Barn Theatre Casting For Next Production

The Barn Theatre, Montville Township's community-based theatre, will be holding auditions for its musical production of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women Saturday, Sept. 11, 1-4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 12, 7-10 p.m. at the theatre, located at 32 Skyline Dr.

Performances of the musical, which was adapted by Allan Knee, will be held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 19-Dec. 4. Additional benefit performances may be added.

The cast will include six women and four men. All those wishing to audition are asked to bring a short song and sheet music in the correct key. Registration will be held during the first hour of auditions both days. Readings and a short dance will follow and callbacks will be by invitation only.

Little Women, perhaps Alcott's most famous and best-known work, is the story of the four March sisters -- Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy -- as they grow up during the Civil War. The central character is Jo March, who is roughly based on Alcott herself.

Many of the issues dealt with in the story -- personal discovery, heartache and hope -- are relevant today, according to the Barn Theatre's Anthony Rubolotta. They are the themes of a young America finding its voice.

"The story is autobiographical," Rubolotta said. "The main character (Jo) wants to be a writer. She struggles with the societal mores of the time, the same things Alcott herself struggled with."

The music of Little Women was written by Jason Howland, with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. The musical is directed by Clifford Parish with musical direction by Thomas Rodgers. Choreography is by Megan Ferentinos.

For further information, or directions to the Barn Theatre, call 973-334-9320, or log onto the Barn's website, www.barntheatre.org

The Barn's production of Rumors opens Friday, September 10.