-Brenda Hillegas
Feature photo: (l-r) Caitlin Ort (as Meg), Paola Morales (as Beth), Marielle Issa (as Jo), Cara DiPietro (as Amy) by Linda Johnson
The Sedgwick Theatre, where Quintessence Theatre Group performs their shows, is just about two miles down Germantown Ave. from the birthplace of Louisa May Alcott. Her classic tale of Little Women was adapted for the stage nearly twenty years ago and transformed into a Broadway musical with original music by Jason Howland, book by Allan Knee and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. The story so many of us know and love is enhanced by songs, adding a magical holiday feel to the plot. Little Women: The Broadway Musical is the perfect story to bring you and your family back to the theatre and round out your time together this holiday season. The show debuted on Broadway in January 2005 and Sutton Foster received a Tony nomination for her lead role as Jo. Following a brief Broadway run, Little Women embarked on a national tour and has been performed by groups like Germantown’s Quintessence ever since.
Bringing Alcott’s story to life as the March sisters are Chestnut Hill’s Marielle Issa (Jo), Caitlin Ort (Meg), Cara DiPietro (Amy) and Paola Morales (Beth). The cast is filled with performers familiar with our local theatre scene- South Philly’s Will Stephan Connell plays Laurie and Wilma Theatre’s HotHouse member Jered McLenigan is Professor Bhaer. Donnie Hammond returns to Quintessence as Marmee, as does Eleni Delopoulos as Aunt March and Lee Cortopassi as Mr. Brooke. Philly theatre legend plays Mr. Laurence.
Quintessence Theatre Group is a professional classic repertory theatre and continues their tradition of presenting classics for the whole family during the holiday season. Little Women is this season’s choice and also celebrates the reopening of in-person shows at the Sedgwick Theater. Before your family heads back to work and school, catch Little Women‘s final performance tomorrow January 2nd. Tickets to the show as well as season subscription info can be found here.
Arrive early and enjoy coffee or baked goods from neighboring High Point Cafe or beer from Earth Bread and Brewery. Hot chocolate, tea, popcorn and other items are available too.
Visitors to the Sedgwick Theater will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend indoor performances. Following the current policy of the city of Philadelphia, patrons are also required to wear masks at all times when inside the theatre.
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