Christian Youth Theater South County’s fall student production of “Little Women the Musical” will take place Nov. 11, 12 and 18 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13, 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. in the Mater Dei Catholic High School performing arts center.
The CYT original musical is based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the four March sisters: the spirited, tomboyish, aspiring writer Jo, lovely and romantic Meg, sweet and giving Beth, and the playful and pretentious Amy — and their beloved mother, whom they call Marmee.
Filled with excitement, romance, sorrow and hope, the journey of these “Little Women” is told through breathtaking songs, memorable characters and a heartwarming message. It reminds the audience of the importance of family, goodwill and being true to oneself.
The production is a CYT original musical written 20 years ago by two local artists. The music/lyrics are by Jon Lorenz (of “MixTape” fame) and the script/lyrics are by Robert Beuss.
“It has not been performed in more 10 years, and we are looking forward to bringing the heartwarming story back to life,” noted co-director Carolyn McClaskey.
The cast includes 64 local youths ranging in age from 8 to 18.
“To me, CYT is love,” explained Emile Powers, a sophomore at Chula Vista High School who plays Marmee, the matriarch and heart and soul of the March family. “Louisa May Alcott says that ‘love is a great beautifier.’ This is what CYT does; it makes us beautiful by opening our minds and helping us support each other, all while sharing God’s light.”
The show left a lasting impression on McClaskey, who first saw the production as a child.
“When I was 12 years old, I saw the premiere of CYT’s ‘Little Women’ on the La Paloma stage in Encinitas,” McClaskey recalled. “Sitting on the old velvety seats, I was mesmerized by the characters, the story, the music. It was the first time I can recall being truly moved and impacted by a show. So much so, that for 20 years I have sung the songs and cherished the characters dearly.
“It has been my dream to be a part of the show in some way. What a joy being able to bring it back to life with all of the talent at CYT South County. ‘Little Women’ will stay with you long after you leave the theater. The dedication and stunning talent of this whole cast, combined with the beautiful music and script, creates for an entertaining and heartwarming experience.”
Besides Powers, main cast members include Meg March (Makena Diehl), Jo March (Mia Aptalategui), Beth March (Becca Jones), Young Amy March (Olivia Burer), Older Amy March (Nicole Bild), Theodore Laurence (Sergio Contreras), John Brooke (Evan Beck), Professor Baer (Thomas Reasoner), Father (Roman Cisneros), Hannah (Alecca Hofmeister), Aunt March (Ella Feldburg), Sally Moffat (Kat Marr) and Mrs. Moffat (Allison High).
Moriah Angeline joins McClaskey as co-director. Lorenz serves as musical supervisor while McClaskey and Angeline direct the choreography. Josh Powers is the assistant director.
Songs include “Ring out the Bells,” “Christmas is Coming,” “Try to Belong,” “The Christmas Ball,” “Imagine,” “Perfect Little Reasons,” “One Man,” “Meg’s Story: The Spring Faire, The New Girl, I Was Beautiful, Mrs. Moffat, John,Suddenly,” “The Actor’s Society,” “Changes,” “The Wedding,” “Letters,” “Voices From the Past” and “Turn the World Upside Down.”
Mater Dei Catholic High School is located at 1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista. Tickets are $17 (online) and $19 (at the door). Call the box office for wheelchair seating at (619) 588-0206.
For more information, call (619) 588-0206 or visit the website at www.cytsandiego.org.
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Other CYT student productions include “James and the Giant Peach” (Nov. 4-12) at Pacific Beach Middle School and “Godspell” (Nov. 11-20) at Del Norte High School.
