Little Women Is An Absolute Joy3/5/2015 Wow. Just wow. Walking out of the Old Rep Theatre last night, it was an incomparable feeling. The talent that was on that stage was incomprehensible. Every single BOA Musical Theatre student involved put their heart and soul into Little Women and it was an absolute joy to experience.
Little Women was originally written by and is based on the life of author Louisa May Alcott. Following the adventures of four sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, Jo is desperate to get her vivid books published, to no avail. When Professor Bhaer suggests writing something a bit closer to home, she weaves the story of herself and her sisters growing up in Civil War America. The music throughout was utterly beautiful and how fantastic to see such a rarely performed show introduced to Birmingham audiences, by Year 13s! It is hard to imagine the majority of these students are 18, they all have such exciting futures ahead if last night is anything to go by. Taken on an emotional roller coaster, the audience are instantly introduced to the vivacious, tomboyish Jo, played endearingly and expertly by Elise Jones. Her stunning voice filled the theatre to the brim, especially in the closing number of Act One, Astonishing (and it was). Supported by her sisters Meg, Beth and Amy, played respectively by Mia Richards, Louise Francis and Charlotte King, they formed a formidable quartet. Francis' portrayal of Beth was excellent and her duet with Jones of Some Things Are Meant to Be was heart-wrenching. Other stand out performances of the night came from Chelyr Hume playing Marmee, she flawlessly performed Here Alone and it was thoroughly mesmerising. Eliciting much of the laughter through the evening was the delightful performance from Alex Cardall playing Laurie. His energetic portrayal added something special to the amazing talent already on stage. Finally, Bradley Walwyn delivered a heart-warming performance as Professor Bhaer. There was a particularly touching moment at the end as Walwyn and Jones sang Small Umbrella in the Rain. The ensemble were faultless, with spine-tingling harmonies, there was not one weak link. It is abundantly clear that BOA Musical Theatre have on their hands a melting pot of talent. This is what theatre is about, it made me proud to see this had been created and performed right in the heart of the Midlands. With outstanding direction from Stephen Whitson, exquisite musical direction from Michelle King and excellent choreography from Amy Ferguson, it reinforces the absolute need for people in the Midlands to come and support the future Musical Theatre talent that was clearly at The Old Rep last night.
Lyn Bache
3/5/2015 07:47:59 am
I saw this show last night and was blown away. My daughter Molly Bache is in year 10 at BOA and I am one proud parent to say my daughter goes to BOA.
Ms Nicholls
3/5/2015 12:23:21 pm
I quite agree the show was fantastic. Not a weak performance by anyone. A brilliant night. However could this site please validate who they credit for photos before posting them - very unfair!
Love Midlands Theatre
3/5/2015 12:35:09 pm
Hi there Ms Nicholls,
Jane Colin
3/5/2015 03:56:33 pm
Visited the show last night with my two sisters what a fantastic show all the cast were amazing we had such fab night thankyou all you all should be so proud outstanding performance congratulations to you all xx Comments are closed.
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