A production with the the complexity of "Little Women" beckons our students to think deeply, invest diligently, and dream wildly. It challenges our view of the importance of family and friendship in our lives. The passions of our hearts are often strengthened in our deepest sorrows when we allow hurt to mold us and hope to mend us.
Throughout the past seventeen years as a director, "Little Women" is a show I often return to beacuse it strengthens the groups who perform it and inspires the audiences who see it. I hope this version does exactly that for all who experience it tonight. May this story inspire you to value those around you, whom you love, and hold them tight through all the seasons of life.
This cast is new to the stage and I am proud of the way they have devoted their minds, hearts, and wills to accomplishing new skills and goals. Each time they hit the difficult notes, said a line with motivation, did their choreography with joy and conviction, designed a costume with historical accuracy, produced a well written biography in the playbill, changed a light cue on time, or pushed play on the performance track at the right moment, they have produced magic. The theatre is the most challenging of the performing arts because it is collaborative in the most beautiful and brutal of ways. We succeed only when we all rely on each other to do their part. As these young people learn to create with trust and vulnerability, we thank you, our audience, for your dedicated support of each one on this challenging journey.
To our senior actors: Noah, Sarah, and Kenneth, we dedicate this musical to you. Thank you for warmly welcoming me to Trivium this year. Your dedication to the arts is why we chose this show this fall. Noah, your natural talent as an actor is breathtaking. Thank you for the hard work you did with your voice this year. Your commitment is always well spent. Sarah, thank you for your hard work and determination to get Jo just right. You are a talented actress and devoted artist. I am proud of you. Kenneth, you have a golden voice. Thank you for sharing it's warmth with the cast and crew of this show. You have been a light in the cast and an inspriation to the younger cast members to work hard with a good attitude.
I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge our administrative team at Trivium Academy. Thank you to Sheryl Bradley for your warm welcome to Trivium and for the dedicated way you helped us secure each needed tool, actor, and singer to produce this show. Thanks to Cynthia Zea for your support in helping us collect donations, loaning us your tool bag daily in theatre tech, and the smile you offer us each time we see you. I am also immensely grateful to Jeri Wolfe in the business office and the way she helped me navigate each purchase order along the way. Jeri, you are a gem. And to the rest of the administration team; thank you for the support you have given to Julianne and me our first year at Trivium.
To Julianne Agee, my partner in crime and life-line of a friend; if you were a flower, you would be a Marigold. Gardners know that the Marigold is the flower you want to plant in your garden because wherever it is planted, it improves the health of the plants around it. That is what Julianne is for me and the students she works with. She is my encourager, partner in all things, and artistic companion. To her students, she is a supporter toward high quality musicality, an encourager in challenges, and a leader they respect. This show is possible due to her artistry, diligence, and devotion to high quality student work. Thank you, Julianne, for all you do and for all you are. Working alongside you is some of the most fun I have had.
-Kendra Cordero
