The Cincinnati Playhouse’s current production (through Feb. 15) of an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s LIttle Women. It’s by prolific playwright Lauren Gunderson, and it delightfully portrays Alcott and her sisters and mother then launches into her storytelling. But we’re never far from an actor stepping out of the fictional role to tell us some background about this particular moment in the story. That makes for a swift, delightful retelling, as well as the highlighting of some rather modern — one might even say feminist — observations on the story of Jo/Louisa (played by young Cincinnati professional actor Beasley). Here’s a link to my review
Also, I recently wrote a feature for the Cincinnati Business Courier about the process of co-production. The Playhouse partnered with Portland Center Stage, so the show traveled to Cincinnati after its November-December production in Oregon. Co-productions are becoming more common in today’s world of professional regional theaters — a way to share expenses, showcase topnotch artistic work and give longer periods of work to actors. (Three actors in this production are Cincinnati-based; three others regularly perform in Portland.)
There’s still time to see this production. (Photo below of the show’s clever staging by Mikki Schaffner.) It’s onstage at the Playhouse through February 15. For tickets go to CincyPlay.com
