By Sanger C.
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Taken from the show’s leaflet, “ ‘Little Women’ is a production based on Louisa May Alcott’s own family experiences (and novel. ‘Little Women’ follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America.”
Melissa Rittman (clockwise from top), Felicia Capece, Kat Ross Kline and Jessica Bier play the March sisters in the CCC production of 'Little Women.' Photo provided
The adventures are the stories Jo March would write. All four sisters would act out scenes in their attic, which became for them a safe haven, their sanctuary and their escape to develop their bond as sisters.
The story follows Josephine “Jo” March, who pursues her dream of becoming a writer and leaves home. It is not until she learns of the turn of events that unravels for the viewer to learn the central theme of this musical: the importance of family.
At the beginning of Act II, Beth March falls ill with scarlet fever and dies.
“My favorite part of the show was the song, ‘Some Things Are Meant to Be’, which was a duet between two of the sisters, Jo and Beth, before Beth’s passing. It was heavy, and it was filled with so much emotion,” stated Maria Panvini, who was in the audience for the 8 p.m. Dec. 4 show.
As to who among the cast was her favorite character, Panvini became enthused to say, “The portrayal of Jo March was strong and riveting as a character. She had so much energy, and I believed it to be such an endearing performance.”
She continued, “Usually, I prefer men to take on such powerful roles, but viewing her stage presence, I enjoyed every second she was on stage.”
Camden County College student Felicia Capece plays Beth March. She shared her thoughts of the show.
“I particularly enjoyed how there was so much going on in the show: Meg becomes engaged and has twins, Amy becomes a woman, Jo becomes successful, and I, Beth, pass away,” Capece said.
Capece continued, “It didn’t matter how much was going on, though, because the bond the sisters had was so powerful. I was especially moved by the scene where my character brings a bitter man back to life after he hears her singing a song that helps him remember the happiness of his childhood. The transition of the character was great.”
CCC STAGES will be holding auditions for future shows, including Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” at the beginning of the spring 2011 semester. Updates and audition information for additional shows will be found on the “STAGES at Camden County College” Facebook group page. All productions will be directed by CCC’s Margie Sokoloff. All are encouraged to attend.