Little Women
For many people, Little Women is the favourite book of childhood. Unfortunately, when I was a child, I never heard of Louisa May Alcott’s book! It was only in my twenties when I learnt about it, thought ‘oh it seems I’ve missed something’, and read Little Women and its sequel, Good Wives. (The plot summary can be found here. To read the book, here.) Of the four little women, naturally I like Jo best of all (who wouldn’t?). She is one of the most charming literary heroines. The book in general is amusing, full of good humour and worldly wisdom. We know there are movies (this one with Katharine Hepburn and this one with Elizabeth Taylor, for instance).
Imagine my surprise when I’ve learnt there is also a musical about the March sisters. I’ve had the chance to listen to the 2005 Broadway CD with Maureen McGovern, Sutton Foster, Janet Carroll, Danny Gurwin, and others.
Since I liked the book, I was ready to transfer some of my feelings to the musical. The melodies are nice, sometimes charmingly retro. I liked the overture and its development - gave the impression of something ‘good old’. :)
My favourite character remains Jo and, to a lesser extent, Beth, but I’m not quite satisfied with the singers’ voices. Sutton Foster shouted at her crescendos, and sometimes seemed too old for the part. On the other hand, her intonation was good when she was speaking and didn’t have to shout sing loudly. (For instance, when Amy asks her abut the play: ‘Do I die again in this one?’, how she answers: ‘YES’!)
She surely makes Jo most memorable, which is helped by the fact that her sisters seem pretty bleak and inexpressive in comparison. So I have the impression that the musical is more Jo-centric than the book. Other characters are supporting characters. Marmee seemed too much of an old tired woman to me. As for Meg… I hardly noticed she was there. :) It was to be expected that Amy should be pretty annoying, but I was surprised that Laurie turned out to be so repulsive. Perhaps it’s a personal impression, but I shuddered at the first sound of that voice and consequently hated the boy. (The boy? An abominable dirty man.) The Laurie of the book was quite nice and evoked sympathy, as far as I remember. Well I never regretted that Jo ended up with the Professor - a rather pleasant voice, when he doesn’t take high notes. Jo and the Professor’s final duet is fun. The lyricist, Mindi Dickstein, did the job well. (I think I’ll also remember Jo’s hilarious ‘tragedy’!)
In general, I am pleased, but inwardly not moved. It could have still been better. Well, it seems that there is yet another Little Women musical! Perhaps it’s a different thing. Meanwhile, I offer you some extracts from the version I’ve heard:
Days of Plenty
Could You
The Weekly Volcano Press
Fire Within Me
Delighted
In the next entry, if everything is all right, there will be a little bit more about Little Women. ;) :)