'Little Women' opens tonight

Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre's "Little Women, The Broadway Musical” opens tonight and plays through July 31.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, the musical focuses on the March sisters — traditional Meg, the wild aspiring writer Jo, timid Beth and romantic Amy — at home while their father serves as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War.

“Although ‘Little Women’ takes place over 160 years ago, the authenticity of the characters and relationships are the reason this story continues to maintain its popularity and relevance,” said director and choreographer Megan Ruth Smith. "It is easy to imagine each of the characters in today’s world and to find the challenges and personal struggles of the March family relatable.”

Victoria Evans makes her first appearance on the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre stage in the lead role of Jo March. Though young in her acting career, Evans received the Best Performer in a Leading Role award in the Fifth Avenue Theatre Awards two years in a row and was recognized as the fourth-best high school performer in the entire nation in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) presented by the Broadway League Foundation.

This is the second time Evans has performed in the role of Jo March. Kamaluonālani Matthias (Meg) and Chloe Kelly (Amy) are making their Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre debuts. Kelly, a 17-year-old Coeur d’Alene High School senior, has participated in many local theater productions and won numerous state titles in competitive drama.

Ariana Ferch plays the final March sister, Beth. Ferch most recently played the role of Ali in the theater’s season opener, “Mamma Mia!” Ann Benson, a familiar face on local stages and a mezzo-soprano soloist with Inland Northwest Opera, plays the role of Marmee. Kristofer Simmons (Professor Bhaer), Bill Inman (Mr. Laurence), Carson Zoch (Laurie Laurence), Dawn Simmons (Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk) and John Brooke (Jesse Hampsch) round out the “Little Women” cast.

All performances will be held in the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College.

Tickets and info: www.cdasummertheatre.com