This time the Berkeley Center for the Arts (BCA) theatre students are in charge of the lights, camera, and action as they busily prepare to present the Broadway musical “Little Women” at the Harry D. Calvert Auditorium at Goose Creek High School (GCHS) from Nov. 16-19.
The musical adaptation of “Little Women,” based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic novel where four sisters begin finding love during the Civil War era, will feature a cast of 40 students–24 student actors and 16 student tech crew members.
Confident that all will love the show is BCA junior Aubrey Fry, a voice major, who will play the lead role of Jo March.
“I think the audience will enjoy seeing the family relationships, the love, the fun, and the beauty that ‘Little Women’ is so famous for,” said Fry. “The show is about following one’s passions, experiencing growth, and finding love within yourself and for others. I personally relate to this show and my character, Jo, because I’m a very passionate person and put so much effort and love into what I do.”
And she is not the only one, according to the director of “Little Women,” Miranda Campagna, who has served as the BCA director of theatre for two years.
“The cast started rehearsing in August, typically four days a week until 6,” said Campagna. “When it is closer to the show, they will start practicing until 7 or 8.”
The dedication is showing in the quality of the work that she is seeing, she said.
“With all these students being involved in so many extracurricular activities, their commitment to practicing proves that we have the most hardworking and dedicated students,” said Campagna, who is being supported by junior theatre major Nikola Widing in the role of assistant director. “The kids have really pulled this show together, despite the rigorous rehearsal schedule. The entire cast is putting in the time to do excellent work.”
For Fry, it’s easy.
“I’ve always loved singing and acting, so whenever I had the chance, I would participate in any productions held since I was in elementary school,” said Fry, whose first show with BCA was Les Misérables when she was a seventh grader at Berkeley County School District’s Marrington Middle School of the Arts. “Being in Les Mis really encouraged me to come to BCA when I got to high school. Since then, I’ve been in Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet, and now Little Women!”
Other principal roles will be played by junior theatre major Caylee Thomas as sister Beth; senior theatre major Riley Overstreet as Amy; and theatre senior major Aniyah Gordon as Meg. Playing the role of Marmee, the mother, is senior Hannah Bennett, a voice major.
“I’m speaking for most of the cast when I say music and theatre are two of the things we’re most passionate about,” said Fry. “The cast is so connected, and most of us have done shows or met because of theatre and other art forms and performances. So this is a great opportunity for us to show our offstage relationships on stage.”
Other key parts will be played by Alyssa Ruth-Cole, a BCA senior creative writing major, as Aunt March; GCHS 11th grader John Robert Custodio as Laurie; GCHS 12th grader Jaiden Pinckey as Professor Bhaer; Joseph Patz, a BCA freshman theatre major, as Mr. Brooke; and Dean Ezzell, a BCA junior theatre major, as Mr. Laurence.
“We also have a plethora of tech roles that includes student directors, stage managers, running crew, and designers for lights, sound, set, props, and costumes,” said Campagna, which encompasses a variety of other important roles, such as ballroom dancers and fantasy characters, she said.
The adaptation is based on the musical book by Allan Knee, and features music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Costumes are being provided by Summerville’s community theatre group Flowertown Players.
Fry and all the students hope to see packed houses for all four shows.
“We’re excited to share what we love with the audience,” said Fry, “because I believe that music and storytelling are art forms that have such an impact on everyone.”
Showtimes are at 7 p.m. from Nov. 16 to 18 and at 3 p.m. on Nov. 19. Tickets may be purchased at the following link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/77461 or with cash only at the door on the date of the show. The Box Office opens 30 minutes before showtime. General admission tickets are $10 and student, staff, and children under 12 tickets are $7.
BCA, housed in GCHS, is a secondary level fine arts magnet program offering seven disciplines: theater, creative writing, dance, strings, visual arts, voice/choral performance, and wind and percussion. For more information, contact GCHS at (843) 553-5300.
