Musical Theatre West Presents 'Little Women: The Musical'
Musical Theatre West (MTW) will present a musical adaptation of 'Little Women' at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center from November 6 to 22, 2026, as part of its 2026 season.
Musical Theatre West (MTW) will present a musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 'Little Women' at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center from November 6 to 22, 2026, as part of its season finale. The production, directed and choreographed by Cate Caplin, features a score by Music Director and Conductor Diane King Vann, and will be performed by a cast including Jenna Lea Rosen as Jo March, Jordan Cruz as Amy, Katie Roche as Meg, and Haven Watts as Beth (Source ID: 1). [1]
Jenna Lea Rosen, who portrays Jo March, has a deep connection to both the story and the theater. She grew up in Orange County and was exposed to theater through performances at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, where she first performed in MTW’s production of 'Annie' at age 12 (Source ID: 1). [1]
Rosen expressed her admiration for the March sisters and their progressive ideals, noting that the story’s themes of hope, family, and pursuing dreams resonate with audiences. She also highlighted the relevance of Jo’s determination and the importance of adapting one’s dreams while staying true to oneself (Source ID: 1). [1]
Rosen has previously portrayed a range of strong female characters in various theatrical productions, including roles in 'The Addams Family,' 'Grease,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'Frozen.' She hopes that through her portrayal of Jo, she can inspire the next generation of young women (Source ID: 1). [1]
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Jenna Lea Rosen, who portrays Jo March in Musical Theatre West's (MTW) upcoming production of 'Little Women: The Musical,' has a profound personal and professional connection to both the story and the theater company. Rosen expressed her admiration for the March sisters and their progressive ideals, noting that the story’s themes of hope, family, and pursuing dreams resonate with audiences (Signal Tribune). [1]
Rosen has a long history with MTW, having performed in the musical 'Annie' when she was 12. She credits her early exposure to theater through shows like 'Cats' and 'Sandlot' at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center as formative experiences that shaped her passion for the stage (Signal Tribune). [1]
Rosen's portrayal of Jo March is particularly meaningful to her, as the character's determination and resilience mirror her own experiences. She has previously played a range of strong female characters in various theatrical productions, including roles in 'The Addams Family,' 'Grease,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and others (Signal Tribune). [1]
Jenna Lea Rosen, who portrays Jo March in Musical Theatre West (MTW)’s upcoming production of 'Little Women: The Musical,' has a long history with MTW, having performed in the musical 'Annie' when she was 12 (Signal Tribune). This early experience with MTW laid the foundation for her enduring relationship with the theater company, which she has described as a vital part of her growing up and learning about theater. Rosen has fond memories of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, where she was exposed to the magic of theater through shows like 'Cats' and 'Sandlot.' [1]
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Rosen's portrayal of Jo March is particularly meaningful to her, as the character's determination and resilience mirror her own experiences (Signal Tribune). Having grown up in her grandmother’s Orange County Song and Dance studio, she has always been drawn to strong female characters and their stories of perseverance. She remembers reading 'Little Women' for school, visiting Alcott’s home in Concord, Massachusetts, and feeling a 'sort of magic in the house.' [1]
Rosen has previously portrayed a range of strong female characters in various theatrical productions, including roles in 'The Addams Family,' 'Grease,' 'Beauty and the Beast,' and 'Frozen' (Signal Tribune). She has also taken on roles in Disney voice acting, including Sofia the First, Alice (of Wonderland), and Vampirina. These experiences have prepared her for the challenges of portraying Jo March, a character who embodies the themes of hope, family, and pursuing dreams. [1]
Sources
Prepared with AI assistance from the cited sources.
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