Riverland Community College Theatre and Music departments present the new musical version of a classic story Little Women, starting April 25 at 7:30 p.m. The musical continues April 26, 27 May 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on May 5 at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin Campus.

With music by Jason Howland, Lyrics but Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, Little Women is a modern theatrical adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Little Women follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. This wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. This vibrant musical soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope - the sounds of a young America finding its voice. This musical is appropriate for all ages.

Riverland Director Lindsey Duoos Williams directs and choreographs Little Women. Laurie Helmers is the musical director. The scenic and lighting designer is Jim Mallek who also serves as the production technical director. The costumes are by Jennifer Wiebrand. Emma Waters stage manages.

“One of the things that appealed to me most about this show is that it is a fresh, contemporary take on this classic story,” Williams said. “It’s still the Little Women we all know and love, so fans of the novel and its many previous adaptations won’t be disappointed. The music, however, has a contemporary Broadway feel that makes it relatable to today’s audiences.”

The cast of Little Women includes Eliza Anderson (Austin) as Troll/Ensemble, Scott Bryant (Austin) as Monk/Ensemble, Eve Cowan (Grand Meadow) as Hag/Ensemble, Ben Deines (Austin) as Knight/Ensemble, Tiago Miguel Sousa Ferreira (Porto, Portugal) as Professor Bhaer, Gordy Handeland (Austin) as Mr. Laurence, Amelia Holcomb (Albert Lea) as Meg March, Jannel Howard (Austin) as Troll/Ensemble, Katie Hunerdosse (Austin) as Marmee March, Claire Olson (Austin) as Clarissa/Ensemble Lyndon Pope (Milwaukee, WI ) as Monk/Ensemble, Michelle Adele Possin (New Richland) as Jo March, Kara Sathre (Adams) as Troll/Ensemble, Tyler Slack (Austin) as Braxton/Ensemble, Ruth Smith (Austin) as Mrs. Kirk/Ensemble, Theresa Torkelson (Austin) as Amy March, Madlain Vander (Austin) as Aunt March, Joshua C. Whalen (Austin) as John Brooke, Jessica Williams (Brownsdale) as Beth March and Jordan Wylde (Elkton) as Laurie Laurence/Rodrigo.

“This show has been particularly fun to rehearse because the cast has had to learn about the societal customs of the 1860s,” Williams said. “We’re trying to make the show as historically accurate as possible, right down to the dances they do and the undergarments they wear! The women in our cast have all had to get used to moving in hoop skirts. I think they all have gained a new appreciation for the way we dress today!”

Little Women will be performed April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on May 5 at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on the Austin Campus.

Individual tickets to Little Women are $15 and currently on sale at the Riverland Box Office, located in room E107 in the East Building of the Austin campus. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before performances. Riverland students receive two free tickets to each performance with a valid student ID. The box office can be contacted at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu.

Riverland Theatre strives to provide quality productions that are entertaining and challenging to both the audience and the artists. Because we reach such a diverse audience, some audience members may find some subject matter, language, or situations objectionable. If you have concerns about a specific production, we encourage you to become familiar with the material before attending the performance.

Riverland’s Theatre Department is a high-energy performance-oriented program. Plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and from full-scale large cast musicals in intimate small cast plays. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theatre production including, but not limited to, acting, stage managing, set building and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges in and out of the classroom.