Little Women Inspires a Treasured Mother/Daughter Trip

BY JAN TURNQUIST

Completely unaware of the existence of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, Julie Nass and her daughters had developed a deep affection for Little Women, reading the book multiple times and watching all the movie adaptations as a family on their small Wisconsin dairy farm. The Little Women musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2005, was youngest daughter Hannah’s favorite.

To celebrate Hannah’s engagement, her mother was planning a special May 2023 mother-daughter getaway as she had done when each of Hannah’s three older sisters became engaged. When Julie asked what Hannah wanted to do for their trip, Hannah wanted a touchstone to Little Women, a way to experience the story viscerally. Hannah thought of the Little Women musical and said she’d love to see it. Julie searched the internet but found no production listed anywhere. However, songs in the musical (which Hannah knew well) made it clear that the story took place in Concord, Massachusetts, so Julie suggested they travel there with their Little Women DVDs so they could at least watch Little Women in their hotel room and explore the town. With this plan in mind, Julie reached out to Concord’s Tourism Manager, Beth Williams, and received a delightful double surprise. Beth enthusiastically informed her that there is a house called Orchard House—largely unchanged from the Alcott era—where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women and it is open to the public. Moreover, the Concord Players would be performing the Little Women Broadway musical during their visit. Overwhelmed by their good fortune, Julie and Hannah made reservations to visit Orchard House and attend the Concord Players’ musical performance.

Julie and Hannah NASS visit with Jan Turnquist

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

The day of their visit arrived, and after warm introductions, a visibly excited Julie began sharing their experience. “When we walked up the pathway, I instinctively glanced to the left, half-expecting to see Laurie’s house next door.” Hannah chimed in, “It’s just like I thought it would be. Walking in almost felt surreal because we knew Orchard House from the films. Now we were walking in it! You already know where everything is. It feels like a place you’re already comfortable with—like going back to visit a friend.”

Julie smiled at Hannah and, leaning over to touch her, said, “Hannah is so like Beth, often the first to give to neighbors or friends. I frequently noticed how my girls’ personalities correlated with the March sisters. At different moments they might be like Jo or Meg or Beth or Amy. I find it incredible how Louisa was able to depict each sister as a real person with a distinct and authentic personality. You’d love them one moment and be frustrated with them the next. I remember thinking at one point, ‘Amy, don’t be that way!’ I always marveled at how Louisa found that realism in each person. I really connect with Marmee. I’ve always admired how she had the right words at the right time with each one of the daughters and I’d think, ‘How do you do that?’ Marmee is my inspiration as each of our four daughters pursue different paths in life.”

Julie and Hannah Nass

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

Hannah commented, “our family mirrored the March family in many ways, we girls performing plays for our parents and all being creative in different ways.”

Julie added with a laugh, “you had to be that way, living on the farm so far from others.”

Julie and Hannah Nass

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

Julie and Hannah both felt that it was inspiring to discover how much of Louisa’s real life found its way into the story. At Orchard House, we often speak of the “magic” in this place where people from all over the world come to experience what was said of Louisa back in 1888: “She unlatches the door of one house, and all find it is their own house which they enter.” Hannah and Julie certainly felt this as they experienced delight and surprise throughout the house. Perhaps the best surprise came at the end, however, when I was able to lead them back into one of the rooms where I had placed several items that Julie had brought for Hannah to receive in the house—a small doily crafted by one grandmother, a cherished brooch worn by the other grandmother, and a precious journal with the first page penned by Julie, Hannah’s own Marmee.

Little Women, the Musical

Courtesy of Concord Players

Concord Players’ Little Women did not disappoint either. Hannah and Julie were “blown away” by the professionalism and power of the musical. As Hannah beamed and nodded, Julie spoke for them both, saying, “The performers truly made the book come alive. There was a warm family connection to each March daughter. We had tears during the performance when Jo sang goodbye to Beth and life as it was for them as a family. The voices and acting were unforgettable.”

Hannah added a comment about the town itself. “Visiting Concord was an amazing experience. The people, the shops, the history, and the town felt like being enveloped in a warm hug. . . it was just the most delightful town and place to visit.”

Julie’s thank you note to me for “your welcoming spirit and kindness, which made our mother-daughter trip more special than I could have ever planned,” was in truth really a reflection on the amazing partnership of Orchard House, The Concord Players, and the Town of Concord itself.

Jan Turnquist is executive director of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House as well as an internationally proclaimed portrayer of Louisa May Alcott and historical consultant.