NewsRelease

UNCG Opera Anchors “Celebrating ‘Little Women’ ”
November production will be the state’s premiere
 

Playing the March Sisters in UNCG opera's state premiere of "Little Women" are: Renee Sokol as Meg, Nicole Asel as Jo, Rhiannon Giddens as Beth and Rebecca Myers as Amy. Photo by Bert Vanderveen.

GREENSBORO – During October and November, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro will celebrate Louisa May Alcott’s family classic “Little Women.” Seven academic departments have joined to offer a series of lectures and discussions of the book, which will culminate in the North Carolina premiere of the opera “Little Women” Friday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 23.

The opera has been a resounding success since it debuted five years ago with the Houston Grand Opera. The score was written by American composer and librettist Mark Adamo, who will attend the opening night UNCG performance. It has aired on PBS’s “Great Performances” and been performed by more than 20 opera companies nationally. The opera is based on the coming-of-age tale about a family of four sisters in Massachusetts during the Civil War.

“Already a repertory piece...ostensibly a story for young girls, it appeals on an adult level as well and has feminist overtones that ring true in modern times. Adamo writes accessible music that is at the same time substantial and illustrative of the dramatic situations...utterly engaging.” wrote Robert Croan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Dr. Marsha Paludan, of the UNCG Department of Theatre, will stage direct the university performance and David Holley, director of opera, will lead the chamber orchestra. The university is collaborating with Triad Stage for the construction of the scenery.

Singing the roles of the March sisters will be School of Music graduate students Renee Sokol (Meg), Nicole Asel (Jo), Rhiannon Giddens (Beth) and Rebecca Myers (Amy). The 14-member cast will also include Daniel Stein as Theodore Lawrence (“Laurie”), and Sidney Outlaw as Friedrich Bhaer, the two men who compete for Jo’s heart.

Adamo’s opera adaptation approaches the novel from the perspective of Jo’s desire to “stop the clock” and prevent her sisters from growing up and drifting apart. The story opens with Jo looking back at the meaningful episodes in her life as she prepares what to say to Laurie on his return from Europe. She relives Beth’s death, her evolving relationship with Laurie, Meg’s marriage and her feelings for Friedrich.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for all students. The Nov. 21 show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Nov. 23 show will begin at 2 p.m., both in Aycock Auditorium. Call (336) 334-4849 for more information.

The opera will be the finale of “Celebrating Little Women,” which includes several events revolving around the timeless novel. Details can be found at http://opera.uncg.edu.

“The goal of this whole project is an informed audience. By the time they come to the opera, it will mean more to them,” Holley said.

All events are free unless otherwise indicated:
• The Greensboro Public Library – events throughout October and November.
• “Three Different Screen Adaptations of Little Women” – UNCG professor of English Dr. Hephzibah Roskelly will compare different film adaptations of the novel in the School of Music Recital Hall Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.
• “Stage Door Pass” - The UNCG Division of Continual Learning will offer a course that takes students behind the scenes of the opera with the cast, director and conductor on Friday, Oct. 24, 3 to 5 p.m. This program requires enrollment. Cost is $9. (336) 256-CALL.
•  “Behind a Mask” - Roskelly will present a look at Alcott’s personal life, including her political activities, other writings and family - the mother and sisters who were the real “Little Women” behind the characters.  Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.
• “The Life and Times of Louisa May Alcott” – UNCG Honors College students and faculty will present a reader’s theater Saturday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in the School of Music Recital Hall.

The project also involves local Girl Scouts, magnet schools and A+ Schools, a program that promotes arts-integrated education and was recently relocated to UNCG. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at the scenery and costume construction as well as being invited to cast and orchestra rehearsals. The Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to earn a merit badge by reading the book and then ushering at the performances. A special issue of UNCG’s Girls’ Zine will be published chronicling the experiences of the Girl Scouts and A+ students. In addition, select local school children are invited to a special matinee on Thursday, Nov. 20.
 
 

Back to the Latest News Releases
Return to the University News Service Home Page