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JO

Music by William Dyer, Book and Lyrics by Don Parks and William Dyer
Based on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

Westside/Upstairs - Off-Broadway 10 December, 1978 (1 perf)
Orpheum Theatre, Off-Broadway - February 12, 1964 (63 perfs)

Synopsis

The normally pleasant routine of their lives having been disrupted by the privations of the Civil War, the four March sisters are drawn even more closely together by the absence of their father and the need to help their mother maintain their home. They all pitch in, with the exception of the delicate Beth, and earn what money they can to help meet expenses but they are still affected by the mainstream of life and the inescapable call of love and marriage.

The first to strike out on her own is Meg, who marries the man of her choice, and then Jo, the most vivacious and independent of the sisters, is sought out by Laurie, the wealthy and attractive nephew of a neighbour. But Jo, hoping for a writing career and a life of her own, is not yet ready to commit herself. She takes a position as governess with a New York family and submits her stories for publication under an assumed name.

Eventually she has her work published and, at the same time, falls deeply in love with the kindly German tutor who has become her friend and advisor. When she returns home to tell Laurie she cannot marry him she is obliged to stay on by the worsening condition óf Beth and, when her sister dies, Jo remains to help her mother. Meanwhile Amy is treated to a European trip by their rich Aunt March and, while abroad, develops an ever-deepening attachment for Laurie, who is studying there. When they return it is to be married, leaving Jo with only the memory of her lost love to comfort her. But the tutor, Professor Bhaer, has not forsaken her and, when he comes to seek her out, Jo is fulfilled at last and all ends happily with the sound of wedding bells.

Cast:

10 men, 12 women

Musical Numbers

1. Afraid to Fall In Love
2. Castles In the Air
3. Deep In the Bosom of the Family
4. Friendly Polka
5. Genius Burns
6. Harmony, Mass.
7. Hurry Home
8. I Like
9. If You Can Find A True Love
10. Let's Be Elegant or Die
11. Moods
12. More Than Friends
13. Nice As Any Man Can Be
14. Taking the Cure
15. Time Will Be
16. Wedding! A Wedding!
17. What A Long Cold Winter