On Theater: Laguna kids to stage ‘Little Women’

When “Little Women,” the stage adaptation of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, opens in Laguna Beach next weekend, it’ll be presented by actual little women (and men).

The show is a project of the Generation GAP, the self-producing teen theater company under the auspices of Gallimaufry Performing Arts. The acronym GAP stands for Gallimaufry Arts Project and the performers range in age from 12 to 18.

This production won’t be staged in a large theater, but rather in Bridge Hall of Laguna’s Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. And it’ll be presented in the round, with limited seating available. Most playgoers are familiar with the story in one form or another — the novel, its movie adaptations or the musical theater version, which will be offered in Laguna.

It’s based on Alcott’s own family experiences and follows the adventures of the March sisters growing up in Civil War America.

“The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written,” director Kami Henderson stated. “This powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope — the sounds of a young America finding its voice.”

The teenagers presenting “Little Women” have raised the money, produced, designed, cast, directed and will perform.

Kiki Henderson is musical director and Katharine Epstein is choreographing.

The youthful cast includes Conner Berkimpas, Lewis Brown, Haley Castuera, Hannah D’Amato, Hanah Galss, Tad Heitmann, Kasey Henderson, Craig Jones, Brooke Lewis, Tanner Monteirth and Noah Patillo.

Performances are May 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29.

Evening curtain time is 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees offered at 1 p.m. Because seating is limited, early reservations, at (949) 499-5060, are encouraged.

Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults. More information is available at www.gallimaufry.org.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.