Blackfriars Theatre to Spread Cheer with LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL

Blackfriars Theatre spreads cheer for the entire family this holiday season with Little Women, The Musical, the Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved book.

The treasured adventures of the four March sisters is brought to life in this vivid and stirring new musical. Meg, Beth and Amy March are inspired by their fearless and larger-than-life sister, Jo, as she weaves stories of romance, heartache, humor and their experiences growing up in Civil War America.

"Little Women holds a place in the hearts of so many adults who read the book in their childhood, including mine," says director Patricia Lewis Browne. "I was interested to see if it would sustain its attraction for me many years later. I also wondered if cast members and theatre goers much younger than myself would feel that same connection. It turns out they do. With the addition of a wonderful musical score, it speaks to the freshness of youthful hope and the pangs of finding out who we are and what we are meant to do in this world."

With a thrilling and charming score by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, Little Women, The Musical promises to be a sweet and rousing offering that stands out from the traditional Christmas fare this holiday season! In addition to the classic musical, Blackfriars Theatre is proud to be partnering with the Rochester City School District's library system on a drive to collect children's books during the run of Little Women, The Musical.

"This season we've made it a point to find ways to give back to the community with each production. Last month, we hosted the Red Cross for a blood drive during our production of Dracula," mentions Artistic & Managing Director, Danny Hoskins. "With Little Women, it's a book drive! Another goal this year is to engage with new audiences. With this production, we are creating an opportunity for families to enjoy a holiday treat together at Blackfriars."

The Little Women cast includes Ruth Bellavia (Marmee), Vicki Casarett (Aunt March), Kyle Critelli (John Brooke), Carl Del Buono (Professor Bhaer), CJ Garbin (Laurie), Natalia Hulse (Beth), Steve Marsocci (Mr. Laurence), Rebecca Pfohl (Meg), Cassidy Thompson (Jo), and Gemma Vodacek (Amy). The musical is directed by Patricia Lewis Browne with musical direction by Julie Covach and choreography by Mandi Lynn Griffith Gurell.

More about the Rochester City School District Book Drive: During the run of Little Women, The Musical, Blackfriars Theatre will be collecting new and gently-used books for the Rochester City School District's library system. Picture books, early chapter books, and even non-fiction books suited for pre-K to 6th graders are most desired. RCSD has requested no religious books, please. Books can be dropped at the Theatre during regular box office hours or when you arrive at any performance of Little Women, The Musical.

---

LITTLE WOMEN SCHEDULE:

· Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 16 at 7 p.m.

· Sunday, December 17 at 2 p.m.

· Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m.

· Thursday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.

· Friday, December 22 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 23 at 8 p.m.

· Thursday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m.

· Friday, December 29 at 8 p.m.

· Saturday, December 30 at 8 p.m.

· Sunday, December 31 at 2 p.m.

· Sunday, December 31 at 7 p.m.*

*special New Year's Eve performance with wine and desserts

At Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605

Ticket Prices: $31.50-$39.50 with senior and student discounts available

For more information, visit www.blackfriars.org.

---

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre, has entertained audiences for over 65 years in downtown Rochester, NY. Our mission is to enrich, entertain and inspire our community through exceptional theatrical arts while engaging local talent. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, visit www.blackfriars.org.

Pictured: armee (Ruth Bellavia - sitting) and the March sisters (from left to right) Meg (Rebecca Pfohl), Jo (Cassidy Thompson), Amy (Gemma Vodacek) and Beth (Natalia Hulse - kneeling). Photo by Dan Howell, courtesy of The Perkins Mansion.