Westmont College is set to present a vibrant adaptation of “Little Women,” a beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott, directed by visiting professor Madeline Fanton. Performances will take place at the college’s Porter Theatre on the evenings of February 27-28 and March 6-7, with matinee shows on February 28 and March 7-8.
Fanton, who began her role at Westmont in 2024, reflects on her personal connection to the story. “I fell in love with Jo’s fiery spirit, Meg’s steady heart, Amy’s ambition and Beth’s kindness,” she shared. Her fondness for the narrative stems from her childhood experience with the book, as well as a deep appreciation for the 1994 film adaptation.
The themes explored in “Little Women” remain relevant today, despite the story being set in the 1860s. Fanton notes, “The pains and joys of growing up, navigating love and loss, and figuring out who we want to be — these are universal human experiences.” This adaptation by Kate Hamill diverges from the original text and previous films but retains the core messages that have captured audiences for generations.
As rehearsals progress, Fanton describes the atmosphere as lively and collaborative. “Rehearsals have been full of laughs and high energy; everyone is finding their way into their characters,” she said. Her hope is that the cast will gain a fresh perspective on the characters and the process of reimagining a familiar story.
Fanton, who earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine, a master’s degree from Cal State Northridge, and a doctorate from UC Santa Barbara, previously directed “Poor Clare” at Westmont in 2023. She hopes that audiences will connect with the distinct qualities of each character and reflect on the unique gifts of those in their own lives. “I hope they call their moms, dads and siblings and tell them how much they appreciate them,” she remarked.
Tickets for the show are available at westmont.edu/boxoffice, with prices set at $20 for general admission and $12 for students, seniors, and veterans. For further inquiries, patrons can contact the box office at 805-565-7040.
