LITTLE WOMEN Comes to Barter Theatre, Opening 3/5

Barter Theatre brings you a coming-of-age story that has lived in the hearts of generations. "Little Women" begins on Barter's Main Stage on March 5.

It's 1861. The country is at war, and the March family must make ends meet while their father serves as a chaplain in the Union army. Although times are tough, these four sisters are like any teenagers - they squabble, laugh, and secretly wish they had a little more money for fashionable clothes.

In particular, the intelligent, rebellious Jo March yearns to be a writer, in a time when women were discouraged from any sort of career. Her sisters have their own secret hopes and wishes, and the main tension of the story comes from the question, "How do you stay true to yourself while becoming part of the adult world?"

"What separates this story from so many others that would try to imitate it is the truth of these women," says Director Katy Brown. "Jo March was a new kind of literary hero-a new American take on what it could mean to be a woman."

Despite the fact that "Little Women" was published almost 150 years ago, the book continues to gain fans today. It's hard to overstate how beloved the story of "Little Women" is. It has been translated in to 50 languages, and has made numerous top 10 lists of children's literature. Many people confess to reading the book again and again, to revisit favorite characters and scenes.

Now audiences can meet the March sisters in full, three-dimensional form in Marisha Chamberlain's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Their adventures, friends, romances, joys and sorrows are condensed into one year in this adaptation.

The lush production features gorgeous period costumes designed by Amanda Aldridge, as well as a stunning set designed by David Barber that allows the characters seamlessly move through the passing of time as well as in and out of the March home, which is the heart of this story.

Barter Resident Acting Company Members Tricia Matthews (Marmee), Hannah Ingram (Jo), Erin Parker (Meg), Holly Williams (Amy), Abbey C. Elliot (Beth) and Nick Koesters (Father) make up the March family. Barter Resident Acting Company members Justin Tyler Lewis, Michael Poisson, Mary Lucy Bivins and newcomers Sean Michael Flattery and Virginia Wing round out the cast.

"Little Women" is sponsored by BVU Authority, ABC 19 WKPT and East Tennessee Medical News. Barter Theatre is funded in part by the Virginia Commission of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

"Whether you've known the March family all your life or are just making their acquaintance now, you will recognize this family, and you will want to know them better," says Brown.

For tickets and more information call 276.628.3991 or visit BarterTheatre.com

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