Little Women: 'A Heart Warming Story'

David Halliwell describes Louisa May Alcott's book "Little Women" as a "heartwarming story of family strength and a young woman yearning to be a writer finding her voice," a story that takes place in Concord, Mass., while the Civil War was being waged. It was later made into a popular Broadway musical starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern.

Halliwell is directing the Jockey Hollow Middle School production of "Little Women" and opening night is this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The curtain will then go up at the same time on Friday and Saturday, and there will also be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students and may be purchased at the door.

"The show is an adaptation that's true to Louisa May Alcott's book," Halliwell said Tuesday.

Isabella Vaccaro plays the starring role as aspiring writer Jo March, who has strong support from her sisters Beth (Katelyn O'Dea), Amy (Rosi DiTaranto) and Meg (Elizabeth Cataldo).

Danielle Lazzaro plays the role of the girls' mother, Marmee March, and Joey Socci stars as neighbor Laurie Lawrence.

Halliwell's wife, Susan, is the producer, Judy Abbatiello is the choreographer, Brooke Burling is the set designer, and Moira Schiffer is the musical director.

"The show is a difficult show musically," said David Halliwell. "It's almost operatic with really close-knit harmonies. The timing is difficult at this age with voices changing."

The "orchestrations are live and electronic", according to Halliwell, who said Jake Siberon and Gabrielle Brazauskas are responsible for the Broadway sound.