Little Women Program

Jennifer Wilson, Alison Bendell, Georgia Bennett and Sarah Cashin David Cooper Photography

James A Glen Design

Book and Lyrics by

Mark DUMEZ Music and Lyrics by

Jim HODGKINSON

NOV 16 - DEC 30

Mark DuMez

Artistic Director

Book and Lyrics by

Mark DUMEZ Music and Lyrics by

Jim HODGKINSON Director Assistant Director Choreographer Composer / Co-Lyricist / Musical Director / Pianist Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Rehearsal Assistant CAST “Marmee” March / Mrs. Prudence Meg March Jo March Beth March Amy March Mr. March / James Lawrence / Mr. Dashwood Laurie Laurence Mr. Brooke / New York Man Frederick (Fritz) Bhaer / Private H. P. Meeks MUSICIAN Cello

Julie McIsaac Jessica Schacht Melissa Young Jim Hodgkinson Carolyn Rapanos Jessica Oostergo John Webber Nicole Lamb Liz King Alison Bendall Seana-Lee Wood Samantha Currie Karyn Mott Georgia Bennett Kaitlyn Yott Gordon Roberts Julien Galipeau Ryan Reid Chris D. King Brendan Millbank

SETTING 1862-1865 Various locations including New England, New York & Nice, France INTERMISSION There will be one 20 minute intermission Presented with the generous assistance of SEASON SPONSOR

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The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers and watches. The use of cell phones in the theatre is prohibited.

The Chemainus Theatre Festival engages, under the terms of the Independent Theatre Agreement, professional Artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. The Chemainus Theatre Festival acknowledges the support of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and its members.

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Providing Wings for Chemainus Theatre over 27 Seasons Experience the joy of giving charitably to Chemainus Theatre and its many benefits* Tickets to the annual Season Launch Party Invitations to Fireside Chats to mingle with the stars of the Chemainus stage.

Go on a backstage tour and see first-hand how stories come to life.

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MANAGING DIRECTOR’S NOTES RANDAL HUBER Welcome Kindred Spirits, Tis the season for many a tradition, including some of our own: The announcement of our upcoming season & launching the annual giving campaign sit atop the list for me.

Wonderful opportunities to connect behind the scenes

We’ve now announced our 27th season – our biggest ever – with smash titles such as Mamma Mia! and Sound of Music leading the charge, but it’s charitable giving, buoyed by a faithful core of donors and sponsors, that provides the foundational base empowering us to plan ahead and strive for the highest artistic standards.

The Membership program offers wonderful opportunities to connect behind the scenes and explore the world of professional theatre. Exclusive Member events include artist mixers, dress rehearsal invites, play readings and the Season Launch Party. We invite you to renew your support or join the fun for the first time. Please see the facing page for more detail.

During the intermission, we encourage you to visit our March Sisters’ Christmas Auction & Bazaar in the upper lobby, featuring an array of excursions, adventures and artwork. The auction wraps on December 19th, just in time for something special to fill a spot under your Christmas tree, and help the March sisters raise $10,000 for the theatre.

Thank you for including a visit to Chemainus Theatre in your holiday traditions!

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Spend a night in Chemainus and visit local wineries, attend a show at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, enjoy a round of golf, walk our mural tour, and so much more!

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTES MARK DUMEZ

“The strength of the individual builds community.”

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After more than a decade since its first production at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, it is a joy to revisit the story of the March family, adapted from the classic work of Louisa May Alcott. One exciting element in this production is having Julie McIsaac, who played Meg back in 2005, now in the director’s seat with a talented group of cast and designers bringing a new vision and fresh inspiration to the classic story. At the same time, there is continuity with Jim Hodgkinson bringing his experience and precision as Musical Director once again.

The story of the March family continues to capture the imagination. It illuminates the strength that can be found as independent spirits within the context of community. It challenges the notion of how we find our true self. Jo’s strong and resilient approach to life finds resonance through independence but also within the strong bonds she creates with family and friends. The strength of the individual builds community. They are part and parcel. There is a wonderful simplicity in much of the story that hearkens us back to different times.

It seems fitting to stage this piece during the holiday season as many celebrate goodwill.

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COMPOSER/CO-LYRICIST/MUSICAL DIRECTOR JIM HODGKINSON

“I can’t think of a happier gig than coming back to Chemainus to play Little Women.”

Writing music for this show was fun – and there’s a reason why. If we saw a painting of the March girls together in a Christmas scene, most of us who have read Little Women would easily sort out the sisters: Jo the adventurer, Beth the empathetic soul, Amy, bright but flighty, and Meg, sensible, but with heart. Somehow, with all those contrasts, music just shows up.

In wartime, Marmee and Mr. March are separated but inseparable. Jo struggles to find a sympathetic publisher in New York. Trying stuff if you’re one of the characters.

But great news for songwriting.

Added to this was a perfect chance to write for cello and piano - rare in musicals now, but a pretty standard house band in 1865.

I can’t think of a happier gig than coming back to Chemainus to play Little Women. Thanks for joining the fun!

Jim toured the US and Canada with jazz vibraphonist Ted Piltzecker, appearing with orchestras in Tucson and Delaware, on NPR and at Carnegie Recital Hall, NYC. Compositions include Yukon Suite and music for Leave of Absence (playwright, Lucia Frangione.) Large musicals: Broadway National Tour, Saturday Night Fever, Jesus Christ Superstar, Stratford Festival. Jim was a soloist at the opening of Canada’s modern Embassy to the US in Washington, DC.

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DIRECTOR’S NOTES JULIE MCISAAC “Love at peace with liberty.” You’ll hear Jo sing this, and you’ll watch her journey in pursuit of it, striving to discover a place, a person, a situation of her own choosing, in which comfort and freedom can coexist. I understand Jo’s desire, because mine is the same. Which is why I feel so fortunate to work here, where I’m surrounded by love and familiarity, but my risk-taking is encouraged, my desire for creation and innovation met with support and enthusiasm.

“Comfort and freedom can coexist”.

In the 150 years since the publication of Alcott’s novel, we haven’t lost our ability to empathize with Jo – if anything, we find ourselves ever more understanding of her ambition. In Little Women, I see real women; women endowed with bravery, agency, and imagination, women who are artists and adventurers, women who transform the lives of all those who enter their sphere.

Like the March house, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is, to me, a transformative space. I first came here 13 years ago, to play Meg in the premiere of Little Women. I found myself working with artists who have become dear friends and colleagues, some of whom are returning to tell this story a second time - including Jim, whose music transports us so beautifully to 19th century New England. Mark is close by as well, his mentorship and friendship invaluable.

Also among us in 2005 was Jeremy Tow, who played Meeks and Bhaer (performing his Artistic Director duties all the while). Working with him was a gift, particularly for a young artist at the beginning of her career.

If our 2018 rehearsal room has been a good place to be – welcoming, warm, and rigorous – it’s because of Jeremy’s influence. And it’s exciting to now see a whole new group of young artists discover this very special theatre community. As Jo says, “there’s always room at our table.”

Welcome home, everyone.

Julie A versatile director of theatre & opera, Julie is a graduate of Carleton University, CCPA, and the University of York (UK). Chemainus highlights: Pride & Prejudice, Harvey and Countryside Christmas.

Elsewhere: Le nozze di Figaro (Opera Studio), My Rabbi (Sum Theatre), The Exquisite Hour (Relephant), and the award-winning Poly Queer Love Ballad. She is Associate Director of Corey Payette’s Children of God, also the co-creator of Les Filles du Roi.

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GEORGIA BENNETT

Beth March

Georgia is honoured to be back on stage in her hometown! She was last seen at Chemainus Theatre Festival in The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe. Her recent credits include One Small Step (Toronto Fringe), Rumspringa Break! An Am-ish Musical (CMTP, TPM, Next Stage Theatre Festival), and Dogfight (Theatre Sheridan). She’s so grateful for the opportunity to return to Chemainus, and gives all of her love to family and friends.

SAMANTHA CURRIE

Meg March

An Actress, Director, Teacher, Choreographer, and a graduate of AMDA In New York, Samantha is thrilled to be returning home to Chemainus for such a heartwarming production. Favourite past credits include: Project Johnny Cash/Ring of Fire (CTF & Western Canada Theatre), Little Women (Kaleidoscope Theatre), The Music Man (Theatre Under the Stars). She sends love and thanks to her family and her CTF family. Enjoy the show!

JULIEN GALIPEAU

Laurie Laurence

Julien is thrilled to be making his Chemainus debut. A recent grad of Studio 58, Julien is excited to take on theatre across Canada. Previous credits include Camera Obscure (Frank Theatre), Not So Dumb (Greenthumb Theatre) and Much Ado About Nothing (Bard on the Beach). Julien would like to thank his family and friends for their ongoing support.

CHRIS D. KING

Frederick Bhaer/Private H.P. Meeks

Chris’ other Chemainus shows: Buddy Holly and Anything Goes. Recent credits: Callahan (Legally Blonde - Align), Man 1 (Closer Then Ever - Gateway), Corney Collins (Hairspray - TUTS). Chris will be musically directing his 3rd show at Studio 58 and 10th show at TUTS. Recently composed music for Little Miss Glitz (Two Fly) & has taught musical theatre at UBC and Capilano University. Has won 4 Ovation awards. www.fromthepitpodcast.com VA N C O U V E R

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LIZ KING

Assistant Stage Manager

Liz is thrilled to be back at Chemainus for her 10th production.

She was last here for Once. Select credits include Les BellesSoeurs (Ruby Slippers), The Unplugging (Gwaandak Theatre), Hand to God (Arts Club), and Pericles (Stratford Festival). Up next, Liz is lucky to remain in Chemainus to work on both The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia. Outside of the theatre Liz is an avid cross-stitcher, kayaker, and London Fog connoisseur.

NICOLE LAMB

Stage Manager

Nicole is excited to celebrate the holiday season by taking a brief romp into a former role at Chemainus. Past stage management credits include: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Countryside Christmas, Ah, Wilderness! (Chemainus Theatre Festival); Cranked, Out in the Open, 500 Words (Green Thumb Theatre); Shout Sister, Having Hope At Home (Globe Theatre). Nicole holds a BFA from the University of Victoria with a double major in Theatre & Writing.

BRENDAN MILLBANK

Cello

Brendan Millbank has studied and performed cello for over thirty years, receiving his formal training abroad. He studied with an assortment of internationally-acclaimed teachers from the Royal Academy of Music, USC, and the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam. He is presently a teacher with the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, and a cellist with the Vancouver Island Symphony. He is a Vancouver Island resident and pleased to perform again with the Chemainus Theater Festival.

KARYN MOTT

Jo March

Karyn Mott is honoured to be back at Chemainus Theatre Festival working with such an inspiring cast and crew. Playing the role of Jo March is a dream come true. Karyn was last seen at Chemainus Theatre Festival in All Shook Up. Selected Credits: The Soul Collector, Jungle Book, Oliver! The Wizard of Oz. Karyn can be seen in CBC’s new series Unspeakable. Much gratitude to my parents, Hunter and Lisa! Happy Holidays.

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JESSICA OOSTERGO

Costume Designer

Jessica is an award winning Set and Costume Designer from Vancouver, BC. Recent credits: So, How Should I Be (PHT), All My Friends are Animals (Babelle Theatre), Kim’s Convenience (Pacific Theatre), and The Magicians S4 (NBC/Universal).

Jessica is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada and the Vancouver Design Forum. She is the Assistant Head of Wardrobe at Bard on the Beach, and a graduate of Studio 58. www.jessicaoostergo.com

CAROLYN RAPANOS

Set Designer

Carolyn is thrilled to be designing again in Chemainus! Recent designs include Kim’s Convenience (Pacific Theatre), Ruined (Dark Glass Theatre), and Driving Miss Daisy (Rosebud Theatre).

Carolyn has received multiple Jessie and Ovation award nominations and a design ensemble Jessie award. Upcoming productions include The Good Bride (February, Firehall Arts Centre) & 9 to 5 The Musical (March, Capilano University). You can see her work at www.carolynrapanos.ca.

RYAN REID

Mr. Brooke/New York Man

Born on Saltspring Island, Ryan is overjoyed to be home in BC. Currently living in Toronto, he’s performed across Canada into the US and Europe. Most notably, 3 years with the National Theatre’s production of WarHorse. Recently he was the artist in residence at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria. Ryan thanks his friends and family for their support and love, as well as you, for supporting live theatre.

GORDON ROBERTS

Mr. March/James Lawrence/ Mr. Dashwood

To perform an original work is rewarding but to have the chance to do it again is a dream come true. Little Women marks Gordon’s seventh show in Chemainus. Audiences may remember him as Mr. Gower in It’s A Wonderful Life or Alfie Doolittle in My Fair Lady. A pianist, percussionist and music director in Vancouver, he enjoys accompanying his lovely wife Marni and their vocal cats Gimlet and Talisker.

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JESSICA SCHACHT

Assistant Director

Jessica Schacht is an emerging playwright, director, and dramaturg specializing in the development of new Indigenous work and collaborative practices. She has studied at the Banff Centre and holds a BFA Theatre from UVic. Jessica is the current Artist in Residence at Pacific Opera Victoria. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, she is proud of her Métis heritage and now calls the Cowichan Valley home.

JOHN WEBBER

Lighting Designer

John is pleased to be back at Chemainus, where he recently designed the Lighting for Pride and Prejudice. John has been designing both Sets and Lighting since the early 1990s and has had the privilege of working with some of Western Canada’s most talented and adventurous artists. He has received many Jessie Richardson Awards, an Ovation Award, and in Ottawa, a Critics Circle award, and a Prix Rideau Award all for outstanding design.

SEANA-LEE WOOD

Marmee March/Mrs. Prudence

Singer/actor/pianist Seana-Lee warbles on stage and on cruise ships. Mirvish productions: Once, Sound of Music, Hal Prince: Show Boat and Phantom of the Opera. She sails around the world with her own comedy show and lounge-y piano playing.

Favourite TV spot: Super Dave’s All Star’s. This spring, see her in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star in Rosebud, Alberta.

Thanks to husband composer/pianist and personal therapist Jim Hodgkinson.

KAITLYN YOTT

Amy March

Kaitlyn is a proud Indigenous (Haida) and Japanese artist, currently residing on unceded Coast Salish territory. Select credits: Mikaya in Kamloopa (WCT/The Cultch/Persephone Theatre), Kateri in Les Filles Du Roi (Urban Ink), Elizabeth in Children of God (Urban Ink/NAC/WCT/Citadel), Lucy in The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe (Carousel Theatre). Up next, she will reprise her role of Elizabeth in the 2019 tour of Children of God.

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MELISSA YOUNG

Choreographer

Melissa is an actor, director, and choreographer based in Victoria. She has worked with such companies as The Arts Club, Carousel Theatre, Bard on the Beach, Western Canada Theatre, Gateway Theatre, and Pacific Theatre. She recently adapted and directed The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for CTF, and choreographed Jenufa for Pacific Opera Victoria.

Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre from SOU, and has studied with the SITI Company in NYC.

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Book and Lyrics by

Mark DUMEZ

Music and Lyrics by

Jim HODGKINSON This timeless and enduring classic features the journey of the March Sisters’ transition from childhood to maturity in the time of the American Civil War. Louisa May Alcott’s beloved holiday story is a buoyant musical of romantic escapades, sibling rivalries and Christmas wishes.

Little Women follows the lives and adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo, known among the four as the high-spirited Tom-Boy, is trying to sell her stories to publishers; however, they are uninterested. When a friend suggests that she write more personally, Jo begrudgingly begins to pen the story of herself and her sisters, and their personal experience with the joys and pains of growing up during the American Civil War. With their father off to fight, the four March sisters have many imagined and real adventures. As they dream of their futures, encounter growing pains of youth and rise with courage to face their destiny, the March girls learn the true value of hope and family.

For 150 years, Alcott’s tale has motivated people to come together to celebrate family.

The sisters in Little Women have a unique ability to inspire and encourage everyone to commit to their dreams and pursue their ambitions, while supporting those who mean the most to them. Whether during the Civil War, or in modern times, the March sister’s and their journey will leave you celebrating dreams and family with a warm impression of unconditional love.

Over a year in the making, Little Women had its world premiere on our stage in 2006.

Once more, we have the privilege of telling one of the most beloved stories in American literature. The play opens with Christmas in 1862, and follows the lives of the March family through to the spring of 1865. These characters act out of ambition or desire, jealousy or noble self-sacrifice, but below the surface each choice comes directly from their love for the people around them. Together with them, Little Women reminds us that sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true, during a season when every wish and dream feels all the more magical.

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