"This play is a feminist friendly spin on an American classic and as such, as a director, I am looking for a diverse cast that reflects America today. This play is not merely a recreation, but a retelling. Its characters are flawed, brave, funny and not always likable, because we women are all of those things and we come in all kinds and colors."
Little Women by Kate Hamill
Directed by: Mary Job
A Main Stage play
Performances: November 6-9 & 13-16, 2025
Auditions: August 24 & 25, 2025
Callbacks: If necessary August 26, 2025
SUMMARY OF THE PLAY - Jo March doesn't want to be like other girls; in fact, she's not even sure that she wants to be a girl, let alone deal with the restrictions the 19th century imposes on adult women. Jo is ambitious, rough around the edges, headstrong and yearning to be something special. Virtually all the March girls want something special – they just want different things. As the nation is torn apart by civil war, Jo and her sisters struggle with what it means to grow up and with the sibling tensions created by four very different paths to womanhood.
The casting team is looking for a multi racial and ethnic cast to portray the characters in this imaginative and fresh retelling of a classic story of growing up female. As the playwright emphasizes, “It is an American play and should reflect America today”.
Auditions will consist of reading from the script.
Character Descriptions: (6 women, 3 men, with doubling)
Meg March – The oldest March daughter. Bossy and maternal. Acts as Marmee’s second in command. A romantic who dreams of love, marriage and the little luxuries of life. Very early 20’s
Jo March – The second March daughter. Is not comfortable in her given gender role. Extremely ambitious, very boyish, smart (and knows it). Often intolerant of differing viewpoints. 20ish
Beth March – The third March. Agoraphobic and sheltered by her family, but also the most clear-eyed and empathetic of the March girls. In a different world, she would make a fabulous pastor or therapist. Late teens.
Amy March – The youngest March and the most beautiful. The perfect little lady – except for her temper. Opinionated and spunky. Can’t wait to grow up and not be the “baby” of the family. Madly in love with Laurie, around whom she reverts to an awkward teenager. About 14-15 yrs
Marmee March-- The matriarch. A social revolutionary ahead of her time. Tough, strong, intelligent. 40s. May be doubled with Aunt March or Mrs. Mingott.
Theodore “Laurie” Laurence – a sensitive, funny, charming and wealthy young man. Definitely not comfortable with his future as defined by the accepted gender roles for men in the 19th Century. Really fancies himself a white knight.
John Brooks – Laurie’s sometimes stiff and awkward tutor. Well educated but poor. Has a noticeable limp. Feels deeply. Madly in love with Meg. Early 30’s.
Hannah– Irish. The Marches’ housekeeper, cook and defacto babysitter. Takes no nonsense. A treasure and a terror. 30s-60s. Doubled with either Aunt March or Mrs. Mingott.
Aunt March- An unpleasant and wealthy old woman. Strong political and social opinions, all of them reactionary. 70’s. Doubled with Marmee or Hannah
Mr. Laurence – Laurie’s grandfather. A wealthy, very reserved gentleman who has difficulty expressing emotions. Unintentionally frightening. 70’s Doubled with Mr. March.
Mrs. Mingott- The local society woman. Wealthy, condescending. A woman who fancies herself charitable, but will let you know it. Doubled with Marmee or Hannah
Robert March– Father to the March Girls. Never speaks, but his presence looms large. Wounded in the war, and prematurely aging due to his injuries and illness. Doubled with Mr. Laurence
Mr. Dashwood – A publisher of cheap newspapers and novels. Profane. A hard headed businessman. Not a nice guy who fancies himself a nice guy.
Messenger – A neighbor, taking on the jobs of men – like every woman in every war. Doubled with Hannah.
Parrot– Aunt March’s evil pet. Musty, Disgusting bird. Probably an actual demon in parrot form. A puppet voiced by the actor playing John Brooks.
Doctor – non-speaking. Doubled with the actor playing John Brooks or Mr. Lawrence.
Also check out other Arts events in Lansing, Theatre events in Lansing, Performances in Lansing.
