'Little Women: The Musical' to be performed by Campbellsville University theater

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CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (10/07/2016)(readMedia)-- Stage lights, set crew, costume, sound, rehearsed lines read a thousand times and hours upon hours of practice make a theatrical production come together, almost seamlessly, suggests Starr Garrett, associate professor and director of theater at Campbellsville University.

Campbellsville University's Theater Department is partnering with Town Hall productions to present "Little Women: The Musical" at Campbellsville University's Russ Mobley Theater during Homecoming Weekend Thursday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 16. Thursday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m. Friday's show starts at 8 p.m. And Sunday's matinee show begins at 2:30 p.m.

Those casted include: Hollie Nall as Jo March; Irell Patterson as Professor Bhaer; Malorie Byrne as Amy March; Blair Lamb as Meg March; Diandra Sallee as Beth March; Sarah Durham as Marmee March; Cody Campbell as Mr. Laurence; Tanner Reed as Laurie Laurence; Kaitlyn Wallace as Aunt March;

Matthew Hutchins as Mr. John Brooke, Paige Pickerl as Mrs. Kirk; Anna Peterson as Clarissa; Kristen DeLaGarza as Braxton; Deja Thompson as Rodrigo; Schuyler Sterling as Knight; Kaya Taylor as Hag; and CJ Calhoun as Troll.

Garrett explained the process of putting together a production, saying every performance is a unique project but all plays require a large amount of cooperation.

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"Performers are asked to come to auditions with a monologue and cut from the song prepared," Garrett said.

"The first rehearsal is called a read through. We sit down and just read the play. Then we go piece by piece," Garrett said.

"Rehearsals start the next week, usually the second week of classes, running from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday," Garrett said.

Garrett said performers are only required to be at rehearsal for their part of the play, but usually come in an hour or two every rehearsal.

Yet "Little Women: The Musical," has its own set of challenges she said.

"In a rehearsal room, a musical with limited dancing adds five hours a week," Garrett said.

Garrett also said each vocal part requires rehearsal with Dr. Bethany Stiles, assistant professor of voice at Campbellsville University.

Technological (Tech) rehearsals, are also required in the weeks leading up to the performance, something as little as a microphone being used by the performers for the first time to insure there are no malfunctions.

Dress rehearsals are then required, adding pieces of costume and having a number of fittings.

Hollie Nall, a Campbellsville University sophomore who is playing the lead Jo March, also expresses the difficulty of the performance.

"It's very challenging being the lead role in this show because she is in almost every scene of the play. It takes several hours of outside throughout the week looking over lines and song lyrics," Nall said.

"This show would have to be the most challenging show I have done so far," she said.

Nall's enthusiasm doesn't fade, however.

"Jo has always been a dream role of mine. She is such a passionate character. She goes for what she wants and never gives up until she gets it. She is truly inspiring," Nall said. "I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Despite the challenges, Garrett's goal for every performance is that the show would look so well put together, no one would suspect so much work has been put into making the show happen.

"Little Women: The Musical" is a show based on the life of Louisa May Alcott and follows sisters Jo, Meg and Amy March. Jo March attempts to sell her stories for publication but publishers aren't interested. Professor Bhaer, her friend, encourages her to write from herself. Jo resists but writes, weaving the story of herself and her sisters and their growing up in the Civil Wars.

Corporate sponsors for the production are Brothers BBQ, Little Caesars, Ken Keltner: State Farm, Air Evac and Dr. Ray Roberts, chiropractor.

Tickets for the play are $10 for general admission. Seniors (65 and up), and children (12 and under) are $7. You can call and reserve tickets by calling (270) 789-5266.