By Victoria Hock
At 7 p.m. on November 3-5 in the Center for the Arts Recital Hall, Houghton University presents their production of Little Women.
According to Music Theatre International, Little Women “follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more about what’s close to her. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of what she and her sisters experience growing up in Civil War America.”
Junior Lydia Rech, who portrays Beth March, noted that Little Women has been one of her “dream shows” for a while now, so she is excited for the opportunity to be in this production.
Junior Josey Ikker, who plays the role of Amy March, was not as familiar with Little Women, explaining that she had “no knowledge of what Little Women was about.” However, she further remarked that she wanted to audition for any musical, and “Little Women was no different.”
Ikker and Rech also expressed their excitement about playing their respective characters.
“Playing the role of Beth March is both fun and humbling,” Rech said. “Beth is a lot like me – she loves music, she often likes to work behind the scenes, and she wants to encourage and support those around her.”
Beth “inspires” Rech.“She is sweet and supportive even when it’s hard,” she said. “She is not perfect, but she always seeks to live in a way that is honoring to God.”
Ikker, on the other hand, initially found Amy a little “difficult to relate to.” She explained that Amy’s attitude was: “I just want this but my time might not come for a while, or if anything won’t ever come.” Amy tends to “follow society”, and that she grows to have a “proper side to herself.”
Rehearsals consisted of a lot of learning and character development for both cast members.
“It feels like we are already locking things in during rehearsals – not just getting lines memorized or having all the choreography polished, but really bonding as a family,’” Rech said. “When I get onstage with Emily, Grace, and Josey, they really feel like my sisters.”
Ikker praised the learning experience that rehearsal has provided to her.
“I’ve received lots of incredible feedback on how I can develop my character,” she said.
Both Ikker and Rech encourage members of the Houghton community to come out and see the show.
In addition to Ikker and Rech, the cast includes Master’s Student Ethan Carr, who will be playing John Brooke, Seniors Linette Taylor, Grace Dietrick, Emily Quick and Mikayla Bond, who will be portraying the roles of Marmee, Jo, Meg and Aunt March, respectively, Juniors Thomas Auld, who will be portraying Laurie, Cody Johnson, who will be playing the role of Professor Bhaer, and Christian Welker, who will be portraying the role of Grandpa Laurence.
“This show is going to be beautiful and such fun!” Rech exclaimed. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we fill up the recital hall each night. I am so excited! You won’t want to miss it!” Ikker expressed similar sentiments, using adjectives like “empowering” to describe the production. She further noted how she hopes people find that Little Women provides “inspiration” and “healing”. ★