The Company of Dramatic Arts (CODA) a highly active cooperative has brought Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved novel Little Women to life in the intimate space of Chippen St Theatre, and what a heartfelt production it is. Though it runs close to three hours, I found myself engaged throughout—drawn in by the warmth of the performances and the sheer commitment of the ensemble.
Coming to the musical without much prior knowledge of this adaptation, I was delighted to find myself reconnecting with the March family afresh. The story retains its familiar charm while also reminding us of its deeper undercurrents—Jo March, as ever, remains the spirited heart of the tale, her fierce independence and restless imagination pushing against the constraints of her time. Her journey as an aspiring writer, and the gentle encouragement from Professor Bhaer to trust her own voice, came through clearly in this staging.
The men of the piece are all well-drawn—Laurie is particularly charming and comically buoyant, John Brooke falls earnestly for Meg, and old Mr Lawrence softens beautifully in the presence of Beth. Yet it is the women who carry the true weight of discovery here: Meg, Beth, Amy, and Jo each searching for their sense of self, sometimes defined by love, sometimes by ambition, always by their bonds with one another.
Director Kris Sergi’s confident staging ensures that the characters are both distinct and endearing. The musical numbers serve the narrative well, with some lovely harmonies and moments of lift from the ensemble. Marmee, in particular, was given some of the most affecting songs of the night, performed with moving clarity. The band, neatly nestled into the production, played with sensitivity and vigour, complementing the voices on stage without ever overpowering them.
The set design, though simple, did more than enough to evoke another time, while the period-inspired costuming gave texture to the world—even if at times the ensemble’s costumes leaned more suggestive than strictly accurate. What stood out most was the unity of the company, who worked seamlessly together to create moments of joy, tenderness, and humour.
CODA’s Little Women is a thoughtful and engaging piece of theatre, offering audiences both the comfort of Alcott’s classic story and the fresh perspective of its musical form. Even at a preview, the production already had charm and polish, and one imagines it will only deepen as it continues its run. A show filled with warmth, laughter, and heart—this is a Little Women that rewards both the faithful reader and the curious newcomer alike.
CODA’s Little Women will be performed at the Chippen St Theatre between Friday August 22 and Sunday August 30, with a preview on Thursday August 21.
Jordan Berry as Jo March
Gabrielle Lanham as Meg March
Rachel Baker as Beth March
Bailee Guyer as Amy March
Lucy Bailes as Marmee March
Joss Arkley-Smith as Laurie Laurence
Daniel Walsh as Professor Bhaer
Alexander Whitbourne as Mr John Brooke
Caitlin Beckwith as Aunt March
Will Kilgour as Mr Laurence
Blair Mangan as Rodrigo & Ensemble
Lucy Gray as Mrs Kirk & Ensemble
Kayla Irvine, Ingrid Hermenegildo & Parker Texilake – Ensemble
Lily Barry, Estella Gregory, Katie Clements, Piper Ellis and Alexander Miech – Junior Ensemble
