Little Women on the Big Stage: LHS PREPARES TO DAZZLE
By Seth Stutman | Photos by Amy Crosby Photography
Longmeadow schools might be known for its lacrosse, academic rigor, or musical acumen, but the drama program has produced Hollywood A-Listers like Meghann Fahy and Bridget Moynihan. This month, you can see some of the stars of tomorrow in the LHS auditorium for an unforgettable production of Little Women.
On Friday and Saturday, May 1st and 2nd, the Longmeadow High School auditorium will turn back the clocks for a performance of Little Women, months in the making. But how does a play make it to the stage, and who is responsible for getting the show to jump off the page? It takes a village - or at least a committed bunch of teens, adults and teachers!
Yana, playing Katy, is an eager freshman ready to play and study with joy.
“Big and bright are the stars and the love in my heart for the arts!”
“I love the people, who make the magic happen, set design, stage crew and the actors! Who are all so talented and really make the stage my happy place and give me confidence,” Yana reports.
Yana also appreciates the arts and the Drama Club for its ability to connect and process. “People feel lots of things, pride and grief and anger and sadness, the best way to express it can be music or a canvas or in drama clubs case, acting.”
“After this fall's performance of Beetlejuice, our student directors put out a call for suggestions for the spring play,” said LHS Drama Club Advisor Julia Fournier-Rea. “There was a brief discussion around what plays would be appropriate and what other local theaters are doing, and then club members vote. Once a favorite was chosen, the advisors got a copy to read through and officially approve.”
After approval, the next step for Little Women was to find the women (and men) who would take the stage.
“Auditions were held in the auditorium in January, where students performed a short monologue. Student directors and advisors discussed casting and posted the cast list just before we began rehearsals,” said Julia Fournier-Rea. “Rehearsals are almost entirely student-run, and our directors lead the cast in blocking and lines.”
But it’s more than the actors. To bring LHS theater to life, it requires a team effort of selfless students, parents, and advisors to, literally and figuratively, set the stage.
“Our costume director, Anja Berke, decides what each performer's costume should consist of, again sourcing items from thrift stores, purchasing new items, or using clothes students and families already have,” said advisor Julia Fournier-Rea. “Meanwhile, the set crew meets to determine what set pieces and props will be sourced from thrift stores and what will be constructed--they made an amazing sandworm for Beetlejuice. Advisors help shop for necessities and oversee student safety.”
Sophie Rea, a sophomore at LHS, is playing Jo March and in her second year in Drama Club.
“I was very excited to do this show because I love both drama club and Little Women,” she said. “Outside of the fact that I love acting and the shows we do, one thing I love about our drama club is the environment we have built.”
Asia Mae Silvi, playing Amy March, shared her passion for theater:
“Theatre is my home... it has given some of my closest friends.”
Maverick Baraldi, co-director, adds:
“It’s so awesome to have a group goal and work together to make that dream a reality. It truly is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
Wilder Allen, playing John Brooke, says:
“I feel my most at home when in a theatrical environment… this group has some of the most supportive people.”
With the curtain about to rise, Little Women aims to entertain and inspire.
“Supporting the arts is vital because they help grow our creativity, empathy, and cultural understanding,” said Maverick.
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