Overview

Synopsis

Donna Hoke’s adaptation of Little Women re-imagines the March sisters in the 21st century. The core themes of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel are very much present, updated for modern audiences: the March family father couldn’t find work after being laid off from his corporate job and is now in Kansas working at his brother’s drugstore. With the family’s wealth and her husband gone, Mom works as a waitress and does her best to raise her daughters on her own. Meg has no real ambitions and resents having to act as a second parent, Jo dreams of being a writer, Beth struggles to cope with the state of the world, and Amy just wants her own phone so she can fawn over boys on Instagram. Over about 20 years, the March family experiences love and loss as they come into their own and realize their dreams. Given that the source material is updated for contemporary audiences, Hoke encourages diverse casting.

Show Information

Book
Donna Hoke
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2022
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The March family house. Present day.
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Stage Partners
Ideal For
Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, High School, College/University, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Early Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Meg March

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Jo March

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Amy March

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Beth March

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mom

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Laurie

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

John Brooke

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Adaptation

    An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright