MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University will present the spring play “Little Women” by Kate Hamill April 16-19 in Ramseyer Auditorium, College Hall. 

There’s a lot of excitement around the spring play based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved American novel “Little Women.” “When I announced the title last fall, theatre students actually shouted with joy!” said director Melissa Friesen. 

The novel follows the four “little women” of the March family growing up in New England during the Civil War years. This script by Kate Hamill retains the iconic characters from the novel and focuses on their earlier moments – the powerful bonds and complexities of sisterhood, friendship and new love. 

Feisty protagonist Jo March feels particularly constrained by societal expectations for young women, and her ambitions as a writer and independent spirit take center stage in this production. The costuming is a particularly compelling storytelling component. 

“It’s so fun doing a period piece, and Kate Hamill’s script calls for costumes that visualize not only Jo’s rebellion against societal gender norms, but also the personality of each vibrant character,” noted Friesen.

The cast includes the following students:

• Jordyn Garmatter ’26, Bluffton, Ohio
• Chloe Haberman ’26, Lima, Ohio
• Jenna Loescher ’27, Lima, Ohio
• Havin Montague ’27, Celina, Ohio
• Coen North ’26, Denver, Colo.
• Jacob Szabo ’28, Bluffton, Ohio 
• Isabella Yeager ’29, St. Clairsville, Ohio
• Sarah Lehman
• Darryl Nester 
• Anna Stow

This is the second script by Kate Hamill that Friesen has directed in recent years. The 2024 “Pride and Prejudice” adaptation was also by Hamill. Friesen noted, “I’m a big fan of Hamill’s scripts. I know audiences will also love the humor, strong characters and emotional range Hamill mines from Alcott’s iconic story.”

The production is directed by Dr. Melissa Friesen, professor of theatre and communication. Merv Schrock is the technical director and Brit Mustard is the costume designer. Allison McGaughy (‘27) Wapakoneta, Ohio, is stage manager.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 16-18 and 2:30 p.m. on April 19 in Ramseyer Auditorium, College Hall. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at www.bluffton.edu/tickets. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, Bluffton University faculty and staff and non-Bluffton University students, and free for Bluffton University students.