‘Little Women’ the musical premieres

The theatre department is premiering the musical “Little Women” on Feb. 9 through Feb. 11 in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. Show times include Thursday, Feb. 9 and Friday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Stephen Matteson, junior, plays the character of John Brooke. “We have been practicing since November. Once we got back from break we practiced five times a week, for three hours each practice,” said Matteson. Besides practicing lines they also worked on becoming connected with their characters. Senior Becki Visker is playing Jo March. She said after break, “We got into more character work, which is researching the back story, and relating the character to your own life by reading the book and getting a good grasp on what the characters should be portrayed as, then putting your own mark on them.” According to Visker a lot of emotion and feeling has to be reflected through the scenes and music. “I have different scenes, and songs that involve characters in the stories that Jo writes, so rehearsing with them tends to be a little more dramatic, and comedic,” said Visker. “I have several scenes with the March family, and Laurie, and that is a vital part of telling the story, because family is everything to Jo.” According to Bethel's marketing and communications department, “This wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. ‘Little Women’ embodies the complete theatrical experience for the entire family, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit." Matteson agrees with the above statement. He believes people should come out and see the show because it is a lot of fun, is an entertaining performance and a lot of people put a lot of time and work into it. “All in all, it is a lot of hard work, but so much fun to do,” said Visker. “The friendships I've built, and the chance I've been given to put my stamp on Jo make it more than worth it.” To purchase tickets visit www.bethelcollege.edu/tickets or go to the ticket office located in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center. The cost is $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors.