Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents Little Women: The Broadway Musical, with book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women celebrates the endurance of sisterhood through life’s trials and trib ulations. Published in 1868, Little Women was revolutionary for its time and is still adored over a century later. It’s a story that has been adapted many times on stage and screen, and in 2005, the musical adaptation debuted on Broadway. Carson Eubank directs Riverside’s lively production, with musical direction by Ellie Kahn.  Scenic designer Frank Foster takes a minimal, somewhat abstract approach, using a slatted-wood framework for the attic scenes and large set pieces that are rolled on and offstage. Lighting designer Weston Corey uses a lighted backdrop and spotlighting for musical numbers. There aren’t many big technical effects in this production, but sound designer Cheyenne Tenda does get a few effects in, such as thunderclaps. Costume designer Bee Gable dresses the actors in Victorian-era clothing while maintaining their individual characters — for instance, youngest sister Amy March (Madison Cox) is enrobed in fussy ruffles and bows, while their grand Aunt March (Andrea Kahane) wears large crinolines and decadent, rich colors. While the production team and crew all do a fine job with their roles, the real technical gem for this production is the live orchestra, conducted by musical director Ellie Kahn. The music is vibrant and impressive, and does not overwhelm the vocals, as live music so often does. Madison Cox as Amy March, Ashlee Beary as Jo March, Sarah Mae Andersen as Meg March, and Ella Schnoor as Beth March in ‘Little Women: The Broadway Musical.’ Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi. It’s Christmas 1863, and it’s a lean one for the March sisters, whose father is away in the American Civil War. To lift her sister’s spirits, Jo March (Ashlee Beary) decides to lead them in a play that she wrote herself in the number “Our Finest Dreams.” A natural and passionate storyteller, Jo dreams of being a famous writer one day. She has the ambition and drive to make it happen, despite her stories being rejected by publishers regularly in later years. In a notable number called “An Operatic Tragedy,” Jo shares one of her stories with her friend Professor Bhaer (Ariel Messeca), who is unimpressed with her “blood and guts” style of writing. Choreographer Stephanie Wood has dancers reenact Jo’s enthusiastic mannerisms in the background as she describes her story, creating vignettes that are both creative and memorable. The sisters promise each other they will always be together, and this oath is tested as they grow older and face their own joys and challenges, such as marriage, careers, illness, and clashing personalities. I particularly enjoyed the number “I’d Be Delighted,” while the older girls are getting ready to attend their first ball — an evening of excitement, bundled nerves, and jealousy amongst the sisters. The eldest sister, Meg (Sarah Mae Andersen), is interested in finding romance, while the youngest, Amy (Madison Cox), dreams of high society. Beth (Ella Schnoor) is quiet and shy, and her friendship with their grumpy neighbor, Mr. Laurence (Ian Lane), over their shared love of music is a sweet element with their number “Off to Massachusetts.” Mr. Laurence’s grandson, Laurie (Matt Beary), becomes a close friend of the family in the number “Five Forever.” Laurie is also a source of both support and drama throughout the show, and his number “The Most Amazing Thing” with Amy is sprightly and fun. The vocals and performances are all top-tier, though my favorite numbers for vocals are “Here Alone” (Grey Garrett as Marmee) and “Some Things Are Meant to Be” with Jo and Beth.  While the most obvious target audience for this production is fans of the classic story, it may also interest people who enjoy Civil War period pieces. The language and dialogue can seem antiquated when compared to the present day, but the joys and struggles remain relatable and relevant. Solid, strong direction is apparent in the production, both onstage and in the orchestra, and the cast is a great showcase of talent! Andrea Kahane, Ella Schnoor, Ian Lane, Ashlee Beary, Sarah Mae Andersen, Jarrett Bloom, Matt Beary, Ariel Messeca, and Madison Cox in ‘Little Women: The Broadway Musical.’ Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi. There is a reason that this story continues to thrive nearly two decades after its publication! Little Women: The Broadway Musical is a good choice for an evening of family entertainment, especially for sisters!  Running Time: Two and a half hours, including one 15-minute intermission. Little Women: The Broadway Musical plays through April 26, 2026, at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA. Tickets ($65–$82) are available online or through the box office: 540-370-4300, open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mon.-Wed.; 10 am to 7:30 pm, Thu.-Fri; 12 pm to 7:30 pm, Sat.; 12 pm to 3 pm, Sun. Discounted senior group rates are available (for details, click here.) Evening performances start at 7:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Matinee performances start at 1:30pm with meal service beginning at 11:30am on Wednesday and 3:00pm on Sunday with dinner service beginning at 1:00pm. Adult Dinner Show – $82 (plus applicable taxes)Seniors (65+) Dinner Show – $77 (plus applicable taxes)Children (3-17) Dinner Show – $70 (plus applicable taxes)Adult Show Only – $65Seniors (65+) Show Only – $60Children (3-17) Show Only – $55There will be a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket. Cast, creative, and crew credits are in the online program here. The menu is here. ...read more read less