Little Women will be playing at École Secondaire Highwood High School next week.

The play, based on the Louisa May Alcott novel from the late 1860's, will be performed by drama students at Highwood High.

Grade 11 student Saorise Mitchell, playing the lead role of Jo, said they've been rehearsing a lot since the start of the school year.

"We began at the start of September, and we've been doing it at least three times a week and even sometimes on the weekend.

Fellow cast member, grade 10 student Paula Ardelean is playing the matriarch of the family Marmee and she said the play has really allowed her to stretch her acting skills. 

"I'm a 15-year-old who has to be like a 40-year-old, so I have to change my voice, the way I act, the way I speak, sometimes even the way I walk." she shared with a chuckle.

Grade 10 student Ryan Millward, who plays Mr. Lawrence also said that this play has taken a lot of dedication from everyone.

"Previously we only really auditioned once a week and now we have to three times a week. 

Drama teacher Charmaine Ferguson said the students wanted to stretch their acting skills this year.

"Last year we did two comedies and they really wanted to do something dramatic this year."

Ferguson explains why she chose Little Women.

"Usually, we do February or March but because we were going to do it before Christmas, I wanted something that was going to be a family show and something that referenced Christmas in some way so that it was a good holiday show."

On the website link for tickets, it talks about what you can expect.

Join us for a memorable evening filled with laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling. Experience the timeless tale of the March sisters as they navigate love, loss, and the pursuit of their dreams. This in-person event promises to transport you to another world, right in the heart of High River.

And if you're wondering why the play was moved up to December instead of February or March, Ferguson explains.

"Last year we had our show at the beginning of February, right after exam break and it was a lot for the kids to study for exams, some of them writing diploma's and preparing for the play at the same time so we decided to push it forward." 

"I'm so proud of them. They've done such an amazing job especially with a shortened schedule and most of the major characters have been double cast, so I have understudies but because the understudies have worked so hard on their parts I have given them two or three shows each out of seven." 

Dress rehearsal with understudies.Dress rehearsal with understudies.

While the students will be performing seven shows next week only four shows will be available to the public with the original major members cast. 

These shows run December 14th though the 16th at 7 p.m. each evening with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on the Saturday.

Tickets for the shows are $15 each (plus taxes) for adults and can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door. 

The concession will also be open, and you'll need to bring cash for that.

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