Formany of us, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is one of those stories that feels like an old friend. Whether you first encountered the March sisters in a book, a film, or perhaps even on stage, their hopes, struggles, and triumphs continue to resonate generation after generation.
At the heart of the story is Jo March, a determined young writer who dreams of telling stories that matter. Louisa May Alcott herself knew that journey well. In fact, she originally wrote Little Women somewhat reluctantly at her publisher’s request— only to create one of the most beloved novels in American literature. It’s a nice reminder that sometimes the stories we’re asked to tell turn out to be the ones that mean the most.
Here at The Portland Players, storytelling is what we do best. Every show you see on this stage is the result of countless hours of collaboration, creativity, and dedication from an incredible community of artists and volunteers. In many ways, it’s not unlike the March family gathered around their hearth—everyone bringing their own talents together to create something warm, joyful, and meaningful.
I’d like to offer a special thank you to our director, Megan Lallier, for leading this production with such care and creativity. Megan has been a wonderful director to work with, and we’re grateful for the heart and vision she has brought to this show.
Of course, productions like this don’t happen without the extraordinary efforts of our talented cast, our creative team, our dedicated volunteers, and the audiences who continue to support community theatre.
Thank you for being here tonight and for supporting The Portland Players. We hope you enjoy Little Women: The Musical and the beautiful story it brings to life on our stage.
Tracy Pratt, President The Portland Players
Whenit comes to literature, I am a classics girl at heart. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Little Women; my treasured collection is tattered from countless rereads which, ultimately, have become my favorite copies. Each time I read them, I feel like I am going home again. Growing up, I always wanted to be Jo, of course. Independent, intelligent, and fiercely talented, Jo taught me that girls could be and do anything. Some days, I am more of an Amy, but, in truth, I am a mixture of all four sisters, as most of us are. It has been such a gift to work on a show that portrays women with such fullness, complexity, and grace.
The incomparable Louisa May Alcott wrote the characters of Little Women in such a way that we still relate to them over 150 years after it was first published. Little Women is a shared story of the transition from childhood to young adulthood; a story of sisters, of their community, and how they come together in times of struggle, all against the backdrop of a time when it felt like our country was tearing itself apart. In a war-torn world defined by gender, class, and personal tragedy, Jo March gives us her greatest story: that of the March sisters, four dreamers destined to become imperfect little women.
On our very first day of rehearsal, I knew we had something special. I could not have asked for a kinder, more generous, more extraordinary cast. They have approached this story with open hearts, immense talent, and a willingness to bring their full selves to the rehearsal room each day. Our creative team has gone above and beyond to bring Concord to life on this stage, crafting a world that feels intimate, authentic, and deeply human. Their talent and unwavering support made this show possible.
It is my hope that your experience here at Portland Players, watching this beautiful story unfold among old friends and new, feels like the return I experience each time I revisit Little Women. And when you leave here, I hope you carry Marmee’s gentle wisdom with you and do your best to “be good to one another.”
Welcome home.
Megan Lallier Director, Little Women
MUSICAL NUMBERS
SETTING
Concord, Massachusetts, and New York City during and immediately after the American Civil War (1860s).
ACT I
An Operatic TragedyJo & Company
Better - Jo
Our Finest DreamsMeg, Jo, Beth & Amy
Here Alone - Marmee
Could You - Aunt March & Jo
DelightedMarmee, Meg, Jo & Beth
Take A Chance On MeLaurie
Off To MassachusettsBeth & Mr. Laurence
Five Forever - Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy & Laurie
More Than I AmMeg & John Brooke
Take A Chance On Me (Reprise) - Laurie
Astonishing - Jo
ACT II
The Weekly Volcano PressFull Company
Off to Massachusetts (Reprise)Beth & Company
How I Am - Professor Bhaer
Some Things Are Meant To BeBeth & Jo
The Most Amazing ThingAmy & Laurie Days of Plenty - Marmee
The Fire Within Me - Jo
Small Umbrella In The RainProfessor Bhaer & Jo
Sometimes When you Dream (Reprise) - Jo
Runtime is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
Lyric Music Theater • Tommy Waltz
Peter Robbins • Jennifer Barrows
Matt Boucher • Evan Cuddy • Whitney Brown
Emma Tompkins • Anthony Pyatt • Al Romano
Tracy Pratt • Alex Pratt
THE CAST
Kelly Mosher ...................................................................................... Jo March
Hannah Perry ...................................................................... Amy March / Troll
Megan Walz .................................................................... Meg March / Clarissa
Caroline Chung ........................................................... Beth March / Rodrigo II
Holly Dalton-Spencer ..................................................... Marmee March / Hag
Heather Connolly ........................................................ Aunt March / Mrs. Kirk
Ryan Lane ................................................................................ Professor Bhaer
Jon Halbur ............................................................... Mr. Laurence / The Knight
R. Taylor Kruse ....................................................................... Laurie / Rodrigo
Joseph Petmezis ................................................ Mr. John Brooke / Sir Braxton
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director ....................................................................................... Megan Lallier
Associate Director ........................................................................ Rachel Henry
Music Director ............................................................................. Bob Gauthier
Cello ............................................................................................. Ben Bridges
Percussion .......................................................................................... Eric Yim
THE CAST THE CAST
Caroline Chung
Heather Connolly
Ryan Lane
Holly Dalton-Spencer
Jon Halbur
R. Taylor Kruse
Kelly Mosher
Megan Walz
Hannah Perry
Joseph Petmezis
MEET THE COMPANY
Kelly Mosher (Jo March)
Kelly is honored and humbled to be portraying Jo March. Past roles on the Players’ stage that you may recognize her from include the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Rose in Dogfight, Kate in Titanic the Musical, and a Seasons of Love soloist in Rent. She has also appeared in many other roles and shows here and at other wonderful theaters in the area. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and her Sebago Brewing crew for their unwavering support. She would also like to thank her onstage sisters for being the fire within her, and this entire incredible cast and team, especially Megan, Rachel, Bob, Gigi, and Kevin, for giving her the chance to be astonishing.
Hannah Perry (Amy March / Troll)
Hannah is thrilled to be performing at Portland Players again after a 6-year hiatus! Some of her favorite theater acting credits include Brenda/Tobey/Mom in I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire with Out There Theater Company, Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird at Millbrook Playhouse, Heather McNamara in Heathers The Musical with Cast
Aside Productions, and Louise/ Eve in Ruthless! The Musical at Hackmatack Playhouse. She’d like to thank her husband Mike for all of his support and her daughter Lena for all of her love and for keeping her humble.
Megan Walz (Meg March / Clarissa)
This is Megan’s fourth show at Portland Players and is excited to be back! Her other roles in the community include Rapunzel in Into the Woods; Kate/Ensemble, Legally Blonde (Portland Players); Janet US/Phantom, Rocky Horror; Jackie Noel, Disaster! The Musical (Schoolhouse Arts Center); Anna, Spring Awakening; Bikini Bottom Mayor, SpongeBob the Musical (Community Little Theater); Nun/ Ensemble, The Sound of Music (Maine State Music Theatre). She wants to thank her friends and family for supporting her during these wonderful experiences!
Caroline Chung (Beth March / Rodrigo II)
Caroline is honored to be playing Beth! Previous credits with TPP include Joan in Fun Home & Grace in Annie. Caroline is a KoreanAmerican artist from Randolph, ME. Raised in NoVA, they have
sung at The Kennedy Center & Loudoun Lyric Opera. They have a BA from BU (’22) & work at the local nonprofit, The Maine Tasting Center. In their free time, they enjoy reading, playing D&D, trying new foods, & exploring Maine. Caroline would like to dedicate this show to Sara Gross, the real-life Meg to their Jo. Here’s to raising a little woman of your own.
Holly Dalton-Spencer (Marmee March / Hag)
Holly is thrilled to be in her first show with Portland Players! This story is so important and connects people with the shared emotions that come with coming into one’s own. Some past roles include Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Winifred (Once Upon a Mattress), and most recently Bea (Something Rotten!). Holly also sings with the acapella group, The Pine State Pitches, all over Maine. Special thanks to her husband Brenton for his constant love and support, and thanks to the cast and crew for their warm welcome and amazing energy.
Heather Connolly (Aunt March / Mrs. Kirk)
A Maine native, she is retired from an international career singing opera; Queen of the Night, Lucia, Zerbinetta, Olympia, and Cunegunde. Solo concert engagements abroad in Russia with the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, in Italy with the Orchestra Sinfonica di Sanremo and in Africa at the Palais Royale for His Royal Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco. Ms. Connolly is a graduate of The Renata Scotto Opera Academy in Italy and trained in the private studio of Luciano Pavarotti in New York City. She is making her Portland Players debut.
Ryan Lane (Professor Bhaer)
Ryan is delighted to be returning to Portland Players! You might remember him as Dave in The Full Monty. Some roles include Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. When Ryan is not acting, you might find him teaching Freshmen English! Or you could see him reading a book or hiking/ walking the beach. Ryan wishes
MEET THE COMPANY
to thank his parents and Kettric for their love and support! Ryan also wants to say to the audience to remember to always find your voice!
Jon Halbur (Mr. Laurence / The Knight)
Jon is excited to be making his Portland Players debut in Little Women. Other roles include Amos Calloway in Big Fish at Hackmatack Playhouse & George Banks in Mary Poppins. Jon’s career has spanned some 40 years doing Lavish Las Vegas Productions, Guest Entertainer for Princess Cruise Lines, Diamond Jim at Tokyo Disneyland & various TV, film & national commercials. In 2023 Jon and his husband sold their Corporate Entertainment Company in Houston to be closer to family in Coastal Maine. Love to Dan. Save a life, adopt from your local shelter.
R. Taylor Kruse (Laurie / Rodrigo)
Taylor is excited to return so quickly to the Portland Players stage! He lives in South Portland with his partner Bella and two cats. He has previously acted across
central Maine at theaters including the Waterville Opera House and the Camden Shakespeare Festival, and is an alum of Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals and Gilbert and Sullivan Players. You also may have just recently seen him here in Macbeth earlier this year! He holds a bachelor’s in computer science with a minor in Theater from Harvard, and works as a data analyst in Biddeford.
Joseph Petmezis (Mr. John Brooke / Sir Braxton)
He is excited to make his debut at The Portland Players! Some theatre credits include: Lyric Music Theatre’s Next to Normal (Dr. Madden/Fine), Hackmatack Playhouse’s Into the Woods (The Baker), and Berklee’s RENT (Gordon, Waiter, and Ensemble). Some film & TV credits include background acting for Spirited (2022) and Julia (2022). He has a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music and spends much of his time creating music under the name Dojo. In his free time, he can be found tidepooling or at karaoke. Thank you for coming to the show!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Megan Lallier (Director)
I cannot express how grateful I am to those who helped make this production happen. However, my deepest gratitude goes to my family: Joel, thank you for taking over at home so I could do something I love – I truly could not have done this without you. Leo, you are my reason for everything, and I love you more than you will ever know. And my sweet Luna – you were with me in every rehearsal, in every note of music, and every moment of storytelling. I will love you forever.
Bob Gauthier (Musical Director)
Bob is thrilled to be at the keys at Players. Favorite music direction credits include The Bridges of Madison County, The Secret Garden, Little Women, The Prom, The SpongeBob Musical, and Something Rotten. Favorite roles include Ebenezer Scrooge (4 times), Archie in The Secret Garden (3 times), and Erik in Yeston’s Phantom (3 times). He was named best professional musical director in the 2022 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards for A Year with Frog and Toad, and again in 2024 for Knuffle Bunny at Maddy’s Theater. Love to husband Joshua and the cats.
Maddie Young (Costume Designer)
Maddie is very excited to be making her debut with Portland Players! She has recently graduated from Lasell University, with a BA in fashion design. During her time at Lasell, she interned at North Shore Music Theatre under their costume designer, working on Titanic the Musical, Million Dollar Quartet and A Christmas Carol. Outside of costuming, she bartends, spends time with her cat, and enjoys trying new restaurants in Portland. A special thanks to her support system for keeping her grounded and always being there!
Jason ‘Chachi’ Robinson (Lighting Designer)
Chachi has designed lights for various shows over the last 15 years, and he hopes you enjoy one more! Outside of theater he also runs a synchronized light show for Halloween and Christmas on Dawson St in SoPo; Enjoy Little Women the Musical!
