Little Women the Musical presented by Brown Paper Box Co. at Strawdog Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The Brown Paper Box cast is a dream. Not only can they sing, they portray the affection, joys, frustrations, and hopes of these women with authenticity and rapport. Tessa Dettman is a charismatic Jo with a powerhouse set of pipes, and Kim Green's pouting Amy has the nuance to make the ambitions of the youngest and most overlooked of the sisters understood. Will Kazda is ditzy and fun as their neighbor Laurie. And among the most distinct pleasures of this production is hearing every voice unamplified, accompanied only by a single piano (played by Justin Harner)."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Seeing this classic brought to life is always a treat, especially featuring such a beautiful, heartfelt score. T.J. Anderson and accompanist Justin Harner provide the musical direction for the production. Louisa May Alcott's story has been streamlined here, much like a Readers Digest Condensed version of the original. These are the original American Girls, with lovely Tessa Dettman giving a bright, sincere and multi-layered portrayal of Jo March, and a strong supporting cast to share the story. This modestly produced storefront offering is a fine adaptation of this beloved novel. It offers audiences a gentle reminder of how it's still important to be loving, kind and supportive of one another. "

Rescripted - Recommended

"...For every powerful crying moment in this show, there is a hugging moment that is ten times stronger. That this play seemed saccharine to me on first glance is an indicator of just how sorely needed Little Women is. Not only is it a balm, it's an instruction manual on how to survive tough times."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended

"...To wit, Directors Panek and Stephanie Rohr keep this story moving at breakneck speed, allowing the songs to tell as much of the tale as the dialogue. Moveable steamer trunks stored with props, a few pieces of of suspended wood and just enough period costuming by Meagan Beattie set the stories told from the family attic with fine believability. And while a fuller sound to play this gorgeous score would be wonderful, Justin Harner on solo piano is a bona fide hero of this production, and his skills are so exemplary that audiences don’t feel a single missed beat."

Picture This Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...From this writer's view, the musical itself brings the novel to life, but the production felt at times messy. The aforementioned strengths make this writer think that with time, the show as a whole will also bring this treasured classic novel to the stage in a cleaner way."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...With a star-studded cast and a timeless story, the musical version of "Little Women" should have had a longer 2005 Broadway run and more Tony nods. It is fair to remember that it vies for credibility against one of literature's most beloved works, and there is no way to cram all the intricacies of the novel into a two-act musical. Co-directors M. William Panek and Stephanie Rohr have assembled such a strong cast that the lapses feel minuscule."