Photo by Dan Norman, provided b y Guthrie Theater
Since its publication in 1868, Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” has never been out of print, a testament to the enduring vitality of the March sisters. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the semi-autobiographical novel follows sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they navigate the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Alcott infused the text with her own experiences growing up in a progressive, albeit struggling, household, creating a narrative that was revolutionary for its time.
In this latest Guthrie production, the universal themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the pursuit of individual agency play beautifully to modern audiences. We find ourselves rooting fiercely for the March family, invested in their collective warmth and their distinct, personal ambitions. Whether it is Jo’s fierce literary independence or Beth’s quiet grace, the production highlights why these characters remain so resonant in 2026. By countering the period setting with contemporary emotional stakes, the play proves that the March family’s journey toward finding “home” within themselves is a timeless story.
This adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson returns to the original text and uses the clever device of addressing the audience directly at times—giving the actors a voice in their own actions. In her Guthrie debut, Isabella Star LaBlanc has double duty, inhabiting both Jo and Louisa May Alcott. LaBlanc delivers an inspired, soulful performance that feels far too vibrant to be confined to the static pages of Alcott’s novel. She captures the duality of Jo’s nature, balancing a fierce, modern independence with the suffocating societal restraints of the 1860s. This internal fire is most evident in the electric chemistry of Daniel Petzold’s Laurie, portraying a relationship built on the shared, restless energy of two kindred spirits who refuse to fit the molds cast for them. Petzold emits an irresistible boyish charm that matures with grace as his youthful whimsy slowly deepens into a sincere, earnest search for love.
Stephanie Anne Bertumen delivers a nuanced performance as Meg, expertly balancing the gravity of acting as a substitute for Marmee with the tender awakening of her own heart. She is particularly luminous in the scenes of her courtship, making subtle, sophisticated choices that reveal a woman gracefully navigating the transition from domestic duty to a romantic future of her own. It is impossible to imagine the March sisters without the stabilizing presence of Marmee. Georgia Keller is the epitome of the nurturing matriarch, skillfully portraying a woman torn between the relentless duties of motherhood and the anxious pull of tending to a husband at war. Keller exudes a love for her fellow actors, fostering a familial bond on stage that can only be achieved through genuine artistic trust. This sense of security she provides allows the sisters to flourish, anchoring the production with a heart that feels as expansive as it is selfless.
Under the direction of Jackson Gay, the March family’s world feels both intimate and limitless, utilizing every inch of a stage that appears as expansive as the great outdoors. This fluidity of movement, supported by Junghyun Georgia Lee’s breathtaking scenic design, allows the narrative to breathe with a naturalism that mirrors the sisters’ own evolving lives.
In Minnesota Monthly‘s upcoming May/June issue, I explore how the production’s aesthetic, titled “Texture, Time, and Truth,” intentionally avoids the stiff, costume-shop feel of many period pieces. The design team prioritized historical craftsmanship, utilizing natural fibers and layered textiles that reflect the practical, hard-working reality of a family living through the Civil War. Each garment tells a story of wear and repair, with a color palette that evolves alongside the characters as they transition from the vibrancy of youth to the more sober tones of adulthood. This commitment to tactile authenticity ensures that the play’s visual world feels as lived-in and honest as the performances themselves.
This production is a visual and emotional triumph, offering rich storytelling and outstanding performances that breathe fresh life into a beloved classic. It serves as a poignant reminder that we can rise above what is expected of us when we are anchored by the enduring power of love and family.
