High school drama teacher writes, directs new adaptation of 'Little Women'

When the cast of "Little Women" takes the stage at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, it will be showcasing a new adaptation of the classic novel. This play is written by Batavia High School drama teacher Joshua Casburn and his wife, Heidi.

"I looked at several different plays," Casburn said. "Most are told from the perspective of Jo, later in life. I wanted the narrator to be the author of the story, Louisa May Alcott."

Casburn, who also directs the show, had a talented group of actors to test his work and let him know when lines didn't seem to work.

"Sometimes, there would be a line that was written in the language of the period that just didn't seem right," said Tori McKeehan, who plays Marmee, the mother of the March girls. "Mr. Casburn would listen to us and make the changes."

Little Women is a coming of age story that centers on the four March sisters: Jo, the headstrong writer; Meg, the people pleaser, unhappy with her station in life; Amy, the selfish and manipulative artist; and Beth, the shy and frail third sister.

The success of the play is dependent on how these characters develop and interact. Will these young actors be able to show the playfulness of youth and transition to the maturity of adults, all while keeping the love for each other and their family at the forefront?

"We have developed a very close relationship," said Sarah Heylmun, who plays Beth. "I feel that the girls are like my real sisters and I look forward to coming to rehearsal just to spend time with them."

These young women have even helped each other in overcoming onstage issues.

"Mr. Casburn's script calls for a lot of group hugs and I have never been comfortable with that," said McKeehan. "That was an issue for me."

"We began with two of us approaching from the side and then she became more comfortable with it," said Heylmun.

The girls also have a death scene in the play, a scenario that isn't easy even for the most experienced actor.

"I imagine Sarah not in my life," said Jamie VandenOever, who plays Jo. "I think about how much I would miss her presence in real life."

Casburn often incorporates a hymn or period piece of music in his plays at critical points.

"Once we rehearsed with an empty chair," she added. "As soon as the music started, we all got teary-eyed."

For many, "Little Women" was required reading in school. It told the story of a New England family during the Civil War. Puritan values celebrate the freedom from materialistic dreams and sacrifices made to benefit the family.

"Through love, joy, disappointment, heartbreak, and immense sorrow, the March family members rely on each other and learn to be grateful for their lot in life; both good and bad," added Casburn.

How does this resonate with today's young people who have grown up with a materialistic world and relationships built with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and instant messaging?

"I think anyone can relate to the sisters and their personality flaws, as well as their relationships with each other," said Meghan Rocha, who plays Amy.

For these young actors, four upperclassmen and one sophomore, the experience of acting together has been a gift.

"I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to do this play with these girls," said Meghan Tucker, the sophomore. "I have been coming to high school plays for years and have seen them all onstage. They're so talented."

It's a sentiment that is echoed by Casburn.

"This is an amazing cast," he added. "I think the audience will thoroughly enjoy this play."

Other cast members include: Abby Weiss, Mikkel Knutson, Billy Bernardoni, John Hohman, Cam Tucker, Josh Tharp, Elsa Bauerdick, Lauren Burnham, Joe Guritz, Hannah Gustin, Tekla Mach, Erika Knutson, Max Micheli, Mary Clare Perrault, Emily T. Smith, and Natalie Sweeney.

"Little Women" runs Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 28-30, in the Black Box Theater of the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Tickets, $12-$15, are available online or by calling (630) 937-8930.

If you go

What: Batavia High School's production of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," adapted and directed by Joshua Casburn

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 28-29; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30

Where: Black Box Theater at Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St.

Extra: Dinner theater packages, including a meal at Aliano's, are available as a fundraiser for STAGE.

Details: Call (630) 937-8930 or visit <a href="https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1">www.bataviafineartscentre.org</a>