Written by orange• October 13, 2025• 9:56 pm• Musical, Review, Theater, Uncategorized, Yorba Linda

YLS Players: Little Women @ Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center – Review

photo credit: Elise Lamm

Written by Zack Johnston

Growing up is not only about accepting change, but also about embracing what can never change.

Little Women, presented by Yorba Linda Spotlight Players, explores these themes in a story that has endured for generations. While it may represent a coming-of-age tale, its lessons are some that can take a lifetime to learn.

Story:

Playing through Oct. 19 at the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center, this musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel set in New England during the American Civil War tells the story of the four March sisters each embarking on their different paths to womanhood. As their futures begin to unfold, they each face unique challenges that shape their character and sense of purpose. Directed and choreographed by Charna Lopez, this timeless story finds a home onstage through a fantastic score and an underlying message of pursuing happiness even at great costs.

Direction/Set/Costume:

The production overall is delightfully energetic and brimming with showmanship. The show itself maintains a steady pace and tone, minus a few moments of unclarity in the staging. The Victorian Era setting comes through in this production with minimal, yet practical, stage design and strong costuming that develops throughout the plot.

A diversity of talent is featured in this cast, with experience levels ranging from novice performers to experienced theater veterans. Where certain performers shine with their superb vocal talents, others succeed in their acting abilities, and through clearly representing their character’s motivations.

Acting:

Kasey Brynn Jacques leads the production as Jo March, the most outspoken and rebellious one of the four sisters. She draws on the complexity of her character’s story arch and displays an impressive range in both her acting and vocal skills.

Recent OCR award-winner Gavin Hamze gives a delightful performance as Professor Bhaer, Jo’s New York acquaintance who provides feedback on her unconventional writings. Through body language and a clear commitment to every scene, Hamze fully develops his character through the humor and romance within the professor’s relationship to Jo.

Kaitlyn Tice (Marmee) is both resilient and vulnerable in her portrayal of the sisters’ devoted mother. She carries the role with unyielding grace as the family is faced with new challenges. 2015 Best Young Actress Sarah McGuire (Meg March) displayed a layered understanding of her character through even the most subtle glance across the stage. Playing the eldest of the daughters, McGuire taps into her character’s insecurities while also expressing her blossoming confidence.

Olivia Tewksbury (Amy March) is excellent in showing her character’s development from misguided youth to budding adulthood. Karen Rymar (Aunt March) helps fully round this production out with her stern and sophisticated portrayal of the family’s old-society matriarch.