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In this adaptation four actors in an attic retell Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Using found objects from across time (balloons, hula hoops, ribbon dancers, and more), the players create scenes of love, loss, and the ever glowing warmth of the March family hearth. Jo goes on a journey of artistic self-discovery and coming of age as she struggles to become the writer she longs to be amid the classic triumphs and troubles of Meg, Beth, Amy, and even Laurie. It is through a sense of play that Jo and her sisters find themselves, spending time in the attic making up fairy stories with witches and heroes, or spending an evening reciting the articles written for their beloved imaginary newspaper. It is, however, through the tragedy of losing her sister Beth that Jo finally finds her voice as an artist, and moves into adulthood with the knowledge that while families change and grow apart, the ones we love are always close at heart.
Awards and Honors
Selection, Kilroys List, The Kilroys, 2020
Winner, Best Non-Musical Production, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner, Best Director for a Non-Musical, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner Best Performer in a Non-Musical, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner, Best Director of a Play, Broadway World Jacksonville Awards, 2024
Winner, Best Non-Musical Production, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner, Best Director for a Non-Musical, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner Best Performer in a Non-Musical, Cleveland Critics Circle Awards, 2023
Winner, Best Director of a Play, Broadway World Jacksonville Awards, 2024
Development History
Workshop at First Folio Theatre in 2019
Digital reading with One-Off Theatrical Productions in 2020
Digital workshop production in affiliation with Ohio University in 2021
Digital reading with The Penny Seats Theatre in 2021
Staged reading with Relative Theatrics 2021
Digital reading with One-Off Theatrical Productions in 2020
Digital workshop production in affiliation with Ohio University in 2021
Digital reading with The Penny Seats Theatre in 2021
Staged reading with Relative Theatrics 2021
Production History
Produced by Red Magnolia Theatre Company March 2025
Produced by Geva Theatre March 2025
Produced by Tipping Point Theatre December 2024
Produced by Acrosstown Repertory Theatre January 2024
Produced by Dobama Theatre in December 2023
Produced by First Folio Theatre in December 2022
Produced by Theatre Cedar Rapids in May 2021
Produced by Geva Theatre March 2025
Produced by Tipping Point Theatre December 2024
Produced by Acrosstown Repertory Theatre January 2024
Produced by Dobama Theatre in December 2023
Produced by First Folio Theatre in December 2022
Produced by Theatre Cedar Rapids in May 2021
Press
"This stage adaptation by Heather Chrisler is a master class in storytelling — and heartstring-tugging. "
Review in The News Herald
"Geva Theatre’s production of Little Women is superb—a moving, beautifully crafted adaptation that honors Alcott’s legacy while offering fresh insights into Jo’s artistic journey."
Broadway World Central New York
"The latest iteration now at Dobama Theatre—Little Women as adapted by Heather Chrisler—lights up the stage with four characterizations of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth that are so sharp you could use them to field dress a musk ox."
Review in Cleveland Scene
"By the end, when Jo draws up a trunk in the attic—the scene of so much joy despite economic deprivation in the early lives of the March sisters—and begins writing their story, it’s nearly impossible to keep tears from falling."
Review in The Chicago Reader
"This inventive take on Little Women creates a more dynamic and playful tone throughout the play."
Review in Reveille
"This story, one that is familiar but presented in a fully new way... As Jo realizes her stories of adventure and whim are not the only beauty that needs to be recorded for an audience, I’m reminded that life is not pretty sometimes. Reality is messy, life is sometimes devastating and vile, but it is living."
Review in Little Village
"This familiar, beloved classic novel by Louisa May Alcott is presented in an entirely new way: a whimsical and adventurous play that's perfect holiday fare for the whole family... This 90-minute sensation will take you through all the emotions this holiday season... I can definitely say this is not your mother's Little Women."
-Review in Broadway World
Review in The News Herald
"Geva Theatre’s production of Little Women is superb—a moving, beautifully crafted adaptation that honors Alcott’s legacy while offering fresh insights into Jo’s artistic journey."
Broadway World Central New York
"The latest iteration now at Dobama Theatre—Little Women as adapted by Heather Chrisler—lights up the stage with four characterizations of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth that are so sharp you could use them to field dress a musk ox."
Review in Cleveland Scene
"By the end, when Jo draws up a trunk in the attic—the scene of so much joy despite economic deprivation in the early lives of the March sisters—and begins writing their story, it’s nearly impossible to keep tears from falling."
Review in The Chicago Reader
"This inventive take on Little Women creates a more dynamic and playful tone throughout the play."
Review in Reveille
"This story, one that is familiar but presented in a fully new way... As Jo realizes her stories of adventure and whim are not the only beauty that needs to be recorded for an audience, I’m reminded that life is not pretty sometimes. Reality is messy, life is sometimes devastating and vile, but it is living."
Review in Little Village
"This familiar, beloved classic novel by Louisa May Alcott is presented in an entirely new way: a whimsical and adventurous play that's perfect holiday fare for the whole family... This 90-minute sensation will take you through all the emotions this holiday season... I can definitely say this is not your mother's Little Women."
-Review in Broadway World
Travel Log
The states that have had productions or will have them soon:
Florida
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Michigan
New York
Ohio
Florida
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana
Michigan
New York
Ohio
