Broadway, here we come! The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s production of Little Women is astonishingly professional, from the high quality costumes and stage setting to the phenomenal performances by the entire cast, and it would not feel out of place in a West End theatre.
The show would not feel out of place in a West End theatre
Director Ken Alexander and Set Designer Claire Halleran’s approach to staging a full-scale musical during a packed Fringe run is simplistic without detracting from the show. Small changes transport us from Concord to New York City, while the creative use of umbrellas, blankets, parasols and more help clarify the time setting for each scene.
This international ensemble is incredibly strong, but the nature of the show means we rely on Jo March to carry the story and motivate us to root for her. Luckily, Lydia DeLuca was a powerhouse from start to finish. Her plucky enthusiasm and impressive vocal range were perfectly suited to the character, and there was not one moment where she wasn’t giving 110%. Other notable mentions include Emily Tracey’s beautiful solos as Marmie, John Gurdían’s sweet vulnerability as a lovesick Fritz, and Lorna Baxter’s physical and expressive comedy, which lightened an otherwise drama-heavy show – she was a delight to watch.
The biggest plot twist of the show? The musical arrangement is performed by an eight-piece band! The band provided such rich accompaniment that I spent the entire show wondering how they had fit a full orchestra behind the curtain. Each member of the group deserves a shout out, so let me just say that the musical score shone through every scene thanks to those eight talented performers.
Musical fans will thoroughly enjoy this high quality adaptation from start to finish, thanks to the combined efforts of the extraordinary cast, technical team and musicians. An impressive showcase of the talents of all these rising RCS stars.
