Neptune’s Little Women musical highlights young talent

The Youth Performance Company rendition of Little Women has been six months in the making

CITYnews halifax \ Jordan Parker

The Youth Performance Company rendition of Little Women has been six months in the making.

Director Laura Caswell says the Broadway musical version of the classic book will be a fantastic affair.

“It’s been a challenging road, but it’s going to be incredible. We did a dress rehearsal this weekend, and everyone is healthy and happy. It was invigorating,” she said.

Caswell said they wanted to do this show two years ago, but COVID-19 and lockdowns prevented it from happening.

“It’s kind of come full circle. Neptune Theatre is doing Christmas In July, and this show starts with a Christmas scene. This was initially something we wanted in December 202, but it’s been a drawn-out process,” she said.

“We finally did auditions last December on Zoom. These circumstances picked us to do Little Women now. I’m still a bit nervous, but I’ll celebrate Sunday when all the shows have gone well.”

The talent on-hand are all part of the Youth Performance Company, representing a Neptune Theatre initiative and training program for students aged 13-18 with passion for theatre and performance.

“It’s been going for 40 years, and the last 15 years it has been considered a pre-professional training program. Students must audition to be a part of it. There are intensives to hone their skills, and they audition for roles in two productions,” said Caswell.

“Shows vary. Sometimes they’re musicals and sometimes they’re plays. We have often been on the Scotiabank Stage, but this year it’s the main stage. That is a huge thing.”

Caswell says the program is an endeavour that is meant to prepare those involved for work in theatre and for professional careers.

“We very much have a company atmosphere. We want to educate and inspire, and show them what it takes to put a show together,” she said. “That’s so different from ‘This is your part, these are your lines. Stand and deliver’. We want it to be collaborative and professional.”

The musical was originally done in 2005 with Sutton Foster, and is almost two decades old. Caswell loved the style and content.

“The music is written for the same era as Les Miserables, but not as epic. It’s very standard musical theatre style from the 1980s to 2000s,” she said. “It seemed like a great show to do, and the rights to it allowed us to stream it, which was important.”

She sees a huge amount of talent in this year’s crop, and is excited for audiences to see what they can accomplish.

“A lot of them are going to be very big deals in the future. In my tenure, I’ve seem some incredible talent in Nova Scotia. These are people you’ll see on big stages or in films in 10 years. They’re so inspiring,” she said.

“Most of the tech side is also from Fountain Performing Arts, and they’re also incredible. There’s a whole new generation of talent blooming before our eyes.”

There will also be some livestreamed shows, to allow for higher amounts of accessibility for potential audiences.

“We will be able to reach people all over the place. There are accessibility considerations for those who can’t attend live. Some folks aren’t even comfortable in the theatre yet,” she said.

“Though not every show will be livestreamed, this is a cool new thing for us. It will be a really fun thing to explore.”

The performances are split between Writer and Reader contingents, meaning there are different casts for different shows.

“The major roles – Jo, Beth, Meg, Amy, Mom and Aunt March – are double cast. Everyone is in the show no matter what. There are two casts to see, and it is also a great thing to do with COVID to ensure there will always be a show for audiences,” said Caswell.

Caswell also says that the YPCo performers this year have gotten really comfortable with each other, which adds to the show.

“This group has been working for six months together, and that’s not the normal for YPCo. We didn’t lose anyone, and it’s been so special to see them together,” she said.

“There’s an inherent spark that was created from them being together this long. This show is about family, and the cast are treating each other as such. They have each other’s backs, and it’s going to shine through on the stage.”

The two performers who play Jo – Louisa Morris and Emma Toope – are each also excited for the stage rendition.

“I can’t wait. It’s also nerve-wracking. It’s such a good feeling to have an audience again,” said Morris. “This is my first time with Neptune, and it’s going to be a great experience.

“I’m honoured to be a part of this. I’m working with such amazing people and I’m happy to share the show with them. This is a lovely place to be.”

For her part, Toope is thankful to be able to embody a character as strong as Jo for the play.

“Playing Jo is something I never thought be able to play. It’s so out of my comfort zone, but it’s great. I found self-confidence because she gives a whole new outlook on women’s rights,” she said.

“These performances have been a while in the making. But we are beyond excited. The lights, sets and everything are ready, and we are so beyond excited.”

For more information about the production, or to buy tickets, visit neptunetheatre.com/box-office/little-women.