Review: Little Women at Omaha Community Playhouse

Omaha Community Playhouse is staging the heart-warming musical “Little Women” on its main stage.

Being a story about four sisters coming of age, who better to bring with me than my own sister? You know, to nudge when a March sister does something ridiculous. I was never that sister. She was.

My date to Little Women at @omahaplayhouse, my sis pic.twitter.com/GbJ1fljLN8

— Oh My! Omaha (@OhMyOmaha) January 25, 2015

(Love you, Kelly!).

OCP was kind enough to provide complimentary tickets to their opening weekend so I can tell you all about it.

What to expect:

This production is a musical, so beware that your beloved Jo will break out into song frequently. Good thing Sims Lamason (Jo March) is a fantastic singer.

Speaking of great singers, there isn’t a weak one in the cast.

The costumers are fetching, courtesy Denise Ervin who has worked on “A Christmas Carol” and “Will Roger Follies” at OCP in the past.

Warning: This production gives you the feels. As much as you don’t want to get all emotional, I dare you not start tearing up when sweet Beth is ill or when Jo’s dreams start to be realized.

Timing a potty break

This is three hours long, so even for a mom with a bladder of steel, you’ll want to visit the ladies’ room at intermission. The first act is longer than the second, so consider a preemptive visit before the show starts.

Is it kid-friendly?

I wouldn’t take my youngsters, but they’re 3 and 5. I saw a good handful of young girls with their mothers and friends at the Sunday matinee I attended. I’d say, a good rule of thumb is to think about who you’d gift the novel to in your life. If they’re old enough to appreciate the classic literary tale, they’d be fine sitting through this show.

Will an adult like this?

Marmee (center) is portrayed by Camille Metoyer Moten, a staple on Omaha stages for decades as an actress and a singer.

Yes. Most of us had to read this book for school, or remember watching one of the film adaptations (remember the Winona Ryder one?), so you’re familiar with it already. If you adored the story – likely a few of you related to a sister – then you’ll enjoy this show. Theater fans will appreciate the talent in the cast.

If you didn’t like the book and you don’t like musicals, why are you still reading this review? You won’t like this.

What was it about again?

Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March, guided by their beloved Marmee, are more different than any sisters could be. With their father off to war, the women find strength in themselves and each other to endure heartache and loss and celebrate joys and accomplishments.

Oh, and there are also some love interests in the mix for the romantics out there.

If you want to go

“Little Women”

When: Through Feb. 22, performances are Wednesdays through Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 p.m.

Where: Omaha Community Playhouse,

Tickets: Single tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for students. Tickets for groups of 12 or more are $30 for adults and $20 for students. Purchase online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.org or www.OmahaPlayhouse.com.

Discounts:  Family package – four tickets for $100 for any performance of “Little Women.” Limit of one package per family. Whatta Deal Wednesday – On Wednesday, Jan. 28, tickets to that evening’s performance are $10 starting at 4 p.m. at the Box Office. Cash or check only. Subject to availability. Twilight Tickets – A limited number of tickets are available at half price after noon the day of the performance at the Box Office. Cash or check only. Subject to availability.

Live outside of Omaha? Be on the look out, Nebraska Theatre Caravan will take this show on the road for a national tour within two years.