‘Little Women’ Showcases Timeless Themes

Madeline Fanton remembers the first chapter book she read as a child: “Little Women.” Now, the visiting professor of theater arts directs Westmont’s production of the novel by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by Kate Hamill, on Feb. 27-28 and March 6-7 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 28 and March 7-8 at 2 p.m., all in Porter Theatre. Tickets, which cost $20 for general admission; $12 for students, seniors and veterans, may be purchased at westmont.edu/boxoffice. For more information, please contact the box office at (805) 565-7040.

“I fell in love with Jo's fiery spirit, Meg's steady heart, Amy's ambition and Beth's kindness,” says Fanton, who began teaching at Westmont in 2024. “I grew up on the 1994 film version, which continues to hold a very special place in my heart. The story continues to resonate today despite being set in the 1860s. The pains and joys of growing up, navigating love and loss, and figuring out who we want to be — these are universal human experiences.”

While Hamill's adaptation varies from the novel and films, the play retains the themes that have endeared people to these characters for more than a century.

“Rehearsals have been full of laughs, high energy - everyone is finding their way into their characters,” she says. “I hope the cast comes away from this experience with a new perspective on these characters and what it means to create something brand new out of something familiar.”

Fanton, who graduated from UC Irvine, earned a master’s degree at Cal State Northridge and a doctorate at UC Santa Barbara, directed “Poor Clare” in 2023 at Westmont.

“I hope audiences connect the unique gifts of each of the characters to the people in their lives and are prompted to reflect on the unique gifts and abilities of every person they encounter,” she says. “And they call their moms, dads and siblings and tell them how much they appreciate them.”