Theater Review: "Little Women The Musical" by Wagner Iovanna Studio Performances

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

Wagner Iovanna Studio Performances chose the popular musical version of “Little Women” for their summer show, presenting three performances this weekend only. The group presents their performances on the stage in the Fellowship Hall at The Old Stone Church in East Haven. The show is dedicated to Pastor Mark Pilletere and the church.

“Little Women” is of course based on the novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott and the play originally commissioned and produced by Theatreworks/USA.

The musical features a book by Allan Knee, music composed by Jason Howland with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. This production is directed by Martin Scott Marchitto, who last year came aboard as co-artistic director of WISP, and Karen Wagner Iovanna worked as the show’s producer. Musical director is James Teti, with Robert Iovanna as the vocal director and in charge of sound design.

The producer believes that this “story is timeless and just as relevant today as it was when originally published 157 years ago.” It “highlights the importance of individual dreams and aspirations.” She adds that “Alcott broke the mold with the March sisters and really started the first wave of feminism.”

“I think there’s a little ‘March Sister’ in all of us.” - Karen Wagner-Iovanna.

I loved the tableau that began and ended the production, with Jo opening a large trunk for memories. There was some fine choreography (by Brittany Kammerer) for “Five Forever” and Jack Johnson worked as the Fencing Instructor/Fight Choreographer. The look of “The Weekly Volcano Press” was very impressive.

Every member of the cast proved to be wonderful actors, making the roles their own. However, the best part of the cast was their magnificent singing voices, all on display throughout the two acts. I found myself looking forward to the next vocal number that would allow me to hear such well-trained performing.

Allison Bradshaw slays the role of the feisty Jo, never losing her momentum and mastering her almost overwhelming amount of lines. Bradshaw notes in her bio that “she wouldn’t be the person she is today without WISP.”

Lexi Kinniburgh, a rising senior at The Morgan School, is lovely in the role of the gentle Beth. Denise Wray, who will attend UConn in the fall, makes a mark as the eldest sister, Meg. Wray is a performer on the North Pole Express in Essex, CT. McKenna Doebrick, who attends the Institute For American Musical Theatre in NYC, portrays the bratty youngest sister, Amy. Heather Bazinet is strong in the role of the strong mother of the little women, Marmee ( “Here Alone.”) Bazinet teaches in the New Haven public schools and has worked in many production team roles with the Lights Up Drama Club at Wilbur Cross High School.

What a delight to see George McTyre in the role of Mr. Laurence, the stern neighbor of the March family. The New Haven resident made a mark in the role of Lazar Wolf in Newbury Musical Theatre’s “Fiddler on the Roof” and Santa Claus in “Elf” with Broadway on Main. Michelle Rocheford Johnston also brings the sternness to the role of the formidable Aunt March in traditional black lace. Johnston makes her WISP debut and thanks her SCSU work family in her bio.

Jack Vann, a rising senior at Lyman Hall/ACES Education Center for the Arts, takes on the role of the honorary brother Laurie. Vann was recently nominated for Best Actor at this year’s Stephen Sondheim Awards for his role as Alfred in “Alice by Heart.” Alec Corrado, a rising junior at Roger Williams University, is very strong in the role of Prof. Bhaer (“How I Am”) in his WISP debut, reprising the role that he played with the same director in high school. Luke Soja returns to the WISP stage to portray Meg’s husband Mr. Brooke. Heidi Manley is simply adorable in the role of the landlady Mrs. Kirk. Manley works as the office manager for this beautiful church, where she is a lifelong parishioner.

Marchitto, who holds a certificate in drama from Yale School of Drama, designed the set that fits the Civil War era well; MaryAnn Marchitto worked as the scenic artist. There were some issues with technical issues, directed by Brean Yates, on opening night, but the cast continued seamlessly. The lighting was sometimes off, one mic stopped working, a quick change proved difficult and a piece of the attic space fell off twice. There were two great sub-stages on the floor level in front of the stage that I was able to see clearly from the front table, but I suspect that those in the back could only hear the performers.

WISP is a pre-professional nonprofit theater education company where Karen Wagner Iovanna serves as Associate Artistic Director. She is a Boston Conservatory alumnus and a professional singer/actress, and she teaches music at the East Shoreline Catholic Academy in Branford. WISP Vice President Robert Iovanna is a classical tenor and vocal instructor known as “The Singing Cop.”

Thank you to the production team for inviting me to attend the opening performance and I look forward to seeing upcoming shows. “Little Women” has three remaining performances, on Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets at wisperformances.org. There is cabaret style seating with BYOB/dinner, accessibility, air conditioning and plenty of parking. For more info: 203-494-1633.