A group that has been active for more than a century, a classic story, and two of the hottest actresses in Tokyo right now. Also, my friend Ann Jenkins is the aunt, Josephine March for whom Jo is named. She has promised not to make AUnt March too scary for the little ones. Tokyo International Players presents Little Women December 4-7, 2014. Japanese audio translation is available for a limited number of patrons, but other than that, the show is all in English! Tickets are available in advance at their website.

Here is their press release:

Tokyo International Players (TIP) presents LITTLE WOMEN, A Stage Play, adapted for the stage and directed by Alysha Haran. This will be the world premiere of this adaptation of the classic tale based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War in 1861, LITTLE WOMEN follows the story of the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, through their trials and tribulations as they navigate what it means to be a family. The play includes all the memorable characters, Marmee, Hannah, and Laurie, as well as a host of suitors over a period of four years. At Echo Ebisu Theater (Ebisu Station on the Hibiya Line), Thursday, December 4th and Friday, December 5th at 7pm; Saturday, December 6th at 1pm and 7pm; and Sunday, December 7th at 3pm. Tickets are 4,000 yen with advance reservation, 4,500 yen at the door. Japanese audio translation (earpiece rental) will be available. Visit www.tokyoplayers.org to reserve tickets.

Tokyo International Players (TIP) is proud to present a world premier event, an original adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN, A Stage Play, adapted for the stage and directed by Alysha Haran. This classic tale follows the trials and tribulations of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate their teenage years during the American Civil War in 1861. Each sister has her own challenge and obstacle to face: Meg, the eldest, settles for a simple love, while Jo has to manage her temper and ambition of becoming a great writer. Beth, the shy, musical girl, finds her fragile voice as important as her sisters’, and Amy, the baby, makes a great sacrifice to become a “little woman.” Along the way, they encounter many friends, joining forces with the neighbour’s boy, Laurie, who falls in love with Jo. His tutor, John Brooke, captures the heart of Meg, while old Mr. Laurence grants Beth a magical gift. The little orchard in Concord, Massachusetts is also home to Marmee, Father, Hannah the beloved housekeeper, Aunt March, Sallie, and Belle and a whole host of friends and companions.

Eventually, Jo’s ambitions catch hold and she moves to New York, where she stays at a boarding house run by her mother’s friend, Mrs. Kirke. There, a bohemian spirit ensues and her eyes are opened to a whole new set of artists, philosophers, and friends, including Sophie and Professor Bhaer. The contrast to her little home inspires her to write once more, so she may remember the precious moments with her beloved family. Eventually, she returns a changed woman, able to appreciate the happy memories as well as the bitter ones that have shaped her into a successful writer.

The impressive cast includes TIP veterans Hannah Grace (most recently seen as Scott Sensei in the morning NHK drama Hanako to Anne) as Jo, Laura Moran (Svetlana in CHESS) as Meg, Ann Jenkins as Aunt March, Sarah Macdonald (currently appearing on Tokoro-san no Nippon no Deban Tuesdays on TBS) as Amy, and many others. The show also welcomes new stars of all ages in their debut performances! 

Founded in 1896, TIP is a theatrical organisation comprised primarily of the Tokyo foreign community, which provides quality English-language entertainment for international audiences.

Show Times

Thursday, December 4th, 7:00PM

Friday, December 5th, 7:00PM

Saturday, December 6th, 1:00PM (followed by a Director’s Talk) and 7:00PM

Sunday, December 7th, 3:00PM

Tickets available on our website: 

Advance Reservations: 4,000 yen

At the Door: 4,500 yen

Students: 2,500 yen

Venue:

Ebisu Echo Theatre

If you cannot make it for this production, don’t worry! Their spring production is The Secret Garden and will feature a Tony-award-winning set designer.