TheatreMcLean returns with Little Women

LITTLE WOMEN MARKS BIG COMEBACK

Musical adaptation of classic story will be TheatreMcLean’s first in-person show in two years

MAKDA BEKELE & FARAH ELJAZZAR REPORTERS SAEHEE PEREZ CHIEF MARKETING MANAGER

The auditorium has been transformed into a scene from the Massachusetts Civil War era. As the overhead lights dim, TheatreMcLean travels back in time to the 1800s with a musical adaptation of the classic novel Little Women.

Following four sisters growing up in Concord, Massachusetts, during the 19th century, Little Women details their coming of age as they find their places in the world.

“It’s very family friendly and perfect for everyone to come and see,” said junior Elizabeth Nourse, the play’s assistant director. “It’s going to be very abstract and dreamy with these over-the-top characters and beautiful songs.”

The return of live performances is a welcome change from the virtual shows of last school year, but this transition back to normalcy has not come without challenges.

“Theater is all about connection, and you can’t connect with people online,” theater teacher and director Phil Reid said. “The most challenging bit is dusting the cobwebs off since it’s been so long. It’s like riding a bike––we’re just getting back into it.”

Despite these minor bumps in the road, TheatreMcLean has established a talented cast of performers. Actors were cast based on how well their personalities matched with the characters of the story. Main female lead Kylee Majkowski equates her character, Jo March’s, disposition to her own.

“Jo is a very ambitious, passionate girl. She’s not a pushover for anybody, and that’s definitely something I can relate to,” Majkowski said.

Sophomore Nathan Bass, who earned the lead male role of Laurie in a main cast dominated by upperclassmen, is proving himself to be one of the production’s biggest assets.

“It’s a lot of fun being able to work with people that are [a couple] grades above me,” Bass said. “I’m super happy and lucky to have gotten this position.”

Luck is not the only factor that contributed to his casting. Bass has participated in theater since kindergarten and has developed quite an impressive skillset.

“He was cast because he was best for the role,” Reid said. “I really don’t believe in seniority—if you’re good, you’re good.”

To perfect their portrayal of the characters, the actors began rehearsing in mid-September, returning to a sense of preCOVID normalcy.

“We worked with what we could online, but I think everyone’s just excited to do what they thought they signed up for when they chose theater,” Majkowski said.

For Bass, his first in-person rehearsals have been very rewarding.

“It’s a time to develop what I’m doing for the actual musical,” Bass said. “But there’s a balance between the work and fun that really helps it to be an environment that the other actors and I want to participate in.”

The cast and crew’s hard work will pay off Nov. 18 when the show opens at the McLean auditorium.

“It’s our first big show that we’ve done in a long time,” Nourse said. “It’s going to be fun.”

After Little Women closes on Nov. 21, TheatreMcLean will get right to work on its next performances.

“We still have two other shows this year that we are also looking forward to,” Nourse said. “We welcome everyone who is interested [in the TheatreMcLean community], and we have tons of shows and activities planned for this whole year.”

IT’S GOING TO BE VERY ABSTRACT AND DREAMY WITH THESE OVER-THETOP CHARACTERS AND BEAUTIFUL SONGS.”

- ELIZABETH NOURSE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

marching on — Kirsten Knight as Meg, Kiera Murphy as Beth, Franny Hemsley as Amy, Kirsten Tierney as Marmee and Kylee Majkowski as Jo run through Lewinsville Park during their Little Women publicity photoshoot on Oct. 14.

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NOV. 18-20 @ 7 P.M. NOV. 20-21 @ 2 P.M.

MASKS: THEY’RE ALL THE RAGE

What types of masks are Highlanders wearing?

MACKENZIE CHEN ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR | ARIANA ELAHI DESIGN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SOLID CLOTH MASKS: 23.2%

“For me, cloth masks are just a lot more comfortable than the wire ones,” senior Yanni Aknine said. “The surgical masks are always uncomfortable and feel like they’re not [protective] enough. Cloth masks make me feel more secure.”

PRINTED CLOTH MASKS: 1.8%

“I lived about five years in Hawaii, and my mask was made by a Hawaiian company,” school health aide Julie Gamboa said. “[The company] was struggling during COVID so they started making masks. I decided to support them by buying their masks.”

REGULAR MASKS: 57%

“I chose this mask so I can dispose it after [using it],” senior Tieran Holmes said. “I have multiple ones, so if I lose [a mask], I have extras I can use, whereas if I bought a cloth [mask], I’d always have to keep track of it [and keep] washing it, which is annoying.”

N94 + N95 MASKS: 18%

“My mom gave me this [KN95] mask,” sophomore Yejoon Yoo said. “I think it definitely provides more protection compared to other masks. [I wear it because] I don’t want to get COVID, and I don’t want to get others sick.”

DO YOU HAVE ‘MASKNE’? WHY STUDENTS ARE WEARING MASKS

68%

wear masks to protect themselves and others

23%

wear masks because they are required

9%

Wear masks for other reasons

YES YES YES YES NO

NO NO

NO NO

Students’ TIPS FOR ‘MASKNE’ NONO NOYES YES YES YES

NO

Wash your face and don’t mess with your mask.

YES YES YES YES NO

NO NO

NO

Exfoliate a couple times a week. Use pimple patches and spot treatment when needed. YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO

Use GENTLE SKINCARE products such as cleanser and moisturizer.

YES YES YES YES NO

NO NO

NO NO

Drink at least four to six glasses of water each day.

YES YES YES YES NO

NO NO

NO

Ask a dermatologist for advice that’s tailored to your skin type.

YES YES YES YES NO

NO NO

NO NO

46% Yes 54% No

applying aloe vera can help soothe irritated skin.