meg jo beth amy & louisa

A truly beautiful staging of a great script. I have not read Little Women, but the script does a great job hitting both the beats of that series of books and Lousia May Alcott's life, so even an Alcott noob can appreciate. And there's a lot to appreciate. The design and choreography were so thoughtful and effective, proof that you don't need a humongous budget to create magical stage moments.... full review

Little Women can sometimes be seen as boring because there's no "real plot"; it just follows the life of the March family. But THAT'S exactly what is so beautiful and heartwarming to watch. And Tier5 has done an incredible job of modernizing this classic and showing the love and passion that runs through this family and their friends. One of the most cohesive ensembles I've ever seen on a stage. The comedic timing of these actors is unmatched. Hilary Kelman's performance as Louisa, having to seamlessly weave through her story and her reality is fascinating to watch. I laughed until my gut hurt and cried too many times. This was a really special show; one that I will remember vividly for years to come. ... full review

Entertaining, endearing, nostalgic (for those who grew up on Little Women) while at the same time incorporating modern perspectives, very well-performed!... full review

This show broke me: As a playwright. As a brother. As a human being. This may be the best piece of theatre I have seen in my entire life. It feels like this piece was written for me. ... full review

I just adored this show. It's hard to put into words how fantastically effective the performances, staging and writing all are... that's why we should just leave the writing to Louisa. Hilary Kelman's acting is so poignantly thoughtful... presenting a full realization of Louisa through all her struggles and achievements. Every word, gesture and thought are absolutely authentic. The rest of the cast is just as wonderfully on point, interpreting parts of the script with wonderful anachronistic quirks that serve as a comedic way for a modern audience to relate to what only seems unrelatable. Although the silliness may appear over the top at times... it serves a greater purpose of juxtaposing the moments of true sorrow and heartbreak. Did I just... full review

Last year London's Tier-5 troop brought a fresh voice to Fringe with a show that gave voice to the 6 wives of Henry the 8th. This year they're back with a show twice as long (106 interminable, intermission-less minutes) and not half as good. With several superior movie versions available, why rewrite LITTLE WOMEN for "now", culling contextless sentimental moments, peppered with profanity and inane musical numbers (and a terrible new song), just to underline a (possible) lesbian subtext and make it seem ugly and ridiculous? Half the cast seems MIScast, but (also-)Producer James Cougar Canfield is in a class by himself: someone should tell him he's playing to 48 people, NOT 4800! Beware!... full review