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The other evening, I had the pleasure of attending the dress rehearsal of Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s latest production: Little Women, adapted by Heather Chrisler.

I’ll admit something embarrassing: until this show, I didn’t realize Little Women was originally a beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott — one that has inspired multiple film adaptations. (Yes, English was my favorite subject in school… clearly I missed a few chapters.)

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. While my usual theatre diet leans toward musicals and your garden variety play -I haven’t seen many novel-to-stage adaptations.

This one left me quite speechless and a bit blurry eyed (from diced up onions…)

If this review moves you at all, let it be this: go see this play. 

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What makes it even more special is that Heather Chrisler’s adaptation — written in 2018 out of her deep love for the novel — reimagines the story with just four actors in an attic. Using everyday found objects from across time, the performers creatively bring the March sisters’ world to life. Thanks to this production, Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel is now sitting in my Amazon cart, ready to be read.

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The heart of the show is unmistakable: family, sisterhood, growing up, and the simple truth that life — with all its changes — keeps moving forward.

For those unfamiliar with the story (like I was until recently), Little Women follows the four March sisters as they navigate love, loss, joy, and hardship during rather unpleasant times.

In Heather Chrisler’s intimate and inventive adaptation, the entire breadth of human emotion unfolds right before your eyes in just 90 minutes — with no intermission. These four, remarkably talented performers fluidly shift between roles and use simple objects to spark scenes of make-believe, fairy tales, and family life – making the story feel fresh, playful, and deeply heartfelt all at once.

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Perhaps my favorite moment (spoiler warning) came when the March sisters were simply together, having a merry, innocent time. There was something so tender about those fleeting moments of joy before life — as it inevitably does — dropped the other shoe. And toward the end of the play… well, let’s just say I’m fairly certain someone was cutting onions in the room.

Speaking of, (aside from the captivating story unfolding on stage) – I would love to just mention the incredible craftsmanship that went into everything. From the costumes, props, and the set itself! It felt very vivid, and quite frankly, alive.

The entire creative team truly outdid themselves.

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In the end, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Little Women reminds us that home isn’t just a place — it’s the people we love, the memories we hold onto, and the stories we tell long after the curtain falls. 

This beautiful, passionate adaptation left me smiling through tears and quietly wishing I could linger a little longer in the March sisters’ attic. If you’re looking for a show that feels both timeless and deeply human, don’t miss it.

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Little Women runs from April 9th – April 26th at the Alvina Krause Theatre in Downton Bloomsburg, PA. Tickets are available now at bte.org, and or same day at the box office.

The show’s official opening night, Saturday, April 11th – offers a rather unique opportunity to join playwright Heather Chrisler, director Sarah Elizabeth Yorke, and the cast of Little Women – after the show for Talkbacks. This allows the audience to ask questions directly to the creative team – and trust me – there is nothing like it.

For more information – head on over to BTE’s website and of course, their social media accounts (Facebook, and Instagram). The show begins promptly at 7:30 PM, with house doors opening at 6:30 PM. On Sundays, the show begins at 3:00 PM.

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