What sort of person is going to love this show?
Any person would enjoy this show, even non-musical theater types. The show has a big heart, has fantastic music that captures the audience and a story of triumph that celebrates the human spirit. Who wouldn’t like that?
Furthermore, an audience that appreciates strong female characters will be pleased by this story. The characters are very relatable, loveable, strong and flawed. I think folks will appreciate the exceptional talent of the actors as they bring these classic characters to life on stage.
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
My daughter is a performer on stage. She is portraying Beth in this production of Little Women the Musical. She has previously worked (or should I say played) with Aurora Long and Dawn Doherty, as well as some fellow performers in this production. I will never be on stage (except in the dark), but enjoy participating in the creation of the production. As such, Rori has been gracious to include me in the stage management and back stage crew.
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
Wow…. That was astonishing! I think the emotional effects of the story and strong characters will appeal to different people depending on the phase of life. The story is hopeful and uplifting, I hope that they leave having an emotional connection to each character.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
For folks new to Little Women the Musical, I think they will be surprised by the dynamic emotional story, music and characters.
Which is the best night to come?
All performances will be phenomenal. There are special events on the opening night, so I recommend that if possible coming on the 19th.
Who in the show is most like their character?
Dawn as Marmee. Dawn, like Marmee, loves her kids and thinks of their well-being as unique individuals, has a kind and mothering Spirit, a strong faith and provides wise counsel with compassion when it is most needed.
Who’s the least?
Katherine is very different from Amy. Amy is a hard personality for me. Amy is self-centered and looking out for herself. She does not think about others, maybe there are points as she ages that she is a bit redeemed, but it is fleeting. Katherine has shown great thoughtfulness, is happy and enthusiastic for others successes and shares in their joy. Katherine is a good friend and person and I think Amy has a long way to go in her character development to be as lovely as Katherine.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“She’s a demon in a child’s body!”
“You’re not wrong Jo to feel anger, but if you build a wall between you and Amy, the one person you may end up hurting is yourself”—there is a lesson there for all of us, ye’?
“It might have something to do with your face, sir. It’s very hard.”
I really like the tenderness that Mr. Lawrence begins to show towards Beth. It is a point of emotional transformation, but I cannot find a line that sums that up.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A greeter at Disneyland and a volunteer stateside support team member for folks going abroad on missions.
If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
Angelina Jolie… just joking, I think Sandra Bullock would be a possible candidate.
Besides this one, what’s your favorite stage show?
Godspell. Wicked.
What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon look like?
After attending services, hanging out with friends and family… I like quiet time just being together. Or, seeing an amazing stage production especially if Emerson is in it or with me experiencing it.
Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
I think Rori has a wonderful zest for life and shares her joy and things that are funny and she is silly too. She has a wonderful laugh and does so often. Alex and Jarrod, both are very funny and I usually laugh when I’m with them. These folks are genuine and authentic people who share the world with humor. I admire that.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
I work for a family owned and operated computer company that provides products and services to educational institutions. And spend time with family and friends.
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
Wicked, a big tap dancing show or, Into the Woods.
What’s the last thing you do before the curtain goes up?
Check with those around me to make sure we have everything ready. Try to share true and encouraging word, “You are going to do awesome!”, “ I love the way you sing this song.”, “You are going to make me cry”. Then, pray for the cast and audience. I just want the cast to feel good about their performance and the overall show, and that the audience is receptive and responsive, appreciate the hard work and talents of the cast and that they are touched in an emotional way that glorifies God.
LITTLE WOMEN the Broadway Musical opens Friday, Dec. 19 for a limited run of 4 performances.
Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Seat reservations: call 949-707-2692 or email dwalezak@ci.laguna-hills.ca.us. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
More information about On the Edge Theatre Productions go to www.otetheatre.com.
On The Edge Theatre Productions 