“Little Women,” based on the classic best-selling novel by Louisa May Alcott, is a timeless tale that rings true through the ages, from the Civil War era to today. A story of courage and ambition, this high-energy musical uses a full range of styles to portray an epic story spanning three years in the life of the family and friends of Jo March.

Centered on the ambitious and imaginative Jo March (Brittany Martin) and her journey to become a world-famous published author, this captivating tale will enthrall the audience from overture to curtain call. Jo’s driving goal is to provide for her loving, supporting family (which occasionally has its accidents, arguments, and attempted murders-just like any normal family)-the romantic and wistful Meg (Amanda Martin), the sweet, encouraging Beth (Veronica Beaudoin), the somewhat spoiled baby of the family, Amy (Suzannah Wong), and the demure mother, Marmee (Sarah Patterson), who holds the family together with quiet strength while their father is away serving as a

chaplain in the Union army.

Jo has written stories for her family and the citizens of Concord, including the crotchety Mr. Laurence (Nate Chaloux), his orphaned grandson, Jo’s very best friend, Laurie (Scott Gagne), and his tutor, John Brooke (Tamarick Peters). When Jo, a strong-minded independent individual, fails at her Aunt March’s (Becca Spilecki) challenge to be ladylike and graceful, she strives to make her own way into the world. She decides she is ready to publish her bloody operatic tragedy, the story of the fair Clarissa (Mackenzi Masselli), who, on her quest through the dangerous forest in which her sister long ago disappeared, encounters the villainous Braxton Prendergast (Chris Belanger), the heroic Rodrigo (Scott Gagne and Ruth Choate), a hag (Christina Zahn), a troll (Leslie Reed), and a knight (Justin Fortier) who all help her on her journey to discover her destiny.

In order to make good on her decision, Jo travels to New York to the boarding house of Mrs. Kirk (Marissa Lussier), where she becomes tentative friends with Professor Bhaer (Ryan Dubois), who helps her cope with rejection after rejection from publisher after publisher until she finally takes the Weekly Volcano Press by storm.

Through success and tragedy, through deaths, marriages, and births, the March family struggles to stay together. Jo has some trouble accepting that some things are meant to be, and has to return home to Concord when there is a sickness in the family, leaving Professor Bhaer to examine what his relationship with her has been and who he is when she is gone. Will Jo be able to keep the fire within her alight? Will she be able to astonish the world?

Find out on January 8, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lewiston Middle School auditorium on Central Avenue. Tickets will be sold at the door for $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are also available to be reserved for $5 by all audiences. To reserve tickets, call 207-783-0958 (CLT box office) and request tickets for Little Women.

Come see this wonderful adaptation of a literary classic. With peppy, fun songs and inspiring ballads, this is a show the whole family can enjoy. All are welcome to participate in this story of discovery, friendship, and love, and it’s assured that all will leave happy, humming show tunes.