SHOW PROGRAM
Cast of Characters
Margaret ‘Meg’ March - Skyler Scott
Josephine ‘Jo’ March - Kelly Collins
Elizabeth ‘Beth’ March - Sofia Pate
Amy Curtis March - Cecilia Petrush
Professor Friedrich Bhaer. - Lucas Seven
Margaret ‘Marmee’ March - Nicole Mitchell
Mr.James Laurence / Knight - William Klein
John Brooke / Braxton - Jonathan Clough
Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence / Rodrigo.Brady West
Aunt Josephine March / Ensemble - Janelle Bennett
Clarissa / Annie Moffet - Maureen Schlie
Mrs.Kirk / Ensemble - Melanie Bizoe
Hannah Mullet / Ensemble - Debi Robertson
Understudies
Elizabeth ‘Beth’ March - Skyler Scott
Amy Curtis March - Sofia Pate
Theodore ‘Laurie’ Laurence - Jonathan Clough
Professor Friedrich Bhaer - Brady West
Clarissa - Janelle Bennett
Margaret ‘Meg’ March - Maureen Schlie
Josephine ‘Jo’ March - Maureen Schlie
Marmee - Melanie Bizoe
Orchestra
Conductor / Piano - Marty Hesse
Cello - Susan Dietrich-Reed
Reeds - Jason Gresl
Trumpet - Steven Bizoe
Viola - Christina Kelly
Violin - Beth Oeseburg
Violin - Sean Sinnett
Production Team
Director - David Ferrell
Assistant Director - Melanie Bizoe
Music Director - Marty Hesse
Costumer(s) - Janelle Bennett and Kristi Peterson
Fight Choreographer - Lucas Seven
Intimacy Coordinator - Kristina McCloskey
Lighting/Sound Design - Paul Stortz
Photography - Lauren Mow
Set Construction - Dan Gilligan
Set Designer - Laura Gilligan
Stage Manager - Debi Robertson
David Ferrell
Director
Imagine a simpler time. A dreamer, head strong, full of vibrant youth and trapped somewhere between a child and womanhood. Josephine March, “Jo” as she is lovingly called, sits tucked away in the attic, scribbling away at the stories of her “Little Women,” as described in the classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott, overwhelming her senses and bombarding her mind. This is both her passion and pride.
Originally based on the author’s own experiences growing up with her sisters Anna, Elizabeth and May–more commonly known as Meg, Beth, and Amy—the fabled tale touches the hearts of anyone who has ever longed for something greater, to be something more than themselves, or to know what it is like to feel bound by the norms of society, but still overcome.
While many will be expecting the story to unfold in 19th Century New England during the American Civil War, as it is traditionally set, I decided to take a more modernistic approach, setting everything in the Vietnam era, in the wake of the Women’s Rights Movement. The early 1970s paint a realistic version of the story for the audience, many who may have experienced it themselves while still being relevant to a younger generation of theatregoers.
As a child, I remember often playing dress-up and acting out stories in the space of my family living room for friends and neighbors or anyone willing to listen, much like the characters in this musical. In more ways than one, I found that I resonated mostly with the heroine of the tale, Jo March. As a writer, romantic, and lover of the written word I have known love, loss, and the sense of longing. Like Jo, I have let my heart take me far away from my roots knowing that one day I’d find my way back home.
I could not think of a production better suited than “Little Women” to ignite the fire that I thought I had lost and the fire within us all to continue reaching for a life that’s better and framed in creativity. I feel very honored and blessed to be directing this musical adaptation written by Allan Knee with lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Jason Howland at the Ghostlight. I look forward to bringing to life this story and these characters that I resonate with so much. Special thanks to my family, this wonderful cast and crew, and Paul Mow and Martha Hesse for their continued trust in me. Enjoy the show!
A native of Southwest Michigan, director David Ferrell grew up in Niles, MI and returned in 2021 following a 10-year hiatus from the stage living in Chicago and Denver while pursuing other passions. GhostLight audiences will remember him as Signor Nacarelli from last summer’s production of “Light in the Piazza.” Other notable acting roles include: Dr. Neville Craven (“The Secret Garden”), Billy Crocker (“Anything Goes”), Joe Hardy (“Damn Yankees”), El Gallo in (“The Fantasticks”) and Baby John in (“West Side Story”). David’s career spans over 20 years in the theatre industry working with both collegiate and community groups as a director and actor and he is a member of numerous arts organization boards. Among many notable directorial projects are: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Radio Play) at the TinShop Theatre, and “All Shook Up” and “Bye-Bye-Birdie” at Twin City Players. David is also a published author and entrepreneur, launching the Amarok Theatre in summer 2022.
Musical Numbers
Act I
“An Operatic Tragedy” - Ensemble
“Better” - Jo
“Our Finest Dreams” - Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy
“Here Alone” - Marmee
“Could You” - Aunt March, Jo
“Delighted” - Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth
“Take A Chance on Me” - Laurie
“Better” - Reprise - Jo
“Off To Massachusetts" - Beth, Mr.Laurence
“Five Forever” - Jo, Laurie, Amy, Meg, Beth
“More Than I Am” - John Brooke, Meg
“Take A Chance on Me” - Reprise - Laurie
“Astonishing” - Jo
Act II
“The Weekly Volcano Press” - Ensemble
“Off to Massachusetts” - Reprise - Ensemble
“How I Am” - Professor Bhaer
“Some Things Are Meant to Be” - Jo, Beth
“The Most Amazing Thing” - Amy, Laurie
“Days Of Plenty” - Marmee
“The Fire Within Me” - Jo
“Small Umbrella in The Rain” - Professor Bhaer, Jo
“Volcano” - Reprise - Jo
Setting
Act I
Scene I - A New York City Boarding House (Winter of 1975)
Scene II - Aunt March’s Stately Manor (Fall of 1974)
Scene III - The March House (Winter of 1974)
Scene IV - The March House (Winter of 1974)
Scene V - The March House (Spring of 1974)
Scene VI - The March House (Spring of 1974)
Scene VII - The March House (Spring of 1974)
INTERMISSION
Act II
Scene I - A New York City Boarding House (Winter of 1975)
Scene II - The March House (Spring of 1975)
Scene III - The Beach on Cape Cod (Summer of 1975)
Scene IV - The March House (Summer of 1975)
Scene V - The March House (Spring of 1976)
Cast Bios
Janelle Bennett (Aunt March) is excited to be a part of the cast of Little Women. Janelle is a voice actor and audiobook narrator with over 20 audiobooks and made her stage debut last year in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” She has called Southwest Michigan home for the last 22 years and lives in Berrien Center with her family.
Melanie Bizoe (Mrs. Kirk/Assistant Director) has been married to her amazing husband Steve for 33 yrs. The past 11 she has been a Morning Show DJ and promotions director for Pulse FM. She returns to theatre after 37 years as Mrs. Kirk and has thoroughly enjoyed working with the David the director, cast and crew as Assistant Director. Her true joy in life is watching her beautiful children, Matthew, (Jake), Andrew, (Holly), and Charlotte along with grandsons Titus and Judah, living out their lives and thriving. She enjoys popcorn drenched in butter, frozen Charleston Chews, fishing, boating, ceramics, and time with her family.
Jonathan Clough (John Brooke) Born in northwest Washington state but raised in southwest Michigan, Jonathan has been involved in music from a young age. His first theatre role was the Mad Hatter in the play Alice in Wonderland at Berrien Springs High School. Other roles include Radames in “Aida,” Laurie in “Little Women” -- both with Berrien Springs High School -- and Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” with Lake Michigan College. Jonathan hopes to attend the University of Michigan and major in music and physics.
Kelly Collins (Jo) is beyond thrilled to be returning to The GhostLight in Little Women! You may remember her from The Light in the Piazza (Franca) or Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret) last summer. Favorite credits include Alice: A New Musical (Alice) and The 25th…Spelling Bee (Logainne). Kelly is a senior in college, returning to Long Island University this fall to continue earning her BFA in Musical Theatre. She is so excited to be working on all four of The GhostLight’s fantastic productions this summer! Endless thanks to her amazing friends and family for their unwavering support, always.
Marty Hesse (Music Director) is a classically trained pianist, organist, and music director from the Chicago area. A retired community college IT professor, she moved to St Joseph in 2017, co-founded The GhostLight Theatre and serves as its Executive Director. Marty has music directed and conducted pit orchestras since the 1970s in the Chicago area, as well as in Kalamazoo, Saugatuck, and Holland theaters. She is thrilled to be conducting at GhostLight and grateful to be working with David Ferrell under his marvelous direction.
William Klein (Mr. Lawrence) This will be his third show at the Ghostlight and I hope you enjoy the production as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. A retired attorney Bill has been involved with theatre for over thirty years. Many thanks to my family for putting up with me for all these many years I love you all.
Nicole Mitchell (Marmee) is excited to be making her GhostLight debut as Marmee. She grew up in Three Oaks, MI, and lives with her husband and three children in Buchanan, MI. Nicole was in many musicals in high school and college and is still involved in lots of local theatre. She has been a music director for many of Children’s Music Workshop’s shows, the most recent being CMW’s 2022 spring production of Disney’s Descendants the Musical. Nicole also works with Performing Arts Workshops where she has worked as Workshop Advisor, Assistant Director, and most recently Music Director for PAW’s 2022 Singer-Songwriter Love Songs Cabaret.
Sofia Pate (Beth) is a junior at Berrien Springs High School. Along with theatre, Sofia also enjoys taking photos, playing soccer, and being a member of her school’s choir - taught by the most wonderful, Carrie Vandenburgh. At the end of 2021’, Sofia played Amy in her High School production of Little Women. This time around, she is taking the role of Beth at the Ghost light. Sofia plans on continuing her studies in musical theatre and dreams of performing in New York.
Cecilia Petrush (Amy) is thrilled to be interning at The Ghostlight this summer! She is a rising senior at the University of Michigan working towards her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in Performing Arts Management. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ceci has been participating in community and regional theatre for over a decade and is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work and engage with the fantastic communities in beautiful Southwestern MI. She would like to thank her amazing family, friends, and the wonderful Ghostlight Team!
Debi Robertson (Hannah / Stage Manager) is happy to be involved with her third production at Ghostlight Theatre. She has worked with community theatre in the area for over ten years now and loved every minute of it. It is a delight to have a part in bringing Little Women to this audience, from both on stage and as stage manager. She hopes you have a wonderful experience at the show and share the opportunity with others. Community Theatre is for everyone, and she encourages you to give it a try.
Lucas Seven (he/him) (Professor Bhaer) is excited to be here in SW Michigan. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and attends the University of Montevallo where he is a sophomore BFA Acting student. Some of his most recent credits are Ali in Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka and Adam in As You Like It. Along with being an actor he is also a dramaturg. His favorite dramaturgy credit is A New Brain by William Finn. If you would like to keep up with him you can follow him on Instagram @seven_eleven.1229
Maureen Schlie (Clarissa) grew up near Ann Arbor and is excited to be back in Michigan after spending 12 years in Chicago. She was most recently a Dancer/Ensemble member in the 2019 production of “Mamma Mia” at the Erica Heilmann Theatre in Oak Lawn, IL. Maureen was fortunate to be a part of her High School Show Choir for 4 years where her love of musical theater really took shape. She’d like to give a special shout out to her mom for encouraging theater and pursuing this passion at an early age. Love you mom!
Skyler Scott (Meg) from Benton Harbor, has been acting since she was a small child. Her first notable role was Gladys Herdsman in the greatest Christmas pageant ever. Other notable roles include Amy March in Little Women, Nala in the Lion King, Mary (U/S) in the Secret Garden. She has also been in Shirt Powers, Murder Mystery, Not Another High School Play, Legally Blonde, Beauty and the Beast, the King and I, Dear Edwina, Christmas Carol, and the Crucible. Skyler is happy to be back on stage as Meg March, the oldest and PRETTIEST of the sisters.
Brady West (Laurie) works as a civil engineer with Wightman, but he has been a singer his entire life. Discovered by his parents to have perfect pitch at the age of two, Brady’s vocal training began as a boy when he sang first soprano with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, an organization with which he had the opportunity to spend three weeks touring China at the age of 11. His theatre resume includes roles such as Gideon Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, and most recently, the illustrious Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Special Thanks
Berrien Springs High School
Lake Michigan College
The Mason Jar Cafe
Prairie Real Estate
SLS Production Services
The Tin Shop Theatre
Twin City Players
Carrie Vandenburgh
