SAFE’s Southern Dance and Performing Arts Company to host Little Women Dinner Theatre; meet the cast

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel “Little Women” will be produced by SAFE’s Southern Dance and Performing Arts Company as a dinner theatre event hosted by Harvey’s on Noble, 280 N. Anniston Ave., Sylacauga on July 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, and 17th.

Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid life in Little Women. The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters — Meg, the romantic eldest, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy — live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield. The battles far away, though, are dwarfed by what is happening at home in the lives of those “little women”, and the far more deeply personal battles they face as they grow.

The play is directed by veteran director Patrick McDonald, who, over the last 35 years, has worked with amateur theatres in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Speaking about this show, McDonald said,” This is one of the finest casts I have worked with. The range of acting talent and skill is remarkable, and it proves the depth of talent we have in this area. I hope the audience is inspired by this show, both as spectators, but even more, inspired to explore the depths of their talents.”

“Little Women” will conclude the 2020-2021 season for SDPAC; the new season will begin in October with the musical “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”

Meet the cast of “Little Women.”

Lauren Campbell

Character: Jo (Narrator)

Making her stage debut, Lauren is very excited to perform as the narrating voice of Jo. As this character, Lauren focuses on establishing the scene and helping guide the audience. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, watching films, listening to music, and swimming.

Kandi Haire

Character: Aunt March

Performing as the pompous Aunt March is Kandi Haire. A mother of four and grandmother to seven, Little Women will be Kandi’s first performance with the Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company. Kandi also enjoys baking and singing when not performing or with her grandchildren.

Amber Griffith

Character: Annie Moffat

A ballet dancer for over eight years, this is Amber Griffith’s second performance with the Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company. Previously, Amber has performed in several Dance for Jesus recitals and numerous Christmas and Easter plays at Papertown Baptist Church

Corlee Johnson

Character: Belle Moffat

Although this is her first time on stage with the Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company, Corlee Johnson has also performed previously at her church. In her spare time, Corlee enjoys participating in gymnastics, playing softball, or reading.

Abigail Marshall

Character: Amy (Older)

For the Second Act of the play, the role of Amy March will be played by Abigail Marshall. No stranger to the stage, Abigail has performed in both dance and theatrical productions with the Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company.

Joseph McDonald

Character: John Brooke

A college freshman and accomplished actor, Joseph McDonald will be performing as John Brooke, the tutor to Laurie and love interest of Meg March. No stranger to the stage, Joseph has performed in productions with the Leeds Arts Council, Virginia Samford Theatre, Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre, Sylacauga Community Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the Southern Dance and Performing Arts Company.

Keeghan Messer

Character: Jo

The leading lady, Jo, is played by Keeghan Messer. A high school senior and experienced performer, Keeghan has performed with four different companies in two states over the past 10 years. Keeghan is excited and honored to bring to life Jo March and the adventurous and passionate spirit that defines her.

Rebecca Messer

Character: Sallie Gardener

A recent college graduate Rebecca Messer will be performing as Sallie Gardener. Although this is Rebecca’s first production with the Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company, Rebecca has previously performed on stage with the Laurel Little Theatre and the Sylacauga Community Playhouse.

Alexandra Ricks

Character: Meg

In the role of Meg, the eldest of the four March sisters, is Alexandra Ricks. An experienced performer, Alexandra has danced for over 15 years and acted in three different productions. When not performing, Alexandra volunteers at the Childersburg Pet Clinic, enjoys pet sitting for friends and neighbors, and works to build her modeling career.

Anna Theilacker

Character: Amy (Young)

For the First Act of the show, the role of the young Amy March will be played by Anna Theilacker. An awarded dancer and actress, Anna has performed in productions with the Sylacauga Community Playhouse and the South Dance and Performing Arts Company over the past five years.

Dana Theilacker

Character: Marmee

Marmee, the warm and compassionate mother of the March girls, is played by Dana Theilacker. In addition to performing onstage, Dana is also serving as the production’s wardrobe designer and created all the costumes worn on stage.

Chris Theilacker

Character: Mr. March

As both the Stage Manager and Mr. March, Chris has a significant impact on Little Women. Not only is he performing as the loving father to the four March girls, but also, as the stage manager, is directing the many entrances and exits, set changes, and other backstage movements needed for the onstage magic to run smoothly.

Allison Terrell

Character: Hannah

Hannah, the March’s caring servant, is played by Allison Terrell. A high school student and accomplished athlete, Allision is excited to perform on stage in her second production with the South Dance & Performing Arts Company.

Shaylyn Vick

Character: Beth

Performing as the sweet and demure Beth is Shaylyn Vick. A recent high school graduate, Shaylyn is no stranger to the stage and had performed both as a ballerina and an actress over the past 12 years. Shaylyn also plays piano at the Childersburg Church of God.

Michael Vick

Character: Theodore Lawrence

Playing the charismatic Laurie is Michael Vick. A three-time Dollie Award winner and seasoned actor, Michael is also a talented musician. Currently, Michael is the drummer for the praise team at the Childersburg Church of God.

Icie Wallace

Character: Mrs. Gardener

In the role of the haughty Mrs. Gardener is Icie Wallace. A high school senior and experienced speech and debate competitor, Southern Dance & Performing Arts Company’s Little Women is Icie’s first theatrical performance.

Seating will be limited to 100 per show.  Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance by clicking here or by calling (256) 245-1669. Tickets will not be sold at the door.