New England Theater

Arctic’s ‘Little Women’ is a timely feminist fable

October 2, 2026

Review by Joe Siegel

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”, published in 1868, is one of the most beloved novels of all time. The trials and tribulations of the four March sisters has been depicted in several motion picture adaptations, as well as a stage musical.

The Arctic Playhouse’s latest production, written by Kate Hamill, features shining performances and capable direction by Karen Besson (“Picnic”).

A major reason for the show’s success is the undeniable chemistry between the four March sisters: the brash tomboy Jo (Emma Dunlop), the somewhat reserved Meg (Emma Kerr), homebound Beth (Addison Magiera), and Amy (Alyssa Oliver), the youngest.

Jo is an aspiring author who dreams of traveling to Europe. She develops a friendship with the March’s neighbor Laurie (Jerry Ridlen).

Meanwhile, Meg has a romance with Brooks (Ben Davis), Laurie’s tutor.

Amy is spoiled and resents Jo’s ambition and talents as a writer.

Beth serves as the peacemaker as she deals with an illness.

The family is struggling financially so the sisters spend all their money for Christmas presents for their mother Marmee (Vanessa Dyer). Their long absent father (Paul Kassabian) has been serving in the military.

“You’re all growing up so fast,” Marmee tells them.

Jo is the central character and has some of the funniest dialogue. Dunlop exhibits charisma and vulnerability in the role. Jo struggles with her feelings of not being a typical woman. She doesn’t want to get married and have children. Jo fears not having a place in the world.

When Laurie professes his deep love for Jo, her rejection is heartbreaking for him. Ridlen plays Laurie’s hurt feelings every effectively.

Sharon Johnson (“Keep on Laughing”) gives a spellbinding turn as Aunt March, a deeply bigoted woman. In perhaps the best scene in the play, Jo is confronted with a moral choice. Should she stay silent in order to appease her aunt, or vocalize her outrage over social injustice? Not surprisingly, Jo defies her aunt and takes a stand as a liberated woman. It’s a timely theme considering the rollback of civil rights under the current presidential administration.

Camille Terilli, another Arctic veteran, displays adept comic timing in multiple roles, including Hannah, the March’s longtime maid, and a Parrot, hilariously squawking after Aunt March.

Paul Oliver (“Bell Book and Candle”) is Laurie’s gruff grandfather.

Set designer Lloyd Felix plays the March family doctor, and W. Grant Willis is Jo’s chauvinistic publisher.

The ending of “Little Women” works so well due to the believability of Dunlop, Magiera, Kerr, and Oliver. We believe them, we are alternately enthralled and frustrated by them, and we share their joys and their sorrows as they transform from girls to women.

The March sisters may have parents and friends and husbands, but the bond between them is the most important one of all.

Little Women runs through October 18. The Arctic Playhouse. 1249 Main St., West Warwick, RI. Performance is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission. For tickets, call 401-573-3443 or visit thearcticplayhouse.com.