Theatre Season Opens with Little Women

Published Tuesday, October 10, 2023

The March sisters cast of Little Women

SMSU Theatre opens its 56^th season with Little Women, adapted by Jacqueline Goldfinger from the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott. Performances are October 25-28 at 7:30 pm and October 28-29 at 2 pm in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU students with valid student ID. Free and convenient parking is available in lot B-1.

In this moving, delightful adaptation of the classic novel, the four spirited March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – led by their devoted Marmee and accompanied by music from the period, face challenges large and small while striving to overcome their limitations and become the best versions of themselves. Little Women is about two hours long and is best suited for ages 10 and up.

Little Women is directed by Professor Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, Minn., who is also the costume designer. Assistant Professor of Theatre Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall, Minn. is the scenic and lighting designer and technical director. Laura Bradley, a sophomore Secondary Education-History major and Theatre Arts minor from Brooklyn Park, Minn., is the stage manager. Professor Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, So. Dak., is the producer.

The cast and production team includes the following students, alumni, and staff:

Tailer Benson, a senior Theatre Arts and Communication Studies double major from Elk River, Minn., plays Meg.
Trista Bonnifield, a freshman from Janesville, Minn. plays Girl at Party #3.
Brooke Burns, a senior Theatre Arts major and Entrepreneurship minor from Russell, Minn., is the co-paint charge.
Sariah Cheadle, an SMSU Theatre Arts alumna of Marshall, Minn., is the lobby display researcher and designer.
Alexander Duus, a senior Broadcasting and Digital Media major and Acting/Directing and Filmmaking double minor from Tyler, Minn., plays Laurie.
Olivia Houseman, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Marshall, Minn., is the assistant stage manager.
Colton Jensen, a senior Theatre Arts major and Political Science minor from Sanborn, Minn., plays John and is also the sound designer.
Makayla Kennedy, a junior Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education double major from Stewartville, Minn., plays Amy.
Hannah Meyer, a freshman Culinology and Hospitality Management double major from Madison, So. Dak., plays Beth.
Bryn Mongeau, a senior Theatre Arts and Music double major from Beaver Creek, Minn., plays Jo and is the co-paint charge.
Priscilla Muehr, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Luverne, Minn., plays Girl at Party #4.
Luke Pearson, a freshman Theatre Arts major and Religious Studies minor from Apple Valley, Minn., is the props designer.
Amelia Reid, a freshman Environmental Science major from Eden Valley, Minn., plays Marmee.
Michael Sieling, a freshman Theatre Arts major from Hanley Falls, Minn., is the assistant sound designer.
Jordan Stangeland, an SMSU Theatre Arts and Psychology alumnus from Marshall, Minn., is a dramaturg.
Katrina Timm, a freshman Management major and Entrepreneurship minor from Lamberton, Minn., plays Girl at Party #2.
Kailey Twiest, a freshman Biology major and Chemistry minor from Norwood Young America, Minn., plays Girl at Party #1.
Charlotte Wahle, SMSU Director of Admission, of Marshall, Minn., is a dramaturg.
David Wendt, a freshman Music Education major from Hartford, So. Dak. plays the Waiter and the Lecturer.