Last night, we began this year’s theater season with the play Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. In this retelling of the classic 19th-century novel Lauren Gunderson’s stage adaptation, takes this story to the next level by combining the autobiographical character of Jo March with that of the author herself. It is a refreshing take on the classic novel that weaves the author’s real-life experiences directly into this narrative of women that combines both exposition with dialog. Instead of a traditional narrator, Gunderson has characters speak aloud non-dialogue narration and passages straight from Alcott’s text, which brings out the wit, complexity, and internal reactions of the March sisters. The same actress portraying Jo March—speaking directly to the audience from her writing desk to frame how the semi-autobiographical story came to be. The brisk pacing successfully translates a sprawling two-volume Victorian novel into a tight, fast-moving two act theatrical experience without becoming overly sentimental. This production thrives by balancing modern feminist independence—such as Jo’s desire to “paddle her own canoe”—with tender, emotional family dynamics and tear-jerking classic moments.

The Rep is celebrating its Diamond anniversary season this year. As part of this celebration props from past season’s plays are displayed in the lobby. This particular tea set consist of 36% high purity bone meal, which makes the China thinner, lighter and tougher than ordinary ceramic. Covered in 24K gold tracery making this the perfect addition to the world of last year’s The Cottage. Beauty and durability made it the perfect addition this production.