Jo And Her Sisters

Written by: Joanne Diaz and John Hawkins

Directed by: Joanne Diaz

June 2002

We had the priviledge of performing the World Premiere of this production which is based on the novel 'Little Woman'.

After securing a lottery grant, we had to perform a new piece of work as part of the conditions, and this was that show!

The story centers on Jo March and her sisters, and their exploits as they grow up.

Cast List

Character

Actor

Sandra Trott

Laurie

Ben Simmons

Meg

Victoria Miller

Amy (adult)

Amy Kirby

Amy (child)

Gemma Morse

Beth

Naomi Crawford

Marmie

Barbara Harrold

Tom

Andrew Appleton

Frederick

Martin Herford

Bessie

Ann Doherty

Aunt March

Gina Daldry

Father

Vic Miller

Doctor

Ken Templey

Billy

Cameron Beman

Grandfather

Barry Young

Butler

Keith Goody

Accordian Player

Paul O'Kelly

Mrs Smith

Rowena Templeton

Maid

Jean Appleton

Poor Lady/Nanny

Glenys Young

Children

Teresa Templey;Autumn Fullick;Nicola Bateman;Kristen Brown;

Dancers: Captain

Linda Cearns

Soloist

Paula Gray

Troupe

Rosemarie Nelson;Shani Beman;Michelle Fullick;Amy Kirby;

Reviews

This was a first for the Players, billed as the World Premiere of a Musical Adaptation of Lousia May Alcott's 'Little Woman' written, produced and directed by Joanne Diaz and John Hawkins. The Players certainly gave a good account of themselves.

Set and costumes were good and in keeping with the period. Make up was a little light on some cast members and the prompt was in action a few times. This can be put down to first night nerves, on what was obviously a landmark occasion for the group. The one disappointment for me was the fact that most of the music was pre-recorded on an all singing and dancing keyboard, which was too loud at times. However, that said, the music was nice and easy to listen to, and the chorus did well with their numbers. The song 'Love is Everything' from Act II, sung by Ben Simmons as Laurie, was a highlight.

The principal players were all good and maintained their American accents throughout. Marmie, played by Barbara Harrold was very good and marshalled her daughters around her. Jo, played by Sandra Trott was also good in her part and her sisters, Meg, played by Victoria Miller, Beth, played by Naomi Crawford and Amy, played by Gemma Morse as a child and Amy Kirby as an adult were all equally good in support. There was a nice cameo of Bessie, the family retainer, played by Ann Doherty, and a promising performance from youngster Cameron Beman as Billy.

Colin Butcher, NODA