This story will never get old. There is such breadth and width to the tale of Little Women. There is something – a character or an interaction – that everyone can relate to. The Company of Dramatic Arts (CODA)’s production of the musical version is no different.
For anyone who grew up loving Louisa May Alcott’s novel, or even for those meeting the March sisters for the first time, this production is more than a night at the theatre. It’s a reminder of why we return, time and again, to stories about family, courage, and creativity.
Little Women: The Musical, with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and a book by Allan Knee, first premiered on Broadway in 2005 with Sutton Foster originating the role of Jo March.
Since then, it has charmed audiences around the world with its soaring score and heartfelt retelling of Alcott’s 1868 classic. For those unfamiliar, the musical follows the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy – as they come of age during the American Civil War.
At its core, it is Jo’s story: a fiercely independent writer determined to forge her own path in a world eager to define her. Alongside Jo’s ambitions, we witness Meg’s journey into adulthood, Beth’s quiet grace, and Amy’s artistic ambitions. Family love and loss intertwine with romance, resilience, and the search for identity.
As Jo March, Jordan Berry shines; her powerhouse vocals are of particular note in her solo Astonishing. Gabrielle Lanham brings warmth and maturity to Meg, balancing composure with heartfelt longing for love.
Rachel Baker’s Beth is deeply moving; her stillness and gratefulness create some of the night’s most affecting moments. Bailee Guyer, as Amy, navigates the tricky arc from petulant youngest sister to self-assured young woman with nuance and charm. Together, the four actors create a natural, lived-in sisterhood.
The supporting cast elevates the world around the March sisters with finesse. Joss Arkley-Smith’s Laurie Laurence is equal parts boyish charm and earnest devotion; his ‘tail-bows’ are hilarious. Daniel Walsh offers a grounded and tender Professor Bhaer, his duet Small Umbrella In The Rain with Jo is the musical highlight of the evening.
Alexander Whitbourn as John Brooke brings warmth to Meg’s love story, while Caitlin Beckwith’s sharp and often hilarious Aunt March provides well-timed moments of comic relief. Will Kilgour as Mr Laurence adds gravitas and surprising tenderness, particularly in his interactions with Beth.
Under the direction of Kris Sergi, the production balances humour and heartbreak seamlessly, never allowing sentimentality to tip into melodrama. The final image of Laurie and Amy forming a heart shape around Jo at the end of Most Amazing Thing is perfectly emblematic of the youthful, vibrant tone this production brings to the table.
Zoe Conolan-Glen’s musical direction ensures the live score soars, with voices blending beautifully in ensemble numbers and solos alike. Kris Sergi’s choreography is thoughtful and elegant, tailored to the intimate stage, allowing movement to enhance storytelling without overwhelming it. Standout dance sequences include Five Forever and Weekly Volcano Press.
Production values are all carefully considered, with the set, lighting and sound all adding to the atmosphere. It is the costumes by Melissa Applin, however, that really elevate the show.
One of the female audience members near me remarked how nice it was to see a musical where the men wear suits, the ladies wear dresses, and Jo represents a middle ground. There is something provoking about a piece of theatre that presents us in this manner. It makes us think about how we choose to appear in our society, and serves as a vehicle for finding one’s identity through Jo’s story.
CODA’s Little Women: The Musical is a heartfelt triumph. It’s a production that balances the intimacy of its space with the grandeur of Alcott’s themes. A show that makes you laugh, ache, and, if you’re like me, wipe away a quiet tear or two. More than anything, it captures the spirit of dreaming boldly and loving fiercely. Little Women is a moving celebration of sisterhood, creativity, and courage.
Little Women: The Musical runs to 31 August at Chippen Street Theatre Chippendale NSW 2008.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/coda-little-women
Website: https://www.companyofdramaticarts.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/companyofdramaticarts/
Images supplied.
