It is a joy to watch a play grow from conception to production, and I couldn’t help smiling as I watched an Act I dress rehearsal of Martha Chamberlain’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, “Little Women” at Boothbay Region High School on Monday, Nov. 14.

Well cast by BRHS director Mary Miller, the personality of each March sister is fully realized by each of the four actresses. Ciara Pitcher is excellent as Meg, the eldest, the sister in charge. Meg’s quiet authority and her sense of proper behavior shines throughout Pitcher’s assured delivery. Amy, the ‘pretty’ March sister, has a self-possessed, humorous, coltish energy as played by Natalia Gosselin. Her Amy is a perfect foil for the feisty, independent, bookish sister Josephine “Jo” March.  Emery Lorrain, who plays Beth, does so with sweetness and a touch of light that lends this sister an otherworldly quality.

Sierra Murray, as Jo, has a big job to do on stage. Jo is not only the main character, she is the sister who carries all of the family’s stories within her. Sierra does Jo’s strong personality justice, interacting with each sister in a unique way as she carries the action forward. She spars with Amy, respects Meg’s authority and advice, and lends her strength and tenderness to Beth. One of Jo’s plays is performed within the first act, and all of the actresses do a great job taking the melodrama over the top.

The supporting cast is also strong. ReAnna Heino as Marmee, the mother of the March girls, provides a steady presence. When she is on stage, the play is centered, much as a room would be with a much loved parent present in it. Hayden (Jimmy) Brewer as Laurie adds energy and a touch of fun to the March sisters’ lives. Brooke, played by Zach (Alex) Blackman, may be a foil to Laurie as his tutor, but he holds his own on stage. Mr. Laurence (Wyatt Timberlake), Laurie’s uncle, encourages the shy Beth to pursue her music in a gentle, persistent manner. Maddie McLellan plays Aunt March. Maddie came to the production late, but shows promise of being a match for her gruff character.

 Paulette Carter is costuming the show. At Monday’s rehearsal, period pieces, including top hats, waistcoats, high-button shoes, shawls, gloves, vests, and boots were scattered throughout each scene. The set has been designed with Jo’s little garret on a higher level to the audience’s right. Main stage houses a roomful of colorful period parlor furniture, with Beth’s piano tucked into a quiet corner. Max Hoecker’s lights illuminate the household from parlor to garret.

Director Mary Miller has done an amazing job of bringing to life the huge personalities of the March clan and its supporting cast. The show runs at BRHS in the Mildred McEvoy Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students.