I’ll admit, Little Women isn’t a story I’ve spent much time with. I’ve neither read the book nor seen either film adaptation, despite it sitting patiently on our shelf as a ‘someday’ read.  Still, that didn’t take away from the excitement of heading out to our local theatre to experience it live.  While I know bits and pieces of the story from exposure over the years, this post is not intended as a critique of how closely the production followed the book itself – seeing it on stage makes me no expert – but what I can speak to is the evening it gave us – and the impression it left behind.

We’ve seen a couple of productions through the Fergus Grand Theatre now, and I’m ashamed and curious at how I don’t think of local theatre more often when it comes to not only a source of entertainment, but also community, excitement and inspiration.  More affordable than a trip to the movie theatre, more engaging than an evening in front of a streaming service, and more exciting than an hour on the iPad, an evening at the theatre is one that is built with purpose, anticipation and fun.  I don’t recall the girls or myself picking out our outfits to go see the new Mario Bros. movie, nor do I recall them bursting with excitement over the fact that they know one of the actors in the ensemble.  The theatre is a wholly different opportunity to be a part of something within the community –  and it was pretty awesome to see no empty seat in the house.

In the days leading to the show, I can’t tell you how many times Nora got giddy with excitement and pride that her friend was going to be on stage for this production.  It was admittedly the driving reason for us to get our ticket in the first place.  She would come quite literally come home from school with a countdown at the front of her mind for the lights to dim and the curtains to open, and on show day itself, there were of course preparations to be made.  As the hours counted down, the girls began their scurry about the home, eager to pick out their fanciest attire and prepare for a proper evening out.  My heart warmed as Audrey approached Nora in hopes of support to get ready – doing her nails, picking her outfit, working on their hair – to them this was a proper event and they wanted it to feel special.  Anyone with kids this age will know and sympathize that getting them out door on time is a chore.  They don’t have the best sense of time or priority, and have no problem complaining and blaming me when we’re late for ‘whatever’-  tonight was not going to be one of those occasions.   In fact they were ready and out the door before me!

Seeing my two girls, two sisters who have been connected at heart for almost ten years, support each other, teach each other and take the lead on how they wish to present and feel, was perhaps the highlight of the whole entire event.  I can’t express into words how their conversations make me feel, and to try and just type them back will not land in even remotely the right way, so I’m not going to even try.  Suffice to say, they are certainly little women of their own and I could not be more proud.

To speak on the production itself, perhaps the only word to use is ‘impressed’.   With the cast made up of kids ages 9-13 through the CW Children’s Drama Club, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the talent, yes, but the bravery it takes to be on stage in front of so many and presenting such a treasured classic.  It speaks to the producers, director, parents and everyone involved, that those kids on stage have a confidence to likes of which few us get the chance to express.  It was an inspiring display of talent through a gamut of emotions, and to all those who participated, you should all be immensely proud of your accomplishments.  Of course, there was one performer that Nora had her spotlight on, and every time her friend came to the stage, my daughter would pull on my sleeve, and with a smile I’ve never seen before sing into my ear “she’s there, I see her, she’s on stage!”.  She was, and still is, happy for her friend, and couldn’t wait to hug her after the final curtain call.   Though she was very firm in letting me know that she, herself, has no interest in the stage, perhaps it was because of the recognition of what it takes to step into the spotlight, that Nora was beyond proud of what her friend had just accomplished.

Audrey, on the other hand, walked away from last night’s performance with an itch that must be scratched.  As one who wants to try it all, not surprised am I that she has perhaps caught a bit of the acting bug and is keen to get on the waitlist.  Having at one point wanting be an actor myself (a desire that perhaps I still hang onto and dream about some days..) I of course will support such a desire and, hey, if she needs a scene partner, then maybe this could be my calling!

Thank you, Fergus Grand Theatre, and everyone involved for providing this community a reason to get together and a source of inspiration for all ages.  We will be back again soon – not just for the show, but for everything that comes with it.