Ithaca College

Ithaca College Theatre and the School of Music will present the opera “Little Women,” adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel detailing the passage of the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. Performances will run in the Clark Theatre in Dillingham Center on Feb. 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 26 and 28 at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 22.

Ticket prices for “Little Women” range from $8 to $16. Tickets can be purchased online at ithaca.ticketforce.com and through the Ithaca College box office located in Dillingham Center. The box office is open Monday through Thursday from noon-5 p.m. and Friday noon-4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling (607) 274-3224.

Composed by Mark Adamo, the opera breathes fresh life into Alcott’s classic American novel, with the Los Angeles Times declaring that it treats the book’s “dramatic and comedic high points with care, affection, and abundant clever touches.”  The story follows Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy as they endure the trials of growing up in New England during the Civil War.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Jersey, Adamo attended New York University for playwriting and the Catholic University of America for his Bachelor of Music degree. In addition to “Little Women,” his operatic works include “Avow,” “Lysistrata, or The Nude Goddess” and “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene.” He also composes pieces for orchestra, harp and a capella choirs.

Brian DeMaris, associate professor in the Department of Music, reprises his role as conductor of “Little Women” from the opera’s Middle Eastern premiere in Tel Aviv in 2008.

“The story is especially successful with opera audiences because of the familiar storyline as well as the universality of inevitability and uncontrollability of change in our lives,” said DeMaris. “And it gives the student singers an excellent challenge both musically and dramatically.”

The “Little Women” production team features the work of scenic designer Ravi Rakkulchon ’15, costume designer Anna Grigo ’15 and lighting designer Steve TenEyck. The technical director is George Horrocks ’15, the production stage manager is Travis Coxson ’15 and the stage manager is Samantha Salloway ’15.

A nationally recognized professional theatre-training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the globe. Throughout the school year, undergraduate students present all aspects of theatre in a professional model. Visit www.ithaca.edu/mainstage for further information. Follow Ithaca College Theatre on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ICTheatreArts and Twitter at @ICTheatreArts.

Dillingham Center accommodates all patrons. Individuals with special needs are asked to contact (607) 274-3224 to request accommodations as soon as possible.

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From day one, Ithaca College prepares students for personal and professional success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, the College is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students and offers over 100 degree programs in its schools of Business, Communications, Humanities and Sciences, Health Science and Human Performance, and Music.