LAKEPORT — Local audiences are in for a treat during performances of “Little Women,” taking place this coming weekend.
The show opened Friday, Aug. 9, as a joint production by Lake County Repertory Theater and Lakeport Community Players. The Soper-Reese Community Theatre has been transformed into the New England home of the March girls: Meg (Barbara Clark), Jo (Emily Barker), Amy (Misty Fairbanks) and Beth (Ally Hauptman or Sami Warfel). Their father (Mill Garrett) is away in the Civil War and the family, headed by Marmee (Carol Veio), is making do by working hard.
Set as a sort of play within a play, the audience is first introduced to the famous author Josephine March (Claudia Listman), who is a literary society guest circa 1889. The grown Jo March narrates the story of how she became a writer.
The story centers around the March girls and the challenges of growing to maturity during a time of national turmoil. Each of the young ladies does an excellent job in their roles.
The story is further enriched by an able supporting cast that includes March housekeeper Hannah (Sandra Wade), Mr. Lawrence, a wealthy neighbor (played by Rod Levenduski), Mr. Lawrence”s son “Laurie” (Martin Squier), Laurie”s tutor John Brooke (Joey Luiz) and Professor Friedrich Bhaer (John Tomlinson).
We learn that Laurie is a “catch” when the ambitious Mrs. Moffet (Jenna Radtke) tries to throw her daughter Clara (Chelsea Murray) at him. Will Laurie and Jo”s close friendship deepen or will maturity bring new romances?
All of the actors” performances make a compelling drama, which is further enhanced by set, costumes, lighting, sound and staging.
A gaggle of youngsters entertain the audience. They include Emily Rozelski, Taylor Figuera, Finola Henninger, William White, Natalya Fortino-Dickson, Joy Nowak, Hayden Turner and Kyle Schmidt.
The production is co-directed by Suna Flores and Hope Nowak and produced by Mary Howe.
Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17; at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
Tickets are $14 for reserved and $12 general seating. The price is $2 less for LCRT or LCP members, seniors and students. Reserved and general seating is available at Catfish Books in Lakeport (263-4454). General seating tickets are available at Wild About Books in Clearlake (994-9453), Shannon Ridge Tasting Room in Clearlake Oaks (998-9656), and the Lake County Arts Council in Lakeport (263-6658).
For information, please call 279-2596.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
