Stage Review - Little Women, the Musical (Renton Civic Theatre)

Stage Review - Little Women, the Musical
Presented By: Renton Civic Theatre - Renton, WA
Show Run: September 05 - September 21, 2025
Date Reviewed: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Run Time: 2 Hours, 30 minutes (inclusive of a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed By: Greg Heilman

Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is one of those stories that was ahead of its time when written, and because of that, it has endured. It’s an autobiographical tale of self-discovery, family, and learning to be comfortable with one’s true self despite the social pressures that suggest otherwise. The story of the March sisters—independent, aspiring author Jo; eldest sister Meg, the romantic; musically adept and painfully shy Beth; and youngest Amy, the ambitious artist often at odds with Jo—remains a timeless coming-of-age tale of female empowerment that feels just as valid today as it did 150 years ago.

The novel has long been a staple of libraries and classrooms. A stage play adaptation appeared in 1912, at least six films have been made (the most recent in 2019), and in 2002 Broadway produced a musical version. Renton Civic Theatre has chosen the latter for its current production, directed by Taylor Davis and running through September 21.

Whenever a well-known story is turned into a musical, the questions arise: is it true to the original? Does the music serve the story, or does it pull focus away? For me, this is where the Little Women musical falls a bit short. The book by Allan Knee keeps enough of the familiar storylines and character arcs to anchor the audience, but not enough to capture the depth that makes readers and filmgoers fall in love with the March family. Moments that tug at the heart in other versions are glossed over here, losing their emotional impact. Time jumps sometimes jar the audience, such as Meg’s sudden leap into motherhood or Jo’s magically regrown hair after cutting it off for the family’s sake. Ultimately, the musical captures the essence of Little Women without offering the richness of the full narrative. It almost assumes that audience members walk in already familiar with the book or films.

Reading that, you might think I’m telling you to skip this production. On the contrary: the reason to see Little Women at Renton Civic Theatre isn’t the book—it’s the cast. Taylor Davis has assembled a company that is beautifully matched to the material, and each performer sings with such talent and conviction that they elevate the show beyond its limitations. Jason Howland’s music and Mindi Dickstein’s lyrics provide a mix of traditional Broadway and contemporary stylings, with melodic ballads and character-driven numbers that flesh out more story than the dialogue does. Under the musical direction of Gabriel Mangiante, the cast sings with power and clarity, supported by a polished six-piece orchestra. The ensemble’s harmonies are exquisite, and it’s clear the preparation was meticulous.

At the heart of the story is Jo March, and at the center of this production is Sonja Rose Usher. I’ve seen Sonja in several shows, but this is the first time in a musical, and she brings the same fearless energy and expressive acting that always makes her stand out. She pours herself into Jo with an enthusiasm that’s contagious not only to the audience but also to the actors around her. She shifts effortlessly from joy to frustration to heartbreak, pulling the audience along with her every emotion. If you’ve never seen her in a musical before, this is the one to catch—her singing is as compelling as her acting, she’s taken this role on as her own, drives the tone of the production, and is such a joy to watch..

The rest of the March sisters shine as well. Rachael Spencer plays Meg with a classic romantic air. Kaira Hensler brings a quiet, almost melancholy charm to Beth. Kyla Marshall turns in one of the most transformative performances as Amy, convincingly shifting from a petulant twelve-year-old to a confident young woman with impressive nuance. Their mother, Marmee, is portrayed with warmth and maturity by Lisa Stromme Warren, while Dawn Brazel’s Aunt March delivers a stern, socially rigid counterpoint.

The men are equally strong. Sebastian Floyd Hulbert’s Professor Bhaer provides Jo with both criticism and admiration, Robin Langenhop’s Laurie is playful and full of life, and Rayan Atallah’s John Brooke carries a grounded maturity. Eric Hartley gives one of the standout supporting turns as Mr. Laurence—gruff at first, then softening in his affection for Beth. Watching him shift his character’s mood so believably adds more depth than any line of dialogue could.

From a production standpoint, simplicity serves the show well. Thaddeus Wilson’s set is flexible and effective, with a staircase and platform leading to Jo’s attic space and adaptable staging for the March household. Jeffrey Swiney-Weaver’s props add authenticity, with Beth’s period-appropriate wicker wheelchair standing out. Rachel Brinn’s costumes are a highlight, beautifully tailored to both period and character. Jacob Viramontes’ lighting shifts focus cleanly, with particularly striking seaside effects for Jo and Beth’s beach scene. Ariana Nikas’ sound design deserves special mention for balancing the actors and orchestra so seamlessly—an example of how well microphones can work in a theatre of this size.

Renton Civic Theatre’s Little Women may not capture the full depth of Alcott’s novel, but the cast more than makes up for it with heartfelt performances and stunning vocals. At the center is Sonja Rose Usher’s radiant Jo March, whose energy and expressiveness drive the production. With strong ensemble work, beautiful music, and thoughtful design, this is a show well worth seeing.

Little Women, the Musical, runs on stage at Renton Civic Theatre through September 21. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://rentoncivictheatre.org/.

Photo credit: Colin Madison Photography