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It was several days before Christmas. The sisters sat around the parlor and grumbled about their fate. Meg, the oldest and most romantic, said “It’s not fair some girls have pretty things while we have nothing.” “It won't be Christmas without presents,” said Amy, with her usual pout. “And we haven’t got father to read to us,” said Jo, who yearned to travel and write great books. Only Beth,, sitting contended, said, in a tone so sweet even angels would’ve listened, But we’ve got each other.”

Hanover College Theatre

presents

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MUSIC BY

Jason Howland

lyrics BY

mindi dickstein

Book BY

Alan Knee

Based on the novel by

Louisa May Alcott

Directed and Staged by

Gabriel Vanover

March 15 - 24, 2024

LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

Director’s Note

Welcome to Little Women: The Musical and the final production of our 2023-24 season, Old Stories in New Light. Each production this season explored familiar stories in unique and exciting ways. In the fall, our production of The Woods explored the American fable of The Wizard of Oz by bringing the story of the Tinman to life, while Everybody thrusted the 15th-century morality play Everyman well into the modern world.


Little Women, which marks our eleventh consecutive sold-out production, breathes song into the classic American novel and is Hanover’s first full-length musical in almost a quarter century. When I mentioned that we might do Little Women, some were skeptical. “Is that something Hanover can pull off?” I understand why they might feel that way, since musicals require a considerable amount of time, resources, dedication, and well, talent. But as you’re about to find out, Hanover students have no deficits in those last two areas! Students from multiple disciplines, and with a variety of theatre experiences, have pooled their talents together and it is only because of their dedication that this production is even possible.


I have a bad habit of picking up a book, reading the final sentence, and then deciding if I want to read the entire thing. When I decided to direct Little Women I went to the local bookstore, picked up a copy of Alcott’s novel and thumbed to the final page of a chapter titled “Harvest Time,” in which Marmee March and her family gather on a beautiful autumn day to enjoy each other’s company.


“Touched to the heart, Mrs. March could only stretch out her arms, as if to gather children to herself, and say, with face and voice full of love, gratitude, and humility - ’...however long you may live, I never can wish you a

greater happiness than this!’”


As I watched our final dress rehearsal, seeing all the work of the last two months come together, I couldn’t help but feel like Marmee - full of love and gratitude for this cast and crew, and humility in knowing that I’ve been able to play a small part in their time at Hanover. And as I sat alone in the dark theatre, with a smile on my face (and a tear in my eye), I could never wish each of them a greater happiness than that!

Best,

Director, Little Women: The Musical

Assistant Professor and Chair of Theatre

Louisa May Alcott: At a glance

by Jennifer Schmidt, Dramaturg

"I will do something by and by. Don’t care what, teach, sew, act, write, anything to help the family; and I’ll be rich and famous and happy before I die, see if I won’t!"

Louisa May Alcott

Born on November 29, 1832 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Louisa shared a birthday with her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, and they nearly shared a death date. Louisa died just two days after her father on March 6, 1888. Louisa and her sisters grew up in New England among the community of transcendentalist writers and thinkers that included Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and her father, Bronson Alcott, who possessed “no gift for making money” as Louisa once phrased it in a letter. Because he was more interested in spiritual and intellectual pursuits than material concerns, the family was often in dire financial straits. Ralph Waldo Emerson was known to slip “money under books or behind a cushion” to help them out without hurting their pride.



















With a philosopher as a father, Louisa grew up in an environment that lacked stability. The family’s poverty and her father’s desire to keep a highly restrictive diet meant that Louisa had periods of malnourishment as a child, but her home was also an environment that nourished Louisa’s curiosity and ambition. Like Jo in Little Women, she was the second of four daughters, and Louisa’s


Orchard House, the Alcott family house that served as inspiration for the March family home.

parents ensured that all four girls received a rigorous education. They welcomed and encouraged Louisa’s literary career, an unusual attitude for the time.

From a young age, Louisa took work outside the home to help support her family. She worked as a teacher, companion, seamstress, and served as a nurse during the Civil War. She also worked tirelessly to support her family through her writing. Before writing Little Women, she published several poems, short stories, and two novels, as well as a few sensational gothic thrillers under a pseudonym. In 1867, the publisher Thomas Niles asked her if she would write a “girls’ book.” Alcott wasn’t sure about the idea, writing in her journal that she “never liked girls or knew many, except my sisters.” But with her decision to write a novel based on her sisters’ lives, Alcott found immediate success, helped invent a new literary genre, and linked her name eternally with the title, Little Women.

Portrait of Alcott, 1870

Sources


How Louisa May Alcott revolutionized the ‘book for girls’ with Little Women,” Library of America, 21 March 2016,

Accessed 6 January 2024.


Rioux, Anne Boyd. Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: the Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters. Norton, 2018.


Sbardella, Amaranta. “Before writing ‘Little Women,’ Louisa May Alcott penned ‘blood and thunder’,” National Geographic, 3 Dec. 2021, Accessed 6 January 2024.


Sterne, Madeleine. “Introduction.” Behind a Mask: The Unknown Thrillers of Louisa May Alcott. Edited by Madeleine B Stern, Perennial-Harper Collins, 2004.

Welcome to The Other Place!

Due to the configuration of the space, we kindly ask that you remain in your seats throughout the performance. If you must exit, you won't be able to reenter until intermission or after the performance.

Please ensure your cell phone and all other electronic devices are shut off before the performance. Use of these devices, including for texting, is prohibited. Photography, videography, or the recording of this production by any means is strictly prohibited by copyright laws.

The performers and technical staff use the aisles throughout the performance.

Please keep the aisle ways clear of legs and personal items at all times.

In case of an emergency, please exit the theatre in the same way you entered, or follow the instructions of our trained house management staff.

Please know this production uses a strobe light effect at the

beginning of each act.

No camera
No phone sign
No Food Icon

Runs approximately 2.5 hours,

including one 15-minute intermission

CAST, Crew, and Creatives

CASt

In order of appearance

Professor Bhaer..........................................................................................................Tanner Brown

Jo March...................................................................................................................Kamryn Simpson

Amy March......................................................................................................................Lana Wooley

Meg March....................................................................................................................Piper Williams

Beth March............................................................................................................Evie Montgomery

Marmee March...............................................................................................................Sarah White

Mr. Laurence.................................................................................................................Colton Auxier

Theodore “Laurie” Laurence................................................................................Eddie Gawlik

Aunt March....................................................................................................................Lio Wilkerson

Mr. John Brooke..................................................................................................................Max Bowe

Mrs. Kirke............................................................................................................................Sofia Flores


In the “Operatic Tragedies”

Clarissa..............................................................................................................................Ceci McBride

Braxton.......................................................................................................................................Max Bowe

Rodrigo................................................................................................................................Eddie Gawlik

Hag..........................................................................................................................................Sarah White

Troll...............................................................................................................................Xandra Ellegood

Knight.................................................................................................................................Colton Auxier

Rodrigo II..................................................................................................................Stephanie Dolan


CREW

Production Stage Manager.......................................................................................Mamie Long

Sound Engineer.....................................................................................................Christian Bowyer

Audio Technician..................................................................................................Allison Swincher

Light Board Operator..............................................................Sam Osbourne, Lukas Smith

Wardrobe............................................................................................................................Creek Arthur

Run Crew....................................................................................Alyssa Hartman, Anne Vaughn

House Manager...................................................................................................................Raj Sharma

Scenic Construction..........................Sarah White, Alyssa Hartman, Anne Vaughn

Costuming Assistant...................................................................................................Creek Arthur


Creatives

Director.......................................................................................................................Gabriel Vanover

Music Direction.......................................................................Gabriel Vanover, Cathy Ryan

Dramaturg................................................................................................................Jennifer Schmidt

Choreography/Musical Staging.................................................................Gabriel Vanover

Scenic Design.......................................................................................................Christian Bowyer

Scenic Dressing....................................................................................................Gabriel Vanover

Lighting Design....................................................................................................Christian Bowyer

Costume Design..............................................................................................................Cathy Ryan

Hair and Wig Design...........................................................................Jocelen Barnett Smith

Properties Design....................................................Gabriel Vanover, Christian Bowyer

Fight Choreography...........................................................................................Gabriel Vanover

Dance Captain...........................................................................................................Piper Williams

Poster, Program, and Publicity Design.................................................Gabriel Vanover

Scenes and musical Numbers

ACT I

Scene 1: New York | Mrs. Kirke’s Boarding House | January 1866

Overture

“An Operatic Tragedy”.......................................................Jo, Clarissa, Braxton, Rodrigo

“Better”.........................................................................................................................................................Jo


Scene 2: Concord | The March Family Home | Christmas Eve 1863

“Our Finest Dreams”....................................................................................Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy

“Here Alone”...............................................................................................................................Marmee


Scene 3: Concord | Aunt March’s House | January 1864

“Could You?”...............................................................................................................Aunt March, Jo


Scene 4: Concord | The March Family Home | February 14, 1864

Delighted”................................................................................................Marmee, Meg, Jo, Beth


Scene 5: Concord | The Valentine’s Ball | Later the Same Night

“Take A Chance on Me”..........................................................................................................Laurie


SCENE 6: Concord | The March Family Home | After the Ball

“Better - Reprise”...................................................................................................................................Jo


Scene 7: Concord | The March Family Home | March 1864

“Off to Massachusetts”..............................................................................Beth, Mr. Laurence

“Five Forever”.................................................................................Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy, Laurie


Scene 8: CONCORD | THE MARCH FAMILY HOME | February 1865

“More Than I Am”............................................................................................John Brooke, Meg


Scene 9: CONCORD | Jo’s ATTIC | May 1865

“Take A Chance on Me - Reprise”...................................................................................Laurie

“Astonishing”............................................................................................................................................Jo


Intermission


Act II


Scene 1: New York | Mrs. Kirke’s Boarding House | June 1866

Entr’Acte

“Weekly Volcano Press”......................................................................................Full Company


Scene 2: CONCORD | The March Family Home | July 1866

“Off to Massachusetts - Reprise”................................Beth, Mr. Laurence, Marmee,

Meg, John Brooke


Scene 3: New York | Mrs. Kirke’s Boarding House | July 1866

“How I Am”...............................................................................................................Professor Bhaer


Scene 4: Cape Cod | September 1866

“Somethings Are Meant to Be”.....................................................................................Beth, Jo


Scene 5: Concord | The March Family Home | December 1866

“The Most Amazing Thing”......................................................................................Amy, Laurie


Scene 6: Concord | Jo’s Attic | Christmas Eve 1866

“Days of Plenty”.......................................................................................................................Marmee

“The Fire Within Me”..........................................................................................................................Jo


Scene 7: Concord | The March Family Home | April 1867

“Small Umbrella in the Rain”................................................................Professor Bhaer, Jo

“Finale”..........................................................................................................................................................Jo

Bows

calligraphic flourish

Little Women:

by the Numbers

2,000

The first part of Little Women is published and is an instant success. The first print run of 2,000 copies sells out within two weeks.

2

The number of sequels Alcott wrote to Little Women (titled Little Men and Jo’s Boys).

6

The number of feature film adaptations: 2 lost silent films from 1917 and 1918, the 1933 film starring Katherine Hepburn, the 1949 film with Elizabeth Taylor as Amy, the 1994 film starring Winona Ryder, and the 2019 film directed by Greta Gerwig.

12

The number of adaptations for television, including 2 Japanese

anime series.

1000

By New Year’s Day, just four months after the publication of Part 1, Alcott wrote the second part of Little Women and sent it to her publisher. When the book was ready for print, it received tens of thousands of orders. Her publisher declared it the “triumph of the century” and sent Louisa home with a check for $1,000. To the present day, Little Women has never gone out of print.

4

The number of major stage adaptations: the hit 1912 Broadway play by Marian de Forest, the 1969 ballet, the 1998 opera composed by Mark Adamo, and

the 2005 Broadway musical.

50

The number of languages Little Women has been translated into.

The number of copies sold by the time of Alcott’s death in 1888. She had earned over $200,000 in royalties.

1 MILLION

10 MILLION

The estimated total number of copies of Little Women sold.

Company Bios

CREEK ARTHUR ‘26 (Wardrobe Head and Costuming Assistant) is from Greenwood, Indiana, and is studying studying geology and history. Their other involvement with Hanover College Theater includes roles as Greta Bamberg and Schuppanzigh in Black Comedy and Stuff in Everybody. They also served on the wardrobe crew for Playhouse Creatures (in which they were also the student dramaturg), Sylvia, and The Woods. Outside of theater, Creek is the president of the Hanover History Club, historian for Love Out Loud and Hanover Royalty, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. They want to thank their friends, their professors, and the other Thetas for their endless support.


COLTON AUXIER ‘26 (Mr. Laurence/Knight) is a creative writing and theatre double major and is the President of the D&D/TableTop Club and French Club, as well as the Vice President for Horror Club, Anime Club, and Sci/Fi Fantasy Club. In April 2023 they authored, edited, translated, and self-published a book, which has sold over 230 copies internationally.


JOCELEN BARNETT SMITH (Wig and Hair Design) is a Denver based designer whose recent credits include Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Arvada Center), Dreamgirls (Lone Tree Arts Center), Steel Magnolias (Theatreworks CS), and In The Heights (The Fine Arts Center). She is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued love and support. @wigheadswillroll


MAX BOWE ‘24 (John Brooke/Braxton) is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is graduating this year with a BA in Computer Science. Max is a member of Hanover's Chi Chapter of Sigma Chi and has previously appeared in last fall's production of The Woods. Max likes to spend vast quantities of time playing Fortnite with his fraternity brothers and listening to Pink Floyd in the shower. After his time in Hanover, Max hopes to find a job in the software development field. He would like to thank his grandparents, brother, girlfriend Kamryn (who plays Jo March), as well as his fellow cast members for an extremely entertaining production.


TANNER BROWN ‘25 (Professor Bhaer) is from Carlisle, Ohio, and is studying Classics with a focus in archeology. Other theatre credits include Dr. Jekyll in Jekyll & Hyde, Jack Kelly in Newsies, and Nick in The Woods. He is involved in a multitude of things on campus including being a First Year Peer Advisor, a student ambassador, and the President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. After Hanover College, Tanner hopes to get into a PhD program for classical Archeology. He wants to send his thanks to Gabe Vanover for always being an amazing support system to him and many other students.


STEPHANIE DOLAN ‘25 (Maid/Rodrigo II) is originally from Louisville, KY. She is a junior biology major and a theater minor. Previously, she has been in Sense and Sensibility, and she is excited to be part of Hanover Theatre again! When not at rehearsal, she is going to Kappa Alpha Theta events, volunteering at the animal clinic, and watching Grey’s Anatomy. After graduation, she plans to pursue a DVM at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is grateful for the support of her family and sorority sisters.


XANDRA ELLEGOOD ‘27 (Troll) is from Nashville, Indiana, and is majoring in theatre and geology. Other theatre credits include Rusty in Footloose, Sydney Summers in Ranked the Musical, and Nimmie in The Woods. Outside of theatre, you may find her around campus singing with the choral ensembles in concerts, hanging out with her sisters of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, playing Ultimate Frisbee on the Quad or in Horner’s Struck Gym, or studying in the Under Ground. As this is her premier season, this will be her third show here at Hanover and hopes to perform more throughout her college experience with Hanover Theatre.


SOFIA FLORES ‘27 (Mrs. Kirke/Maid) is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and is enjoying her first year at Hanover as a freshman! She hopes to double major in psychology and theatre, and is now a new and proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Besides theater, Sofia is involved in various clubs, four of which she's on the exec board, including Horror Club, Dance Club, Hanover Royalty, Evil Petting Zoo, and many more. Outside of school, she can be found playing hand pool in the WAC, driving to Madison with friends, and on the quad playing ultimate frisbee. Sofia is looking forward to continuing her theater career for the next three years!


EDDIE GAWLIK ‘26 (Theodore “Laurie” Laurence/Rodrigo) is originally from Michigan but recently moved to Noblesville, Indiana, and at Hanover is studying philosophy and business and is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity as the Mental Health Chairman. Eddie has done theatre since the 5th grade, staring in shows such as Disaster: The Musical as Maury to the Wizard of Oz as the Lion. Outside of class, you can find him working at the Red Roaster in Madison or singing some sort of pop song. Eddie is grateful for the opportunity to play Laurie as his first role in Hanover Theatre and the amazing friendships he has been able to make during the rehearsal process.


ALLYSA HARTMAN ‘27 (Run Crew, Scenic Construction) is a biology/psychology double major and on the pre medicine track. She is from Kentucky. In the past, she has been on crew for Almost, Maine; The Addams Family; The Little Mermaid; Radium Girls; The Sound of Music; and a different production of Little Women. Outside of theater and dreams of medical innovation, it is her life’s mission to pet every dog in existence. She has three dogs of her own: Charlie, Stella, and Scout. She hopes you enjoy the show!


MAMIE LONG ‘26 (Production Stage Manager) is from Pendleton, Indiana, and is studying Economics and Political Science at Hanover. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Lambda Delta. When not preoccupied with Bertram and Bean, her guinea pig and cat, she returns home to work with students in a special education classroom. Mamie was an active member in her high school theatre program where she was inducted as an Indiana Thespian. At Hanover, she has been on the stage management team for Black Comedy, Sylvia, The Woods, and Everybody. She hopes to further her education by attending law school. She would like to thank Gabe for putting up with her bad jokes and excessive use of the ‘thumbs-up’ sign.


CECI McBRIDE ‘27 (Clarissa) is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and studies Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology at Hanover College where she is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity. Other theatre credits include Lucy Van Pelt in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Maria in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, and Penny Sycamore in You Can’t Take it With You. Outside of Hanover Theatre, Ceci is a member of Hanover College’s concert choir. She also enjoys hiking, thrifting, or studying in the Underground. Special thanks to her family, her cast-mates, and to Gabe for making her first musical at Hanover so memorable!


EVIE MONTGOMERY ‘27 (Beth March) is double majoring in German and Music and a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was previously in ensemble for Rodgers’ and Hammerstein's Carousel and Oklahoma! She is also involved in choir and German Club. After graduation, she hopes to move onto graduate school, studying linguistics and/or vocal performance.


SAM OSBOURNE ‘26 (Light Board Operator) is originally from Brownsburg, Indiana, and is studying elementary education at Hanover. This is her first time getting involved in theatre. Outside of the theatre, you can find her playing softball, substitute teaching, or spending her money on unnecessary things. She is super excited to get started and meet new people!


CATHY E. RYAN (Costume Designer, Assistant Music Director) has long been active in the Kentuckiana theater scene. She and her husband, Richard Ryan are retired in Sellersburg, Indiana; she from school administration and he from sales. Cathy is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington with BM, MS, and EDS degrees. She spent over 35 years as a school administrator, as well as a choir, band and music teacher, and has directed, music directed, costumed, or performed in well over 75 productions during the last 45 years in this area. She currently serves on the staff of the Derby Dinner Playhouse costuming team and works part-time at Back on the Rack Consignment in Jeffersonville. Her time at Hanover College has spanned only a couple years, but her experience here has been very rewarding. Her next adventure will be starring with her husband on the stage at the Henry Clay in Louisville in a world premiere of Tangled Webs, a soap opera musical produced by Bunbury Theatre. Trivia Time: Cathy once served as the assistant principal of Southwestern High School right here in Hanover!


JENNIFER SCHMIDT (Dramaturg) is a theater maker, scholar, and teacher. She is Assistant Professor of Theatre at Hanover College, where her directing credits include Everybody, Playhouse Creatures, Black Comedy, and Proof. Before coming to Hanover, she studied Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism at the Yale School of Drama, where her dramaturgy credits included Hedda Gabler, Dutchman, and Two Gentlemen of Verona. In addition to dramaturgy and directing, Jenny enjoys dipping her toes into many other pools of creative expression including music and photography. Thank you to Gabe, the cast and crew, and Louisa May Alcott for bringing the March women to life and making their voices sing!


RAJ SHARMA ‘25 (House Manager) is originally from Nepal and is a psychology major at Hanover College. At Hanover he has played the roles of Mr. Paravicini in The Mousetrap, Doctor and Servant in Sense and Sensibility, Harold Gorringe in Black Comedy, and Cousin in Everybody. Outside of the theatre, you can find him giving tours around campus, involved in student organizations like the student senate, going on walks, and playing ultimate frisbee! Next year, he plans to be very involved in theatre. He would like to thank Gabriel Vanover for allowing him to be a part of the show in some capacity.


KAMRYN SIMPSON ‘24 (Jo March) is from Evansville, Indiana, and is studying psychology and biology. She has enjoyed her leadership positions in Kappa Alpha Theta, being a research assistant in the psychology department, and spending time with her dog, Meadow! Previous shows at Hanover include Sense and Sensibility and The Woods, and she has worked for a non-profit theatre organization teaching musical theatre classes to children for the past six years. Special thanks to her father and grandmother for supporting her musical endeavors throughout her life, and the cast of Little Women, Gabe, Jenny, and the crew for supporting her growth throughout her time at Hanover.


ALLISON SWINCHER ‘27 (Audio Technician, Run Crew) is originally from Knightstown, Indiana, and is studying music at Hanover, and is active in the concert band and concert choir. This is Allison’s first year doing tech; previously she has done acting here at Hanover and in high school, where she starred as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, as well as starring in multiple other plays and musicals. When Allison isn’t doing music or theater, she is either getting overpriced coffee, or playing frisbee on the Quad. After Hanover Allison plans on pursuing a career in Music Education. Allison wants to thank everyone in the cast for being so friendly and supportive! Go Panthers!


GABRIEL VANOVER (Director, Choreographer, Music Director) is a theatre practitioner who works as an actor, director, and teaching artist. He is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast and Texas Tech University, where he earned his MFA in Theatre Performance and Pedagogy. At TTU his acting and directing work was recognized by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and he received the Helen DeVitt Jones Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching. Favorite acting credits include Mrs. Trunchbull (Matilda), Edna (Hairspray), Mister Paradise (Mister Paradise), Norman (The Boys Next Door), Polonius (Hamlet) and Pozzo (Waiting for Godot). Recent directing projects include Eurydice, A Doll’s House: Part II, A Year with Frog and Toad, The Mousetrap, Mamma Mia!, The Drowsy Chaperone, Blindness, Sylvia, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (BroadwayWorld Nomination - Best Director, Choreographer, and Musical), The Woods, and Bright Star (BroadwayWorld Nomination - Best Director, Choreographer, and Musical). Thanks to this wonderful cast, crew, and creative team for all their work on making this beautiful production, and to YOU for supporting the arts Hanover College!


ANNE VAUGHN ‘27 (Run Crew, Scenic Construction Crew) is studying Elementary Education at Hanover and has worked on crew for the productions of The Woods, Everybody, and now Little Women. When not working on theater you can find her skiing with her family, golfing with her dad, spending time with friends, or helping advocate for students’ accessibility around campus as an executive in the Accessibility Club. After college she plans to be an elementary school teacher in one of her previous schools.


SARAH WHITE ‘24 (Marmee March/Hag, Technical Theatre Assistant) is a psychology major and member of both Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Lambda Delta on campus. Other theatre credits include Snail in A Year with Frog and Toad, Doll Common in Playhouse Creatures, and Mrs. Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility. She has also had the opportunity to assist with technical theatre and building sets, and would like to thank Christian Bowyer for everything he’s taught her the past three years, both about theatre and life. Sarah is forever thankful for the support of her family, friends, and the casts and crews of all the shows she’s been a part of at Hanover.


LIO WILKERSON ‘27 (Aunt March) is from Georgetown, Kentucky, and is studying theater and philosophy at Hanover College. Other theater credits include Janis in Mean Girls, Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach, and Everybody in Everybody. Outside of theater you can find them drawing, sewing, or doing anything creative. After graduation, they are thinking of going to grad school to continue their education. They would like to thank mom and dad for always being supportive and a thanks to this cast for being the very best that they could've been.


PIPER WILLIAMS ‘24 (Meg March, Dance Captain) Piper Williams is a senior from Carmel, Indiana, studying elementary education with a theatre minor. Performing since the age of five, her love for theatre is evident whether part of a cast, crew, or student directing. She has been involved with ten Hanover College productions since her freshmen year, even when that meant being six feet apart and in masks! Some of her favorite roles here include Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap and Rebecca Marshall in Playhouse Creatures. Thank you to Gabe and Jenny for providing the opportunities to continue to learn and grow, and her favorite memories.


LANA WOOLEY ‘26 (Amy March) is a sophomore at Hanover majoring in creative writing, with hopes to attend graduate school for film. She is from Plainfield, Indiana, where she acted in nine high school productions. She continues to pursue extracurricular theatre in college, her recent credits including Elizabeth Farley in Playhouse Creatures and Understanding in Everybody. In her free time, she tends to listen to music, curl up to movies, and spend time with her loved ones. She wants to thank her family, her boyfriend, and her friends at Hanover for supporting her pursuit of theatre and making this performance possible.

Congratulations to Our Seniors!

While some of them have been involved in theatre since the first day they stepped on to campus, and others waited until their senior years to get involved, what remains the same is how thankful we are that they shared their talents with Hanover College Theatre. Collectively they’ve worked on 27 productions during their time at Hanover, including digital productions during the pandemic, immersive and original pieces, and Hanover’s first musical in two decades. They’ve appeared on stage, worked behind the scenes, kept our productions on track as assistant directors and stage managers, and welcomed audiences to The Other Place as house managers. They’ve grown as artists, as scholars, and as people — all testaments to Hanover and the transformative power of theatre!


We’re so proud to have shared our stage with each of them during this time of their lives and can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their next act.

Piper Williams

Sarah White

Kamryn Simpson

Max bowe

Hanover College Theatre presents

Classic Flourish Divider

Meg, Jo, Beth & Amy


Exploring the World of Little Women

Classic Flourish Divider

Featuring a panel discussion with Hanover faculty, Melissa Eden, Steve Jobe, and Sarah McNair Vosmeier, and readings from the novel by the cast of Little Women: The Musical!

March 20, 2024 | 7:00PM | The Other Place

Why the digital program?

For many years, Hanover College has been focused on sustainability and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives and efforts. The College community, including students and employees, have built and implemented sustainable practices that have made a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in all aspects of campus life. The Department of Theatre has its own sustainability practices, including an extensive recycle, reuse, and reclaim process for our scenic, costume, and property designs. With the recent increase in printing costs (they’ve tripled in the last year alone), the department made the decision to move to digital programs. Doing so is both fiscally and environmentally responsible, as well as equitable since our digital programs can be viewed by screenreader used by visually impaired individuals, as well as translated to hundreds of languages instantly!


Thank you for supporting this effort!

Are you a high school student ready to explore

the next stage of your life?


With plenty of opportunities on stage and off, competitive scholarships, iconic study abroad courses, and a curriculum that is tailored to each student's goals and interests, the Department of Theatre is the home of students who create, explore, imagine, and entertain at Hanover College.


Visit hanover.edu/theatre to learn how you can take center stage with Hanover College Theatre.

Black Gradient Rectangle

special THANKS

Hanover College Theatre wishes to thank the following indiviudals, businesses, and organizations for their support of this production:


Dr. Lake Lambert, Dr. Carey Adams, Dr. Ken Prince, Rebekkah Meixner-Hanks, Myles Bond, IU Southeast Theatre Department, Derby Dinner Playhouse,

The House of Jane, and The Cold Mountain Theatre Company

Hanover College Theatre - circa 1895

For over a century, the Department of Theatre has challenged students and audiences alike by presenting new ideas and different worlds onstage. Help keep Hanover College Theatre's rich tradition of providing transformative opportunities and excellent productions strong by making a gift today.


To learn more about how you can support Hanover College Theatre, tap here. Be sure to direct your support to the Hanover Theatre Gift Fund!

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