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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women concerns four sisters in post-Civil War Massachusetts, but at times it feels as if its musical adaptation should have been called "Little Woman," so focused on a single sibling it is. Both Allan Knee's book and Sutton Foster's natural charisma and energy help constantly train the spotlight onto tomboy Jo. Yet it's not that much of a problem because Foster is strong enough to carry the show. She gets excellent support from the rest of the cast and especially cabaret artist Maureen McGovern, who as Marmee gets two beautiful ballads ("Here Alone" and "Days of Plenty") that are tailor-made for her imperial, burnished tone, and could well acquire a life outside the show. Composer Jason Howland worked as either musical director or musical supervisor on three period-set Frank Wildhorn musicals (Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Civil War), which gives him a distinct experience in dealing with the historical setting here. Although the score oftentimes veers to the bland side, Howland also shows encouraging signs of spryness ("Five Forever") and melodic confidence that at one point slyly honors Sondheim ("Astonishing"). Old-fashioned in the best possible way, Little Women makes a good complement to Wicked for those trying to entice a younger audience to the delights of the musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treat for Young and Old, the Old Fashioned Way,
By
This review is from: Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)
I just saw "Little Women" last night in Boston, at the Opera House, an incredible theatre, built in the 1920's, and judging by the audience's reaction, this terrific show will do MUCH better on the road than it did on Broadway, where it was unfairly ripped by the NY Times critic, Ben Brantley, and didn't get the attention and respect it deserved. Simply put, the music is wonderful, overall, with several standout numbers, including "Days of Plenty," "Some Things Are Meant to Me," and "Astonishing." The wonderful number, at the beginning, which binds the four sisters together, "Our Finest Dreams," is lovely and spirited. It is very difficult to take a classic book and make it into a musical. Certainly some of the depth of the characters is taken out, but enough is there to carry the story across and, what's more, at the show I attended, there were MANY teens and children in the audience, as the theatre offered a free child's ticket for every adult ticket bought - and what struck me was how beautiful this story is about female empowerment - and sisterhood. Every time the sisters seem to be coming apart, they remind each other of their love and support for each other. What a courageous, wonderful message! The mother, played beautifully by Maureen McGovern, is instrumental in keeping home and hearth together while the girls' father is away at war. And with a REAL war going on in Iraq, this production was that much more moving. I disagree with many of the negative comments - the music and lyrics are of high quality, often moving, sincere, literate, and emotional. This may not be Rodgers and Hammerstein, but what is these days?
This is closer to an old-fashioned musical than many - and it has heart and class. It certainly is better than something like "Hello, Dolly!" which really is a bogus story with only a couple of decent songs. Here, you have an involving story, with a terrific protagonist in Jo, surrounded by other compelling characters, and a whole world brought to life (the production I saw had stunning sets, costumes, and lighting), with passion and clarity. The fact that I saw "Little Women" in Boston, just a stone's throw away from Concord, where Louisa May Alcott actually lived - and where her home is preserved - may have had something to do with the overwhelmingly positive reaction I had to this fine production, but listen for yourself. The music and lyrics are hopeful and moving - it's a story for our times that reminds us of innocence, sacrifice, and good morals. It's a GREAT show for the entire family - and says something to young girls that is positive and life affirming. It is about all the things that really matter in life and it's certainly worth a few dollars - a bargain, if you ask me - to listen to this fine CD. The better thing is to catch the show on tour, where I predict it will have great success. You won't be disappointed!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartfelt Musical Theatre!,
By
This review is from: Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)
Being a big fan of L.M. Alcott's classic I was sceptical about this CD. Also not having seen the show I was taking a chance buying it. I am sure glad I did. From the moment the music started playing I felt such a connection to it. And overwhelming emotion! By the time I got to "Some things were meant to be" I was sobbing and continued all through the very poignant "Days of Plenty".
There is such delight in being reminded of childhood dreams and family togetherness, that our fast-paced lives sometimes forget. I don't believe Ms Alcott would be spinning in her grave at all. I bet she is thrilled that the Marchs' has been brought to life for another generation to discover and enjoy. It might be a story set in a different time........but the themes and emotions are timeless.
25 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasant, but predictable,
By
This review is from: Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)
"Little Women" is the kind of score that on your first listen sounds like you heard it before. There's an immediate familiarity about it, and the music by Jason Howland reminded me more than a little of the scores of "Jane Eyre," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," and others. The second act opening, in which the characters enact one of Jo March's stories, is even reminiscent of the second act opening of "Kiss of the Spider Woman." I kept getting a sense of déjà vu.
Still, after a few listens, it starts to distinguish itself just enough, and it's quite good overall. There are some attractive melodies, playful ensemble numbers, and even a pop-flavored power ballad or two. It's all put over by a strong cast, especially Sutton Foster as feisty Jo and Maureen McGovern as Marmee. They're also aided by a larger than usual orchestra that gives the recording a lush sound. Some of the highlights of the score include the solid numbers "Take A Chance On Me," "Five Forever," "Astonishing," and "Some Things Are Meant To Be." As with all musical adaptations of classic works of literature, the story is greatly condensed, but based on the recording, it seems like the important points are covered well. Ultimately, though, there's just this feeling of predictability to it all, as if this is exactly what you would expect a musical version of "Little Women" to sound like. Still, it's a pleasant score, with some good performances, and this is a well produced recording.
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