The 2023 fall play Little Women opened and closed this past weekend, marking my fifth show of involvement in Nanuet High School, and fifteenth overall. Straight plays often take a back burner to the musicals, and I would be lying if I said that I myself enjoyed them equally. Little Women was only my second experience in a straight play, but easily one of my most crucial of all time.
Taking on the role of portraying a literary giant like Beth March was a difficult feat. Everyone knows her story, and thus her fate: dying of Scarlet Fever. The 2019 Greta Gerwig adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott novel has become a sort of cult classic, alongside all of Gerwig’s films. On a personal note, one of my cousins is quite literally named Beth after my great-aunt’s love for the character of Beth March.
Being tasked to depict my character’s last moments on stage was nothing short of terrifying.
In my time in Nanuet’s theatre program, I have portrayed a high school bully, a branch of a sorority girl trifecta, a kind, elderly juror, and one of Cinderella’s goofy stepsisters. No role I have done before has had quite as much meat and potatoes as Beth March, but regardless, it was incredibly exciting to do something so different.
Beth’s death was beautifully adapted by playwright Scott Davidson, and when reading the scene in callbacks with Nina Zifchak, who would eventually play my sister, Jo, we both cried at its simple truth and beauty.
In the scope of the show, Beth’s death marks a renaissance for Jo, who represents author Louisa May Alcott in a cyclical ending, where it is revealed that the events of the show were written by Jo in her novel. However, the concept of moving on hit very close to home when trying to digest the concept of my quickly-approaching graduation.
Beth claimed that “love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go,” and she has “so much” that she knows “it will make the end easy.” These lines stuck with me from the first moment I read them as it put progression into a new perspective for me. I will not be abandoning all I have when I leave, because the intangible influence of all I have here is just as crucial as the tangible, and that is something that will never go away.
Even besides this, Beth has such a beautiful personality, and we could all benefit from implementing a few of her morals. She mediates her sisters’ fighting and even brings her breakfast to a struggling family. When she and Jo overhear a family gossiping about them, Beth claims it does not bother her, and tries to deescalate Jo. Her own selflessness in caring for other families is what gets her sick in the first place, but I doubt she blamed them for a minute.
Now, we all eagerly await the announcement of the spring musical, but leaving behind Little Women is much more bittersweet than I could have imagined. I give the kindest regards to my director, Ms. Cokeley, who trusted me with such a delicate and important role and moment. I am beyond grateful for all the praise I have gotten on my performance, which just makes my satisfying experience even more touching. I have so much love for all the cast and crew that worked on this production, and everyone who was able to share this experience with me.
Because of this production, I truly have a changed outlook on both the fate of seniors and my theatre experience and ability. I urge everyone to take a note from Beth, and appreciate the little things with kindness and selflessness.