Sister Act

A Musical Adaptation of Little Women debuts at Opera on the James

Written By: Katya Schwab ‘17

From Opera on the James's dress rehearsal of Little Women. 
Photo Courtesy of Meridith Kahn

Still looking for that excuse to get off campus this weekend? If you feel like venturing outside the red brick wall and embracing your inner opera-lover, consider attending Opera on the James debut performance of Little Women this Friday, March 28th or Sunday, March 30th.

American composer Mark Adamo adapted this classic tale from the novel by Louisa May Alcott. “The tie-in to a book that is still on the reading list of many schools is exciting for younger audiences, as well as those who read it many years ago and remember it very fondly,” stated Cecilia Schrieve, General Director at Opera on the James.

 Little Women follows the lives of the four Marsh sisters in the world of the 1870’s, recounting the loves and losses of Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy Marsh along with their childhood friend Laurie. “It is crafted in a series of flashbacks, and concurrent scenes with up to four locations happening at the same time,” said Schieve, explaining that Little Women aims to draw in an audience who appreciate theater and music alike.

A scene from Little Women.
Photo Courtesy of Meridith Kahn

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel plays Jo, a key character  to her central role in the Marsh family. Heltzel has performed for the Seattle Opera, New York City Opera, and Minnesota Concert Opera.  This season, she is also performing for the Wagner Society of New York and the Boston Philharmonic.

Debuting at Opera on the James for this performance is baritone Peter Kendal Clark, singing the role of Friedrick Bhaer, the man Jo accepts into her life in the final scene. Clark’s past performances include Sweeney Todd with Opera St. Petersburg, King Arthur in Camelot with Virginia Opera as well as several recent New York City appearances. 

Opera on the James selected Little Women for this year’s spring performance, “to attract the attention of families who came to the opera for the first time with The Magic Flute last year, as well as seasoned opera goers who would not have had the opportunity to hear this new, and VERY exciting piece.  Being able to offer this opera in the intimate Academy of Fine Arts Warehouse Theater is a very special experience for both audience and artists.”

The Board, staff, cast and orchestra are excited to share this musically complex opera and the compelling world created by Mark Adamo in Little Women.

Performances are March 28^th at 7:30 pm and March 30^th at 3:00 pm at the Academy of Fine Arts Warehouse Theater.

Adult tickets cost from $32.50 per person.  However, Opera on the James is offering a special discount to students at $12 per person when purchasing tickets through the box office at 434.528.3397.