arts
Cari Lynn Pace is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.
Contact: [email protected]
