Casting Performers for "Little Women" Show

Introduce to the audience as an “impassioned girl of 19,” almost everything that Jo does is filled with fervor and enthusiasm. Her mother’s daughter, Jo is strong willed and determined. She is her own person and resolved to not submit to the expectations of society. Described in the novel as quick tempered, Jo does have bursts of almost irrational anger, however, this is trait forgiven because of her vivaciousness and zeal.

The oldest, most romantic and beautiful of the March sisters. Meg works as a governess and is constantly reminded of the affluent life her family used to have. She longs to be part of ‘Society’ and struggles with the fact that she will not get the “pretty things” that other girls have. Despite this longing, it is important to recognize that Meg is not vain, nor is she selfish. She is incredibly supportive of her family.

Beth is shy, timid but always peaceful in the comfort and security of the March home. She lives for her family, music and dolls. While she seems quite weak and innocent, she is wise (possibly beyond her years). Beth is an incredibly difficult role to play well. The actress performing Beth needs to make the audience fall in love with her without saying a word. Like Jo, the audience needs to want to protect her forever.

A stoic woman, Marmee is the backbone of the March family and a source of wisdom, strength and courage for the girls. Like many mothers, Marmee puts on a brave face for her girls, however, the audience is allowed glimpses of her own vulnerability, pain and grief during the show. The actress playing Marmee needs to portray her as strong, but full of love; she must have a warm fortitude and never appear cold.

When the audience and the March sisters first meet Laurie he is a bashful and lonely young man who longs for fun and company. As the musical progresses, his confidence grows, especially as he finds joy and comfort in Jo and the other sisters' company. The actor playing Laurie must be able to capture Laurie’s shy and resistant tendencies with his inner energy and love of life and adventure.

A fierce and formidable matron, Aunt March wishes for the March girls to maintain their status in society and is determined to ensure that they have the right manners and etiquette. Aunt March provides audiences with a clear juxtaposition to Jo who hates society and the idea of marriage. She serves an important function to remind us of the society that Jo lives in.

A German professor. He is proper and a worrier, but he has authority and confidence in his craft. He is not shy to share his opinions when it comes to work and literature, however, when it comes to his own feelings he struggles. Bhaer is the opposite of Jo. He is reserved, a thinker and slow to form his opinions. Importantly, he is a strong supporter of Jo; he loves and accepts her for who she is.

A young, handsome and intelligent man. Mr. Brooke is the charming tutor of Laurie who almost instantly steals Meg’s heart. His manners and persona must ooze class without a sense arrogance. The only time he loses his words, is when he is dumbstruck by Meg. The audience must immediately warm to him.

Perceived originally to be an old and bitter man, Mr. Laurence proves himself as a kind and compassionate gentleman. Mr. Laurence bonds particularly with Beth. The actor playing Mr. Laurence needs to portray Mr. Laurence is stern at the outset and then shows his softer side with Beth.

The New York boarding house proprietress that lodges Jo and Professor Bhaer. Irish, kindly, warm and motherly.

The ingénue in Jo’s story; prone to fainting, sobbing dramatically, ultimately finds her courage.

The villain in Jo’s story; classic mustache-twirling, dastardly fellow.

The hero in Jo’s story; handsome, saving-the-day with much bravado.

In Jo’s story; your classic lives-under-the-bridge troll; hoards jewels and gems and makes bargains.

In Jo’s story; a wise hag who’s unseemly looks hide wisdom.

In Jo’s story, the real hero, Clarissa’s long-lost sister in disguise.

If an ensemble is cast, those playing the above roles will also be guests at the party and briefly dance.