Little Women is a story I have loved for a long time—not because it is perfect or polished, but because it is deeply human. At its heart, this musical is about growing up: learning who you are, who you want to be, and how to hold onto love while everything around you changes.
In many ways, this story feels personal to me. I grew up in a blended family of five (four girls and one boy) bound together by shared experiences, strong personalities, and an unspoken understanding that family is something you choose to show up for every day. Like the March sisters, we were different from one another, but connected by love, loyalty, and the idea of “five forever.”
This show also speaks honestly about loss. Having experienced the passing of my father, I am deeply moved by how Little Women portrays grief; not as something that breaks us completely, but as something that reshapes us. Loss changes the way we see the world, yet it can also reveal resilience, compassion, and clarity about what truly matters.
At its core, Little Women is a celebration of female strength. Each sister faces disappointment, heartbreak, and uncertainty, yet each learns how to stand on her own with courage and self-respect. This message resonates strongly with me, particularly in a season of personal change. There is power in learning to move forward independently, to trust your voice, and to believe that fulfillment does not require permission from anyone else.
Working with these students on this production has been a reminder that strength can be loud or quiet, bold or gentle—but it is always earned through honesty and perseverance. I hope this story encourages you to reflect on the people who shape you, the losses that deepen you, and the strength it takes to continue becoming who you are meant to be.
Thank you for supporting live theatre and for celebrating these young artists. They have taken on this challenge with the show while demonstrating patience, resilience, and determination. A special thank you to my production team, who have done exactly the same. You are all the why behind the art and the reason I share my soul on this stage each time.
Enjoy the show.
—Maddi Schille, Director
