February 6, 2025 – April 19, 2025

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Charlene Hong White, Summer England, Raven Lorraine, & Leah Gabriel in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Adapted By Erin Riley at the American Shakespeare Center.

“I could never love anyone as I love my sisters.” — Jo March, Little Women

by Louisa May Alcott

Adapted by: Erin Riley

Travel back to Civil War-era America and step into the lives of the March family at the Blackfriars Playhouse.

In this fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, Jo March narrates the unforgettable journey of her and her sisters—Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from childhood to womanhood.

Set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil, the March sisters navigate love, loss, dreams, and the unbreakable bonds of family. With Jo’s fierce independence, Meg’s romantic heart, Beth’s gentle spirit, and Amy’s lively ambition, their stories intertwine in a heartfelt exploration of identity, sacrifice, and sisterhood.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of this literary classic or discovering it for the first time, Little Women will leave you touched by the enduring power of family and the resilience of the human spirit.

Don’t miss this enchanting journey of love, growth, and family connection.

 

Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Age requirement: 7 and up. Read our full policies here.

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Stuff That Happens
  • The March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—live in genteel poverty with their mother, Marmee, while their father serves as a chaplain in the Civil War.
  • Meg dreams of a stable home and family, Jo aspires to be a renowned author, Beth finds joy in music and family life, and Amy longs to be a wealthy and celebrated artist.
  • Jo befriends Laurie, the spirited grandson of their wealthy neighbor, forging a deep connection that intertwines the March and Laurence families.
  • Beth contracts scarlet fever while caring for a sick family, leaving her health permanently fragile.
  • The war ends, and Mr. March returns home.
  • Meg marries Laurie’s tutor, John Brooke.
  • Laurie proposes to Jo, but she declines, unwilling to force romantic love where friendship belongs.
  • Seeking creative independence, Jo moves to New York, where she becomes a governess and meets Professor Friedrich Bhaer, whose thoughtful encouragement pushes her to refine her writing.
  • Meanwhile, Amy travels to Europe with wealthy Aunt March, pursuing her artistic dreams and unexpectedly reconnecting with Laurie.
  • Beth’s health worsens, and Jo returns home.
  • Grief, love, and unexpected joys reshape the lives of the March family as they navigate heartache and new beginnings…
Content Considerations for Little Women

Little Women is a cherished story of love, family, and resilience that has touched hearts for generations. This production is recommended for ages 7 and up and is generally family-friendly, but parents may wish to consider the following elements:

  • War and Separation: The story takes place during the Civil War and includes references to the challenges of war and the absence of loved ones.
  • Illness and Death: The play portrays serious illness, including a character’s extended struggle with scarlet fever, as well as the loss of a family member, which may feel emotional for some viewers.
  • Financial Struggles: Themes of poverty and sacrifice are present as the March family works together to overcome economic challenges.
  • Gender Expectations: The play reflects the societal limitations placed on women in the 19th century, exploring topics such as ambition, marriage, and independence

Little Women is a heartfelt celebration of love, growth, and perseverance. However, parents are encouraged to consider their child’s comfort with the story’s more serious themes when deciding to attend. For younger viewers, discussing these moments beforehand can help them connect with the play’s timeless lessons on love, resilience, and the strength of family bonds.

Director Notes

(from left to right) Mili Koncelik, Thomas J. Coppola, Assistant Director Cait Redman, and Director Constance Swain sit for their first table read of LITTLE WOMEN 2025 at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA.

(from left to right) Mili Koncelik, Thomas J. Coppola, Assistant Director Cait Redman, and Director Constance Swain sit for their first table read of LITTLE WOMEN 2025. Photo by CJ Clark.

For many of you, this world and the characters in it are like darling memories of cherished family members— the ones who guided and shaped you into your very being, as if flipping through meemaw’s old photo album and spotting your favorite cousin.

For others, like me, this world and the characters in it are as foreign as anything in the unknown. Why is that so? My hunch is this; keep the gate long enough, and those left on the outside looking in will eventually get the hint—this wasn’t, isn’t, and will never be for them. That, dear reader, though bleak, is the bona fide truth.

The classics, for longer than not, have always looked a certain way, of certain hue, and through a certain lens. What if we changed that? What if everyone, regardless of how much or little they know of the March family, could instantly latch themselves onto these bewildering characters?

Ultimately, this narrative explores the full spectrum of what it means to be human— to love, to lose, to laugh, to grow up, to adventure, to advocate, to fall and stand up again, to be the author of your own story.

What if we redefined what’s deemed a classic? What if we reclaimed this beloved narrative so that each an every one of us could sit side by side, flip open the same photo album, and proudly point out ourselves?

That, dear reader, is the only classic story worth telling.
– Constance Swain, Director Little Women

Inside the 2025 Little Women Table Read

(from left to right) Scarlet Frishman, Rasell Holt, Angela Iannone, Constance Swain, and Amy Monsalve gathering to begin the first table read of Little Women 2025 at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA.

(from left to right) Scarlet Frishman, Rasell Holt, Angela Iannone, Constance Swain, and Amy Monsalve. Photo by CJ Clark.

Go behind the scenes of the first rehearsal and witness the spark that ignited ASC’s 2025 season. Under the bold direction of Constance Swain, the March sisters step off the page in a way you’ve never seen before.

Check out Behind the Scenes Photos