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Adventures and rivalries weave a wonderful tale in 'Little Women - The Broadway Musical'

ROYAL OAK
There's an all too-familiar story in Stagecrafters' season opener: there is a war going on and money is in short supply. Although set in the Civil War era, "Little Women – The Broadway Musical" could well be telling a tale about our current state, and that when facing tough economic times and personal challenges we need to focus on devotion to family, love and hope. Stagecrafters presents this inspiring and exhilarating musical through Sept. 27 at the Baldwin Theatre in downtown Royal Oak.
"Little Women – The Broadway Musical" is Louisa May Alcott's semiautobiographical novel brought to life with musical numbers and period costumes. Alcott's novel is based on Jo March's (Sara Rydzewski of Livonia) accounts of growing up in the 1860s with her sisters and strict, motherly "Marmee" (Donna Edwards of Clawson).
Meet the Little Women personalities – Jo, an aspiring author, is strong-willed. Meg (Kate Rasmussen of Troy) is romantic. Amy (Bethany Rydzewski of Livonia) is pretentious. Beth (Celeste Blanch of Royal Oak) is kind-hearted. While their father is away fighting in the Civil War, the story unfolds in vignettes of coming-of-age experiences, sibling rivalries, inner-self discoveries, and the pains and joys of love and death.
Director Jerry Haines (of Berkley) saw the show professionally presented and knew the moment that he heard the music that he wanted to someday direct it. "The score is beautiful, meaningful, memorable and inspiring," said Haines in the press release. "I want to give the audience a quality show with high energy and high emotion. I want them to leave the theater with a strong, positive memory that moved them emotionally – either with laughter or tears."
Haines also views this show as very appropriate for current times: "The March family persevered through tough economic times. The nation was divided politically. There were issues regarding basic human rights, women's rights and the rights of African-Americans. Today, there is still a race issue in this country, and we're dealing with equal rights for LGBT individuals. Yet, there is strength to see it through with the help and love of family and friends."
The Broadway production of "Little Women – The Musical" opened on January 23, 2005 at the Virginia Theatre and closed on May 22, 2005 after 137 performances.
Tickets are $16 and $18. Call 248-541-6430 for tickets. Visit http://www.stagecrafters.org for more information.

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