Harvest Christian Academy to stage 'Little Women'
Bringing to life a timeless tale of heartbreak and joy through characters authentic yet flawed, Harvest Christian Academy will perform "Little Women," the Broadway musical, at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3-4, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Performances will be held in the black box Second Space Theater at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive.
"Little Women" is "a family story depicting real life struggles and how families bond together in true love to overcome life's challenges," said parent volunteer Tami White.
"We understand that this story is a timeless tale that is loved by so many people, and we take the responsibility of putting on a great show very seriously because of how much joy it brings to others," student actor Abby Wilken said.
Set in the mid 1800s in Concord, Massachusetts, the story revolves around four sisters and their mother who struggle to support themselves while their father is away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War. Each sister faces her own personal challenges and moral dilemmas.
Jo, the beloved protagonist, played by sophomore Olivia Williams, must tame her tomboyish ways and learn to be more ladylike while pursuing her ambition to be a great writer. Meg, played by junior Abby Wilken, is the eldest sister who strives to put aside her love of wealth and finery in order to follow her heart.
Gentle spirited Beth, played by eighth-grader Eden Anderson, tries to conquer her bashfulness. And the youngest, Amy, played by freshman Taylor Seals, must sacrifice her aristocratic pride. Their mother, "Marmee," played by sophomore Paige Abbatacola, guides the girls in their personal pursuits while lovingly, yet emotionally, promoting her priorities for her daughters.
"Though there are numerous themes in this story, the one that has stood out to me working with this particular cast is that theme of self discovery and learning to use the unique skills and gifts we've each been given," said director Jane Charlotte Layoff. "This cast has captured the heart of this show in such an insightful way."
"As spectators to the story," Layoff said, "the audience will get to see what Marmee sees - the beautiful potential in her little women before they even discover it for themselves."
Layoff explained that the self-discovery of the actors themselves in some cases even mirrored those of their characters.
"This show has taught me that family isn't just those who are related by blood, but those united by a common passion," Anderson said. "In the play, I'm kind of like my character, Beth. She's the second mother, and I'm like the momma to my theater family, too."
"To see a new generation of students bring to life this classic and beloved story is the perfect way to start this Christmas season," Abbatacola said.
Tickets to the Broadway musical Little Women are available for $11 at tickets.elgin.edu.