---

After years in the making, a beloved tale of four sisters makes its debut on the WILLow LeaVes of Hope stage as Little Women, presented by Passion for Acting Theatre Company and WILLow LeaVes of Hope, opens for a two-week run beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.

Produced and directed by Connie Kiviniemi-Baylor and co-directed by Kathryn Baylor, this adaptation has been a work of absolute passion by a dedicated cast, writers and production staff.

The actual process of adapting the mid-19^th century tale for the 21^st century stage began a little more than two years ago, says Kathryn Baylor. With little luck and no existing adaptations really sparking enthusiasm, the ladies decided to do it themselves. And so, they did.   

“Late last year, earlier this year we sat down and got the process rolling for how we were going to adapt it,” Baylor says. “The biggest brunt of the work took place in March with the looming deadline of starting rehearsals in April.”

The ladies essentially divided the book by chapters, doling out who would adapt what parts. Then the tedious process began of what to include and what to cast aside, Baylor says. After all, the nearly 300-page book, though rich in substance, is a bit too cumbersome to adapt in its entirety.

After nearly one-half dozen hour-long sessions, the ladies had the story whittled down to a more comfortable two-hour-long stage production.

The story chronicles the lives of sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Written by Louisa May Alcott, the book was originally published in two installments one year apart beginning in 1868.

Set in a quaint Massachusetts town during the American Civil War, the sisters are raised by their mother, Marmee, in less-than-ideal circumstances -- as the family is not rich – while their father serves as an army chaplain.

Rachel Hoke, who plays the role of Jo – the sister most people immediately recognize, calls Alcott a trailblazer for her time who offered a rather feminist tale with "Little Women".

“I think it shows feminism in all its forms,” Hoke says.

Though the approach may lay foundational groundwork for girl power, but it also demonstrates that no matter how the sisters choose to live their lives, it is OK.

“Meg wants to get married and have kids and that is OK,” Hoke says. “Jo doesn’t want to get married and that is OK, too. They can go out and do anything they want and if they want to stay home and raise kids that is OK.”

“I’ve loved this story since I was a little girl,” Hoke says. “I put a lot of pressure on myself in the beginning to get it right. As rehearsals progress, I’m finding what I want to bring out in Jo and those things may not be what people are expecting. I think people will like my interpretation.”

Baylor describes the journey of bringing "Little Women" to the stage as one that required many Google doc revisions, but resulted in an outstanding script, a talented cast of more than one dozen actors, and an interpretation of a classic that the audience is sure to enjoy.

Baylor, who also plays the role of Amy, says she is hopeful that one day – once the final version of the script is nailed down – publication may be a possibility.

In the meantime, she’s concentrating on perfecting her interpretation of her character, who she says has historically gotten a bad rap.

“One of the things we didn’t like in any of the adaptations was it was Jo’s story,” Baylor says. “All the other sisters were minor players in her show. We wanted to really try to give each of the characters their own arch.”

Baylor is hopeful the audience doesn’t grow to dislike her character as is what usually happens, she says.

“Instead of being a spoiled brat the whole time, she goes through a bit more of a character transformation,” Baylor says. “You actually get to see her in Europe trying to do her art and realizing she is not as good as she thought she was, which is kind of what happens with Jo in New York with her writing. It is kind of cool to get a bit of character transformation from all the sisters instead of just Jo.”

She adds she’s really enjoyed trying to “find” Amy’s character; however, the venture isn’t over.

“It is very interesting that it is one of those classics that is relatable generation after generation after generation,” Baylor says. “It is amazing that humans, even though we adapt and evolve, we still kind of stay the same with the same struggles and joys.”

She adds this is a great opportunity for people to see a classic piece of literature brought to life. It is especially great for those who may already have an affection for the story, as well as those for whom this may be their introduction to the timeless tale, Baylor says. 

“I hope to see a lot of families in the crowd,” Hoke says. “Everyone, girls and boys, aunts and uncles. It is a story about family. It is just a story about family love and hardships.”

What: Little Women presented by Passion for Acting Theatre Company and WILLow LeaVes of Hope
When: 6 p.m. June 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 1 p.m. June 11 and 18.
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson Street, downtown Hope.
Cost: $35 per person, includes meal and play.

** For more information or to make reservations, call 812-341-7251.