Riverwalk serves up ‘Little Women’ for the modern era

Anna Hill, the lead in Riverwalk Theatre’s upcoming production of “Little Women,” confessed that she’s never read the original novel. As a young adult, she was more into fantasy and romance than classic literature.

However, she has seen Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation and knew when Riverwalk announced the show that out of all the March sisters, Jo was the role she wanted to play.

“She’s not as feminine as you think,” Hill said. “She’s very motivated and strong in her opinions, and I think that aligns with me as well.”

Adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill, “Little Women” follows Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy March through hard times in the 19th century. It’s a story that many people can identify with in our current economic climate. As such, during the show’s run, audiences will have a chance to help those in need.

“In the spirit of the March family and also the Alcotts, Riverwalk will be having a food drive during the run of the show,” director Mary Job said. “Check out the Facebook page for items. Bring them to the show or during business hours.”

According to Job, an ardent admirer of “Little Women” and the accomplishments of Louisa May Alcott, this adaptation “more strongly focuses on the character of Jo and her development as a future writer, as well as her feelings of being different as a young woman growing into adulthood in the restrictions of the 19th century.”

She added that there are moments in the show when Jo questions her gender identity. It’s a concept that isn’t new among scholars of Alcott’s work.

“I think it’s clear that she isn’t always comfortable being a woman, certainly as the 19th century defined women,” Job said. “Sometimes she feels like a man, given the constraints imposed on women in the 19th century, intellectually. She has gender ambiguity, and she’s facing a world in which the gender she presents as faces a great deal of restrictions.

“To me, the theme of this play is about growing,” she continued. “Not only growing up, which these girls are doing. They’re all growing into very different ideas of adulthood and womanhood. They’re all very different that way.”

Job explained that this theme is ultimately represented by the conflicted dynamic between Jo and her younger sister Amy (Rachael Steffens), and not just in terms of the relationships they have with their male friend Laurie (Heath Sartorius).

“Amy is a woman totally suited for her era and will be successful in it, while Jo is the square peg in a round hole,” she said. “I think the central conflict is the tension between the two women, because neither understands nor agrees with the other’s choices.”

There are still fans that believe Jo and Laurie should have ended up together. Hill disagrees, knowing that her character’s goals and needs don’t include romance.

“Laurie and Jo are soulmates in a way,” she said, “but I don’t think it’s romantic, especially on her side. I don’t think Jo sees a need for a man in her life.”

Despite its deeper themes, Hill promises that this adaptation won’t be all drama.

“It’s very much a story about family and love and how these things shape you into the person that you’re meant to be. The adaptation that we’re doing is very fun. It’s a little zany, but all the serious story beats are there as well.”

She said the rehearsal process has been a collaborative experience. She’s worked with Sartorius and Ndegwa McCloud (John Brooks/Mr. Dashwood) before, but she’s also grown close to her stage sisters, Maria Berry (Meg) and Storm Hawthorne (Beth). Additionally, she praised Job’s direction.

“Mary is always very organized,” she said. “She knows exactly what she wants, and she has a clear vision. It’s always a joy to work with her because she’s so organized.”

After “Little Women” ends, Hill plans to take a break from acting. She’ll serve as the stage manager for Evolve Theatrics’ upcoming production of “Frozen” in February. However, being Jo March has made her want to finally read the book she’s been putting off for so long.

“If you have any interest in a story about normal girls, about love, about family, about friendship, it’s going to hit all those beats. There’s some comedy, some drama — there’s a little bit for everybody.”