IU Kokomo presents Little Women November 14-16 in Havens Auditorium

KOKOMO, Ind. - The beloved story of the March sisters, their family, and friends comes to life on the Havens Auditorium stage November 14-16, as the Indiana University Kokomo School of Humanities and Social Sciences presents Little Women.

The play shares the lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March as they grow up during the Civil War in Concord, Massachusetts. With guidance from their mother, while their father is away at war, they navigate poverty, sibling rivalry, and their dreams of, love, writing, and artistic talent.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students, with children six and under admitted free.

Freshman Myley Edwards, who plays the role of the Marches' housekeeper, Hannah, said the show is an interesting look at female roles of that time - in particular how second daughter Jo struggles with the traditional expectations.

"I think it's very unique that in that time period, being like Jo was a big no," she said. "The fact that we get to put that on the stage for people to see and showing that women are more than the roles they were put in during that time makes the story impactful."

The show is the directing debut for recent graduate Clarissa Kepner, who said she took a directing class as part of her theatre minor, and was cast in multiple plays and musicals while she was a student.

"I'd done some directing exercises, but never actually directed a big show," she said. "I've learned it takes a lot of hands to make something like this happen. From an actor's perspective, I knew there would be rehearsals to lead. I didn't realize how hands on you are in all of it, with the set design and logistics of building it, costumes, audio, and tech. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to expand my experience within theatre."

She chose the play for its warmth.

"I think the audience will enjoy the story," Kepner, from Alexandria, said. "I feel like, for me, it's always been a comforting story. It's charming, with the interaction between the sisters and Laurie. It teaches some good lessons and highlights the warmth of the family aspect."

She said many of the student participants are new to campus, and she hopes being in the play helps them make a good transition to college.

"I hope they're able to make connections with other theatre members and are able to become more comfortable with the space, and putting themselves out there," she said.

Edwards, from Logansport, did high school theatre, and is happy for the opportunity to continue, and to find her community on campus.

"I'm really enjoying getting to know the cast and meeting new people," she said. "I've made a lot of friendships. I feel less lonely when I walk in the halls because now I see other cast members I know, and I have friends."

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.