St. Luke's United Methodist Church Presents LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL

St. Luke's United Methodist Church begins the new year with Little Women: The Musical, based on Louisa May Alcott's enduring novel of the same name. The production is directed by Steve MacKinnon, and runs January 25 through February 3, 2019.

Spanning half a decade, audiences follow the four young March sisters as they uncover precious lessons about themselves and life during the American Civil War. The spirited Jo yearns for greatness and adventure, while her older sister Meg prefers a more domestic future. Amy, the baby of the family, longs for a life of luxury and sophistication, and sweet Beth brings warmth and love to the entire family. The matriarch, Marmee, copes with raising her daughters alone while her husband is off at war. This classic story showcases how the love of family endures the test of time, and strengthens us as we follow our dreams.

"Truly it's about women's voices - a topic that's as relevant today as it was when the book was written 150 years ago," says director Steve MacKinnon. "Empowering messages of determination, love, loyalty, and resilience in the face of seemingly impossible obstacles resonate with audiences of all ages. Young people especially can connect with the story's themes of finding your voice and challenging the status quo."

"The women in this story celebrate the work of justice and mercy, caring for one another and those in their community," says St. Luke's Lead Pastor, The Reverend Jennifer Stiles Williams. "The influence of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, is embodied in how unique her voice was to the power and vitality of women, not only for her time, but for today."

The cast stars Meg Stefanowicz as Jo, Gail Bartell as Marmee, Amanda Breivogel as Meg, Parrish Davis-Sauls as Beth, Aja Grooms as Amy, Erik Nelson as Laurie, Drew Mierzejewski as Professor Bhaer, Esteban Vilchez as John Brooke, Michael Morman as Mr. Laurence, and Amy Martin Cole as Aunt March. The production is directed by Steve MacKinnon with assistant direction and choreography by Ashley Willsey, scenic design by Joe Klug, costume design by AJ Garcia, lighting design by Carlton Morrissey, sound design by Anthony Narciso, and is co-stage managed by Tiffany Lyn Meadows and Christine Kindred.

Little Women: The Musical is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, with book by Alan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Little Women: The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.MTIShows.com).

Little Women: The Musical runs select dates from January 25 through February 3 on the Founder's Hall stage at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, located at 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32819. Tickets start at $15 and may be purchased online at www.st.lukes.org/littlewomen.