Loudoun Times-Mirror

Wednesday, November 20, 2004, p. A24

McMath Brings Alcott Story to Life

by Anne Keisman, Times-Mirror Staff Writer

Louisa May Alcott's feisty heroines - Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth - will take the stage at Hillsboro's Old Stone School Friday, when Aurora Studio Theater presents an original adaptation of the 1868 novel Little Women.

Hillsboro author, historian and playwright Meredith Bean McMath adapted Alcott's semi-autobiographical tale for the stage and has ably directed a 32-person cast with sumptuous 19th century costuming and sharp dramatic performances.

In her adaptation, McMath captures the two most important dramatic elements in Alcott's tale of the struggling Civil War-era March family: the power of familial love and the dynamism of the March sisters' intelligence and humor.

With tight, well-timed scenes, McMath's retelling of the young women's struggle with the complexities of love and war keeps the audience alert and involved, letting Alcott's wit permeate the production.

The Alcott/McMath creation owes its radiance not only to its authors, but also to the consistently strong performances from the actors.

Mary Triplett plays independent-minded Jo March, the character most closely aligned with Alcott, with tenacious stage presence and equal parts spunk and charm.

The lively dynamic between the four sisters and their mother is too real to be an act. These women are obviously having fun, and it is a joy to watch.

Christian Amonson plays the flustered and affable Laurie, aptly using his native boyish charm to great affect. He shines the most in the scenes showing the evolution of his friendship with Jo.

McMath obviously values the theatrical maxim that there are no small roles, only small actors. She gives bit parts to strong character actors, such as Melissa O'Connor, who plays a narcoleptic servant, then later steals the scene as the twittering owner of Jo's boarding house.

Also, Maxine Bean embodies Aunt March's comic crabbiness with authority, yet letting the character's softer side bubble slightly to the surface at the appropriate times.

The large cast and ambitious production does seem to be bursting the seams of the small stage at the Old Stone School, but the venue's sense of history makes up for a slightly cramped feeling.

McMath, an award-winning historian and prize-winning playwright, has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality theater in the area. She has used her talents to support local historic organizations. Productions of her Civi War play, All for the Union in Confederate Virginia!, have raised $10,000 for the Lincoln Preservation Foundation and $15,000 toward the Waterford Foundation's Capital Campaign...