Jo (musical)
Jo – the Little Women Musical is a musical with music by Dan Redfeld and book and lyrics by Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej. The show focuses on Jo March, a central character from Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women, and her hope to be a voice of her generation, after the passing of her sister Beth.[1]
Production history
In August 2021 a first reading of the show starred Jenna Lea Rosen as Jo March.[2] Following more work, a first video of the song "Fly Away" was released in 2022, featuring Rosen.[3]
A selection of songs from the show, then titled Little Women, a New Musical, was presented in 2023 in a series of concerts across the US, from Los Angeles to New York. The presentation at 54 Below in New York on 24 April 2023 starred Rosen as Jo, Julia Murney as Marmee and Ann Harada.[4]
Before its world premiere in London as a semi-staged production in 2025, the show was recorded as a concept album at Abbey Road Studios.[5] Christine Allado starred as Jo March, Rob Houchen played Laurie Laurence, Laura Benanti was Marmee March and Julian Ovenden was Father.[6]
Musical numbers
The songs listed below were performed at 54 Below in April 2023:
- Prelude – Jo March
- The Pickwick Portfolio – Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg March
- Journey – Jo
- The Simple Truth – Meg March
- (A World of) Dreams & Figments – Amy March
- Little Women - Marmee, Meg, Beth and Jo
- An Ode on Aunt March's Urn – Aunt March and Amy
- The Life We'll Know – Laurie
- Fly Away – Jo
- The Tales That I Tell -– Jo
- A Friend Like You – Jo and Professor Bhaer
- Between The Earth and Sky – Marmee
- When Night time Falls – Jo and Professor Bhaer
- My Captive Heart – Laurie and Amy
- Moments – Beth
- In The Darkest Midnight – Professor Bhaer
- This is Our Story – Jo
Cast and characters
| Character | 54 Below (2023) | Studio Album (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Jo March | Jenna Lea Rosen | Christine Allado |
| Marmee March | Julia Murney | Laura Benanti |
| Father | - | Julian Ovenden |
| Laurie Laurence | Bradley Gibson | Rob Houchen |
| Meg March | Amanda Drewes
Sara Jean Ford |
Kelly Mathieson |
| Beth March | Miyuki Miyagi | Eleanor Grant |
| Amy March | Sophie Pollono | Sophie Pollono |
| Professor Bhaer | Chris Mann | Chris Mann |
| John Brooke | - | Liam Tamne |
| Aunt March | Barbara Carlton Heart | Christine Ebersole |
| Sallie Gardiner | - | Miyuki Miyagi |
| Fred Vaughn | - | Tobias Turley |
| Grandfather | - | Bob Gunton |
References
- ^ "Jo – The Little Women Musical': Will you have the courage to write your own story?". Jo – The Little Women Musical. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ Soltes, John (April 16, 2023). "Interview: New musical adaptation of Little Women set for 54 Below". Hollywood Soapbox. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Listen To Jenna Lea Rosen Perform "Fly Away" From the Musical Little Women | Trevor Decker News". November 18, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Little Women: A New Musical, feat. Julia Murney, Jenna Lea Rosen, Kyla Stone, & more!". 54 Below. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Premiere of Jo – The Little Women Musical announced". West End Best Friend. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Jo – The Little Women Musical sets cast recording release date and reveals further details". April 3, 2025. Retrieved April 13, 2025.