In our last rehearsal for Little Women, we were learning to weave hand in hand around in a circle, a ubiquitous and recognizable period group dance moment. At first, we were comically unsuccessful, but by 5th try everyone in the room – the whole cast, stage managers, and directing team were weaving in and out of the circle. We needed to know how it was ”supposed” to look with lots of people so that when just two people did it we would know the flow of their bodies. That seems so ironic now. We took a break to go wash our hands because…you all know why. The Managing Director pulled me aside to say we needed to suspend rehearsals because the park district was limiting all public programs. I supported her as she broke the news to the cast. That room that had been buzzing with laughter and joy, a room that we spent years building, was swept into instant grief. I could not and still cannot imagine words to soothe that loss, but I am so very grateful for the time I spent with this team, this family, and so will leave you with the wisdom of Louisa May Alcott, “Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us – and those around us – more effectively. Look for the learning.”
First Folio Theatre
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
Adapted by Heather Chrisler
Directed by Tara Branham
Featuring Alys Dickerson, Jalyn Greene, Janyce Caraballo, and Eliza Stoughton
Team: Beth Zupec, Jyreika Guest, Sophie Goddard, Tanuja Jagernauth, Leslie Ann Sheppard, Charlotte Mae Ellison, Jamie Bragg, Noelle Klyce, Angie Weber Miller, Christopher Kriz, Kaili Story, Rachel Lambert, Margaret Garofalo, Kate Danziger, Melanie Keller, David Rice, Forrest Hejkal, Ricky Harbecke
Lost Works: What Could Have Been 