Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
The playwright Louisa May Alcott born in 1832 is an American novelist, short story writer, and poet whose precious novel 'Little Women', a touchy and exciting story of love, sisterhood, loss, family and war comes to us as an original full-length ballet at Pasadena Playhouse, in partnership with ArtistsPlus Productions.
'ArtistsPlus Productions, Inc. is the collective creation of three outstanding director-choreographers from Southern California. After collaborating on numerous projects, Diane De Franco Browne, Shauna Goddard-Barger, and Jackie Kopcsak united their creative visions, coming together to form their own production company. ArtistsPlus Productions enhances the performing arts experiences by bringing the power and imagination of excellent dance-making to collaborative creative partnerships throughout Southern California and around the world.'
As Louisa May Alcott is sitting on the edge of the stage and writing, we watch the March sisters; Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, coming of age. We watch them fight, love, argue, find love, get married, become mothers and all through beautiful dance movements. This ballet features an incredible and delightfully costumed cast navigating love, loss, and personal growth in the 19th century. They give heartfelt and enchanting performances where the audience witnesses unforgettable moments: a kiss under umbrella, a ballroom dance, a dance around the fireplace in the living room, a winter scene on the frozen lake with snowflakes, a fabulous wedding scene and more. We watch male dancers doing amazing acrobatic dance moves. During the Parisian can-can dance the whole audience joined in the fun clapping. The talented and very funny Aunt March (Denice Moses) steals the show. Even if she is in the background, our eyes go to her. Grandfather Laurence (Ross Clark) wonderfully portrayed a true caring grandfather.
The entire cast, a combination of over 35-40 dancers, takes part in this full-length ballet. They work beautifully together. The enthusiasm and hard work shine through their performances. They are incredible artists, full of enthusiasm. The ages of the dancers range from 10-75. Several of the musical compositions used in the production are composed by Daniel Robbins. Dr. Robbins is a noteworthy music educator, composer, orchestrator, and classic film music reconstructionist. Wonderful job, everyone!
Little Women Ballet was established in 2023 by Emma Andres, and by a series of vignettes about the classic tale of Little Women, it turned into a full-length ballet. 'This work is a tribute to Louisa May Alcott and other female authors and artists and launches a movement toward more ballets surrounding women and their stories. As a female choreographer, director, and teacher, Andres, who is just 26 years old, believes it is crucial that young artists see stories that are uplifting, inspiring, and, most of all, center around characters they can relate to and admire.'
The two-act classical Full Length Little Women Ballet have only three performances, which are taking place on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. at Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 S El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Tickets are $42 - $49.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the full-length original classical ballet please visit
https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/tickets-events/