Oceanside High School students will bring a classic story of family, growth and enduring sisterhood to the stage as they present “Little Women” on Nov. 21 and 22. The fall drama will offer a traditional interpretation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, a choice that faculty and students say highlights the timelessness of the story.
Director Michelle Taplin, an Oceanside High School alumna, said the production remains faithful to the novel’s themes while giving students the space to shape their own interpretations.
“It’s a timeless tale with beautiful themes and how you can grow through what you go through,” Taplin said. “Being a director, especially for such hardworking, fabulous students, has my heart and soul.”
The cast began rehearing after auditions wrapped in September. Andrew Frey-Gould, director of Media, Fine and Performing Arts, said the students’ dedication has driven the production forward.
“The students are constantly working on their craft,” Frey-Gould said. “The communication lines between the students, the faulty and everyone behind the scenes are very open, and I think that’s what is setting us up for success.”
The four March sisters are portrayed by a group of three seniors and one junior who say the chemistry formed offstage is helping them portray a believable family onstage.
Hannah Weiss, who is playing Amy March, said she recognizes pieces of herself in the role.
“I really find myself relating to her younger sister habits, especially the little things that people may perceive as annoying,” Weiss said. “It’s like we’re actually sisters. We do have this family and especially sister dynamic between us when we are on stage.”
Senior Charlotte Rosenberg, playing Meg March, and junior Becky Baehrle, playing Beth March, expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s really cool to be friends in real life but sisters on the stage,” Rosenberg said.
Baehrle added that “it’s not far from home to play sisters” when talking about the closeness of the cast and how it enhances the emotional depth of the production.
Jo March will be portrayed by senior Aubrey Farrell, who wrote her college essay about the novel.
“I’ve learned a lot from Jo, like being more independent and more confident in myself,” Farrell said. “For women especially, but really for everyone, we show that you can be so many different things. You can be similar to the sisters or not like them at all, and that’s okay.”
Senior Lianna Marmol, who portrays the girls’ mother, Marmee, said stepping into the role has given her a deeper appreciation for the novel.
“We have gone scene by scene, talking with castmates or our director, understanding what the situation is and what the stakes are, which gives us all a new perspective on the story,” Marmol said.”
The cast also includes senior Chris Stamatopoulos as Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. He said portraying Laurie has allowed him to connect personally with the character.
“Within the role, you use pieces of yourself,” Stamatopoulos said. “If someone walked out of the theater, I would want them to take away that love is never dying. It’s always there, always present, even if you don’t feel it.”
Many students said they hope the production introduces younger audiences to the story while reminding longtime fans why “Little Women” has remained beloved for more than 150 years.
Senior Katherine Lovelock, who plays Hannah Mullet, said that it is an important story for younger kids “to realize how growing up is so important and you get to do it with family and people that you love.”
Taplin said the cast’s dedication will make the show resonate with audiences of all ages.
“The audience is going to laugh a little, maybe cry a little, but I think they’re going to be very proud of their loved ones on that stage.”
