On October 2-4 Westminster Christian Academy will be performing the classic and well-known coming of age story of four sisters: Little Women. Since Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was first put into print in 1868, it has been adapted in a multitude of ways including a movie in 2019 featuring big names such as Timothee Chalamet and Florence Pugh. However, a big difference between those adaptations and the one being performed by Westminster students is that the production at the school will be in the form of a musical. The main character, Jo March, will be portrayed by senior Josie Mosley. This story has always been something important in Mosley’s life as she states:

“For me personally I am also an older sibling of four, so whenever I play Jo I see a lot of my own family in her family, and in a lot of the lines that I sing, it is almost like I am singing directly to my younger siblings […] So being able to perform it for new generations and for some people who have not ever interacted with the story before, it is just really cool to be able to be their first Jo March.”

The influence of this beautiful story has left an impression in Mosley’s head and heart and motivates her to do the best she can as Westminster’s Jo March. She hopes to convey the story in a way that will leave the same impact on others as it had on her so that other young girls who may share a similar background to her can feel the same inspiration she once felt at eight years old. However this story is not just important for young girls, but for all members of the Westminster community, as many people can see themselves in the actions of Jo. As Mosley describes:

“Jo March is a very headstrong, independent woman, but who also cares very deeply for her family and for the people around her. She puts her heart and soul into everything that she does.”

People of all ages can relate to some of Jo’s characteristics which will help them connect to her character along with her experiences throughout the story. That relation with the character will in turn help students understand certain things that they can learn and use in the future. Mosley explains:

“What Jo learns is to slow down, because she has so many expectations for herself, and a lot of the time whenever she does not meet those expectations she beats herself down, but then whenever she finally learns to slow down and to do something that really means something to her she can appreciate the things around her like her family, so I think that is really important that the students learn to slow down and appreciate the things around them.”

Many students take what they have for granted, and Mosely recognizes that fact especially after her long tenure as a student at Westminster. This is only one of many beautiful lessons that can be learned in this show.

Outside of the lesson learning aspects of the show, Westminster’s production will contain many amazing set pieces, and other cast members who will shine. One of those cast members includes junior Joshua Speed who portrays Theodore Laurence, a friend of the march sisters. Speed is also extremely excited to perform Little Women for many reasons. He explains:

“It is exciting to see the life that we as actors can bring to the stage. Also to just be among wonderful people all working together to achieve a goal […] Everyone can connect to this musical emotionally and mentally. This is not your typical musical full of fun dances, fun songs, and joyful moments. This musical takes you through an emotional journey. You will cry one moment then laugh and smile the next.”

The unity of the cast and crew shines brightly throughout the entire performance and is something that Westminster students will not want to miss. The deeper connective themes and beautifully written songs will engage the audience in a way that other musicals cannot and as Speed mentioned above, it is more than just a singing and dancing revue, but instead something deeper that everyone can relate to. Westminster’s production of Little Women will take place on October 2-4 at 7 pm, so hurry up and buy your tickets now!