'Little Women' energizes the stage at Marriott Theatre

The spirit and energy of the great American classic, "Little Women" thrives in the musical at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.While most of the songs advance the story pleasantly if without magic, "Astonishing," is the showpiece for star Heidi Kettenring.Known for her role as Nessarose in the Chicago production of "Wicked," Kettenring closes the first act with "I will blaze until I find my time and place #8230; I'll be Astonishing. Astonishing. Astonishing. At Last."Another high point is her duet with Dara Cameron's Beth on "Some Things Are Meant To Be," which turns out to be a very sensitive farewell to the dying sister.Like everyone in the cast, Paula Scrofano sings beautifully, but her Marmee also gently commands the stage.While the play based on Louisa May Alcott's semi-autobiographical novel obviously offers great roles for female actresses, the men have their moments.John Reeger's Mr. Laurence gets to show off his voice along with Cameron in their duet with the ditty "Off to Massachusetts.""Our Finest Dreams" - the March sisters' celebration of their togetherness as well as Jo's cleverness, inspires thoughts that the play could use more duets or group numbers.Nancy Missimi's costumes are lush, and Thomas M. Ryan's set - necessarily sparse because the stage is in the round - evocative."Little Women" has been popular since its publication in 1868, giving fans books, plays and movies to compare with this version, which shouldn't disappoint.Much of the dialogue and feminist sentiment seems very up-to-date. And it's still full of lessons for young women.One ironic note: Despite the theme of the determined tomboy, Alcott takes the more traditional route of sending the family's father off to serve in the Civil War. In reality, Louisa May herself was an Army nurse for a short stint during the conflict.And while her alter ego Jo finds romance and seems to "have it all" - the goal of many career women today - the author in fact never married."Little Women"3 1/2 stars out of fourLocation: The Marriott Theatre, Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21/U.S. 45) just south of Half Day Road (Route 22), Lincolnshire.Times: 1 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 3.Running time: About 2ÃÆ#146;Ãcent;â#130;not;Åiexcl;Ãâ#128;šÃ#130;circ;frac12; hours, including intermissionTickets: $45 plus tax and handling fees. Box office: (847) 634-0200 or www.marriotttheatre.com Rating: All ages