Program

Storyteller Megan Wells and I retell the Christmas chapter from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. From Alcott’s birthday in November throughout December, the story of the March family might inaugurate, continue, or conclude holiday programming. 

What follows is an encapsulated version of the performance. Initially we speak as storytellers - no costumes, no fourth wall cutting us off from the audience. Seated side by side, we speak Alcott’s words directly to listeners and one another in a conversationally compelling manner. Megan gives voice to Meg the eldest sister, tender-hearted Beth, and Hannah, the no-nonsense servant. I speak as Mrs. March, a wise and loving mother who is called Marmee, feisty Jo, and petulant Amy, the youngest sister. Together we share the narrative sections that paint a scene.

The Christmas chapter presents the four March sisters moving from feelings of self-pity to actions of loving kindness. From “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents!” to: pooling meager resources so they can surprise their mother with gifts; feeding a desperately poor family; and entertaining neighborhood girls with a melodrama on Christmas evening. The vaudevillian energy of this play contrasts pleasingly with Alcott’s tender story.

During the play, I briefly play two minor characters but primarily remain down stage, interacting with the audience. Megan moves back to deftly use a few props to fashion several sets. With terrific comedic timing, she swaps hoods, hats, and wigs to portray a host of characters: Hugo the villain, Hagar the sorcerer, Roderigo the hero, Zara the beloved, and Don Pedro, Zara’s father. The “play” ends with a father’s blessings on the youthful couple. 

And our story draws to a close with the confiding intimacy of storytelling, as Marmee praises her daughters for the wonderful workings of their minds, their humor, their kindness, and most of all their moral courage. “So, we leave them on Christmas night…gathered together in the simple, loving fashion which makes memories so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward.”

Alcott's writing certainly offers a satisfying antidote to all that is hectic and raucous during the season. When audiences experience Little Women out loud, the story bursts off the page. Alcott’s presentation of spirited young women altered literature forever and it refreshes spirits to this day. We love contributing to and continuing that tradition.