'Little Women' by Kate Hamill

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel, Little Women follows the lives of the March sisters: romantic Meg, spirited Jo, loving Beth, and tenacious Amy. The play adaption chronicles the sisters’ childhood in the 1860s as they strive to be kind, intelligent, and imaginative young women. But as adulthood approaches, each sister must negotiate her private ambitions with society’s expectations. In a war-torn world defined by gender, class, and personal tragedy, Jo March comes to write her greatest story: that of the March sisters, destined to be four imperfect little women.

For all inquiries, please contact:  abby.asmuth@yale.edu

Our Adaptation

Little Women follows the lives of the March sisters: romantic Meg, spirited Jo, loving Beth, and tenacious Amy. The play adaption chronicles the sisters’ childhood in the 1860s as they strive to be kind, intelligent, and imaginative young women. But as adulthood approaches, each sister must negotiate her private ambitions with society’s expectations. In a war-torn world defined by gender, class, and personal tragedy, Jo March comes to write her greatest story: that of the March sisters, destined to be four imperfect little women.

This is a piece that has felt modern ever since its publication in 1868 and is one that young women will continue being drawn to for centuries to come. Because of this, the excitement of this production is the same as its biggest challenge: that this is a story that has been told again and again. It is thrilling to become a part of that legacy, but it would be easy for the actors and the production team alike to fall into the trap of trying to emulate book Jo, or movie Beth, or a preconceived perception of Laurie. Kate Hamill's lively adaptation has all the information our team needs within it, and we will work together to discover what versions of the characters are in her script and what parts of them we can uncover within ourselves.

Little Women feels particularly relevant to a college campus where, just like Jo and the other sisters, we are all trying to figure out how to forge our own paths in the world, changing our minds on what those paths might be, and often wishing we could just stay seventeen forever. It takes bravery to go against the grain like Jo, and it equally does to follow a set path like Meg, and one of the play's messages is that you should follow a future that suits you, not the other way around. At Yale, where self-comparisons and imposter syndromes rage, this is a welcome reminder.

Furthermore, Kate Hamill’s adaptation pays special attention to gender, as it was discussed in 1860, but more importantly, how we understand gender now. Each sister questions how she fits in and performs gender roles, particularly Jo, who continually insists she doesn’t connect with her female identity. Our team is equally concerned with how gender plays into the making of this show, and have put together an all female production team to tell this story. We've been eager to recruit women from across campus — some deeply involved in Yale theater, others who are first-years or even first-time theater makers. The entire team is determined to put together a production that is welcoming, inclusive, thought-provoking, and above all, a positive experience for everyone involved — whether that be as an actor, production team member, or audience member.

PERFORMERS

Jo March Ellie Atlee ‘25 Amy March Nneka Moweta ‘27 Meg March Carigan McGuinn ‘25 Beth March Layla Felder ‘26 Theodore “Laurie” Laurence Crawford Arnow ‘27 John Brooks José Sarmiento ‘25 Marmee March Paloma Vigil ‘25 Robert March / Mr. Dashwood / Mr. Laurence Abraham Payne ‘26 Aunt March / Hannah / Mrs. Mingott Betty Kubovy-Weiss ‘25

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director Elsie Harrington ‘25 Producer Abby Asmuth ‘26 Stage Manager Elizabeth Stanish ‘26 Set & Props Designer Annabelle Hee ‘26 Costume Designer Bluebelle Carroll ‘25 Sound Designer Elka Wade ‘24 Lighting Designer Lucy Xiao ‘26 Hair & Makeup Artist Amara Neal ‘26 Assistant Stage Manager Jessica Le ‘27 Assistant Producer Nandi Hildebrand ‘26 Assistant Directors Cassie Watt ‘26 & Marissa Blum ‘24 Assistant Makeup Artist Gia George-Burgher ‘26 Puppet Designer Salomé Aydlett Illustrator Clarissa Tan ’26

About Creative & Performing Arts Award Projects

Experimentation is inherent in all forms of artistry, and Yale Schwarzman Center holds space for students who come to explore. Creative and Performing Arts (CPA) Award Projects are free performances and exhibitions by undergraduates selected through the Yale College CPA Awards process. CPA Award Projects are a great way to see tomorrow’s stars today. Subscribe and never miss an update.