The Musical
April 28 - May 21
CSTOCK theatre in the Silverdale Community Center.
Friday/Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 6 p.m.
Tickets $8 adults $6 children 11 and under
Theatre information 692-9940

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is one of those classics destined for the stage and screen. Alcott's alter-ego, Jo March, has already been immortalized in film by three generations of Hollywood actresses -Katherine Hepburn, June Allison, and Wynona Ryder.  Now CSTOCK brings Jo and her sisters to life once more on their Silverdale stage in the premier presentation of a musical adaptation of Alcott's beloved story.

Little Women - The Musical, is the inspiration of Gwen Adams and Bruce Taylor, two North Kitsap residents who met while performing in Kingston Little Theater's production of The Fantastiks.  Taylor has always wanted the chance to write music and Adams has filled file cabinets with stories and song lyrics that "only the dust mites will ever see." Adams and Taylor plan to market the play professionally and are inviting agents and regional theater reps to the premiere.  "This one won't be another dust catcher," Adams vows.

Adams' script and Taylor's music will be complemented by a veteran cast and crew.  Larry Adams is designing the Victorian March home.   Larry has designed and/or built CSTOCK sets for Brigadoon, Into the Woods, Big River, and Oliver.

CSTOCK costumers Kathy Kershaw and Joanne Ferguson are teaming up to design the costumes.  "They're having so much fun with the dresses, I hope they don't forget the guys," Adams says.

Adams will direct her script, Taylor his score, and Verne Goodwin will produce.  Trevor Iwaszuk and Kalen Spees will design lights.

Gary Spees plays a dual role as Stage Manager and Grandfather Lawrence.   His biggest challenge will be remembering to remove his headset before his character entrances.  Choreography will be handled by local dance instructors Lee and Janet Barton.

On stage will be Kelly Lynn Cliber (Bye Bye Birdie, Oliver) as Jo; Sarah McGregor (Brigadoon, Into the Woods) as Meg; Alena Menefee (Gypsy,Pollyanna) as Beth; and Christy Ferguson (Into the Woods, A Christmas Carol) as Amy. Leslie Engelhard and Robert Forman play Marmee and Father.  Steve Lager will play Laurie, and Paul Adkins plays Professor Bauer.  The play also feature Sharon Greany, Carol Chollar, Andrew Engelhard, Troy Criss, Jessica Marceweitz, Morgan Gray, Adrienne Baltz, Kiran Spees, and Alicia Burke.

A special pre-show presentation will feature music by the next generation of Little Women:   Gracie Adkins, Anna Grummel, Nicole Parker, and Allison Engelhard. Get to the show early to catch their act!

Hankies are recommended for such songs as Beth's "Never Meant to Stay" and Father's letter home "Across the Night".  Jo's "A Place For Me" expresses her frustration at the limitations placed on women of the Victorian era. Other musical selections include the whimsical "Pickwick Portfolio," "Let Me Be Your Dream," and "Choices of the Heart".

This production opens April 28 and runs through May 21 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday's performance at 6 p.m.  Watch for a special coupon special for the Mother's Day performance on Sunday, May 14.  Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 11 and under, and are available at the Kitsap Mall Customer Service Booth.  (Please Note: Langlois Piano in Silverdale is closing and therefore tickets are no longer available at that outlet.)

All performances are at the CSTOCK theatre in the Silverdale Community Center at 9729 Silverdale Way.  Theatre Information Line is 692-9940.