Ogden Musical Theatre brings ‘Little Women’ in concert to Weber County
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- The cast of Ogden Musical Theater’s “Little Women” in concert, opening Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
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- Marin Tarbox as “Jo” in Ogden Musical Theatre’s “Little Women.”
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- Marin Tarbox as “Jo” and Derek Marsden as “Laurie” in Ogden Musical Theatre’s concert-style production of “Little Women,” the Broadway musical.
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- A concert-style rendition of “Little Women” the Broadway musical by Ogden Musical Theatre with live music by Ogden Chamber Orchestra opens Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
“Little Women” is the newest production of Ogden Musical Theatre to hit the Peery’s Egyptian Theater stage, running Feb. 10-14. It’s a concert-style rendition of the Broadway musical based on the Louisa May Alcott classic novel.
Being a “concert” rather than a full musical production means fewer set pieces, light choreography and having the cast on stage throughout the performance. It’s also distinguished from OMT’s summer musical productions with the addition of the Ogden Chamber Orchestra, led by Michael Palumbo, playing live and onstage as the show takes place.
The show director, Marilyn Montgomery, expressed her excitement for the value that the live orchestra will bring to the performance, which she said has become a rarity in musical theater. “To be able to re-create this amazing story for you in concert form with a live orchestra is thrilling,” she said. “To top that off, we have assembled a cast of extremely talented vocalists to perform this beautiful score. It is a privilege to be here in this wonderful theater with you.”
The 10-person cast — five Weber State graduates, two from Ogden and surrounding areas, and three Salt Lake City residents — includes Marin Tarbox as Jo, Derek Marsden (Laurie), Dianna Graham (Marmee), Anna Carr (Beth), Samantha Wursten (Meg), Tyler Bender (Amy), Nick Cash (Mr. Lawrence) and Shawnda Moss (Aunt March).
Music will be performed from “Little Women” the Broadway musical (2005) that is based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved semi-autobiographical 1868 novel that follows the adventures of the four March sisters — the not-so-feminine writer Jo, shy Beth, traditional Meg, and the romantic and slightly selfish Amy — who come of age while their father is away fighting in the Civil War and befriend the boy next door.
“What we love about (“Little Women”) is that characters from an entirely different time period are so relatable to us all today,” according to a statement from Ogden Musical Theatre. “The book is a classic and people know the story and identify with the characters.”
Every year for its spring concert, OMT aims to choose a musical in which the music drives the show. “Little Women” was convenient for this year because of the small cast size that allows them to be mindful of COVID concerns.
This concert-style rendition of “Little Women” will be different from the usual show that Louisa May Alcott fans know and love, according to OMT: “The storyline is the same, but filled with gorgeous music and talented musicians.”
The show runs evenings starting Thursday, Feb. 10, and ends Monday, Feb. 14, with morning and afternoon performances on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20-$28 and can be purchased online at ogdenmusicaltheatre.org or by calling the Peery’s Egyptian Theater’s box office at 801-689-8700.