SHS Drama Society Presents Little Women the Musical

The Stratford High School Drama Society is presenting their 2024 mainstage spring show Little Women ###a name="_Hlk161640873">the Musical on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the school’s John F. Kennedy Auditorium. All seats are $14. To reserve seats with a credit card, visit

The Lousia May Alcott classic Little Women the Musical follows the four March family sisters—independent, aspiring writer Jo, romantic Meg, pretentious Amy, and kind-hearted Beth, all under the watchful eye of their beloved mother, Marmee, while their father is away serving in the Civil War. Each sister follows a different path but not necessarily what is expected. This coming-of-age tale is filled with drama, romance, humor, and music.

Stratford High’s Little Women The Musical, is the book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein soaring with vibrant and sweeping song and dance, featuring: Lauren Eyerman (Jo), Katherine Miller (Marmee), Margaret Schumann (Meg), Avery Carlo (Amy), Amelie McCool (Beth), Riley Buyskes (Aunt March), Carlos Lopez (Professor Bhaer), Varrick Nelson Jr. (Laurie), Brennan Kelly (Mr. Brooke), and Luke Daniel (Mr. Laurence). The principal characters are backed by an ensemble of singers and dancers, including dance captain Orchid Tejada, as well as Josephine Mastro, and Gabriella Camille.

“Being in Little Women has meant so much to me. Not only because it is my last SHS Drama Society production, but also because it’s such an incredible story, that I’m excited to portray to the audience. Jo March is such a special character to me, and I’m extremely grateful to get to experience playing her,” said senior Lauren Eyerman who plays Jo March. “I will of course miss the performing, but I will really miss the community that the SHS Drama Society has brought me. I have made so many important friendships through this drama society, many with underclassmen that I will be leaving next year, and I will definitely miss being able to come together and put on these amazing shows with them every year. I can’t wait to share this show with the audience!”

Also a senior, Margaret Schumann (who portrays Meg March and pulls double duty with costume design as well), agrees on the meaningfulness of a show like Little Women: “Little Women has meant so much to me as someone who’s always loved the story. I think it's really beautiful how 6 generations have read this story, and now we get to sing it.

“I will miss the sense of community,” she added. “The SHS Drama Society has been what I look forward to every day after school and I've shared so many special moments with my fellow performers. This year, I also coordinated costumes, and as stressful as it was, it was satisfying to see it all come together. I´ve made so many friendships because of the drama society and I will forever be grateful for it.”

Starring in a Stratford High School Drama Society musical for the first time, Senior Luke Daniel (who plays Mr. Laurence) agrees with his co-stars.

“Being in Little Women has been a great time for me!” Daniel said “I have been able to come out of my comfort zone and express myself in a way I haven’t before, I’m so glad that I had the chance to do this. I think that I’ll miss the cast and crew members the most. Everyone has been so kind to me and have made my first (and last) musical a fun and memorable experience.”

The Stage Director is Stephen Emerick and Assistant Director is senior El Youngquist.

“Being a part of Little Women has meant so much to me” Youngquist said. “It’s been my favorite book since I was very young so getting to combine that with theater has been such an incredible thing. It’s also meant a lot to see my friends in the cast get to shine in these roles. I will miss the people very much. I’ve made so many important connections with the crew members and it’s gonna be tough to leave them. Getting to see them become close friends through stage crew has been so gratifying for me.”

Co-Producers for the show are Kathleen Murphy and Jeffrey Leinen. Leinen is also the Vocal and Technical Director. Mark Ryan is the Orchestra Director, Caitlin Roberts is the Choreographer, and Will Duchon is the Rehearsal and Performance Pianist.

The backstage crew includes Production Stage Manager Kelsey Welch and Stage Manager El Youngquist, seniors, who also designed the set. Costuming is by senior Margaret Schumann and junior Mina Fernandes.

Shows are Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All seats are $14. To reserve seats with a credit card, visit https://www.stratfordk12.org/o/shs or https://sites.google.com/stratk12.org/stratforddrama/home or purchase them with cash or check at the door.