University of Idaho’s newest performance, “Little Woman – The Musical”

UI's newest musical's director speaks about the upcoming play

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University of Idaho’s Department of Theatre Arts is hosting “Little Women — The Musical” starting Friday.

Performance dates and times are Dec. 6, 7, 12, 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8, 14, 15 at 2:00 p.m. at The Hartung Theater.

“Little Women — The Musical” is based on the book by Louisa May Alcott and follows the story of Jo March and her family living in 19th century Massachusetts.

After their father leaves for war as a pastor, the March family is left to take care of one another and help each other grow.

The main focus of the musical is on Jo March, who dreams of becoming a famous writer during a time when women were never really given a chance to publish books.

Auditions for this production started in October, and the cast and production crew have been working on it ever since.

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 “Putting together a musical (is) unlike a regular play,” “Little Women — The Musical” Director Ricky Kimball said. “You have those technical elements, but they also have choreography, music and acting.”

The actors have faced some challenges with this performance due to the recent fall break, where many students went home to visit family for the holidays. This left an entire week where they were away from rehearsals.

When they came back from break, they had only five days to prepare before their first performance on Friday.

“Nobody’s on an island, they feel like they are all connected,” Kimball said when asked about having five days to prepare.

“Little Women” was originally performed as just a play, but around the early 2000’s it became a musical.

“The book has been really good but maybe people felt an emotional disconnect.” Kimball said. “The music allows the audience to connect to it emotionally as well.”

Kimball described the music in the play as a combination of both being period style in regard to the book, but also has contemporary and relevant themes.

The musical also features a full orchestra. But due to size limitations of the theater, they had the music specially recorded.

“‘Little Women’ is a perfect show for everybody. It’s got music, dance and a great story of a classic novel,” Kimball said. “Everyone should come see it.”

Tickets are free for UI students, $6 for high school students, students from other schools and youth, $17 for UI employees, seniors and military and $22 for adults.

Tickets are available at BookPeople of Moscow, in Shoup Hall room 201, by calling (208) 885-6465 or at the door 60 minutes before curtain.

Grayson Houston can be reached at [email protected]

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