| Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...At Forest Park's Circle Theatre, director-designer Bob Knuth has collaborated with Rani Blair-O'Brien on a new stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." This "play with music" (and it contains far too little of the latter) is serviceable but hardly inspired. And watching the production -- which is only on a decent college level -- I kept wondering why Circle, which invariably excels at full-fledged musicals, didn't stage the beautiful 2005 Broadway show that proved a major hit at Marriott Theatre a few seasons back."
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Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...
Kieran Welsh-Phillips stands out as Jo, the tomboy sister who grows with each family trial, while Laura McClain shines as the prim, fragile Meg. Jeremy Myers livens up the action as the affably quirky neighbor Laurie, and the soulful Anita Hoffman seems to soothe everyone in her presence as the stoic matriarch, Marmee. The script presents some problematic leaps in time (including the fastest offstage lake accident and rescue ever), and the cast isn’t always believable during the tragic moments. But Circle’s Little Women makes for an effective family offering during another wartime holiday season."
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Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended
"...Over the years, Louisa May Alcott's 1868 novel, "Little Women," has transitioned into a number of different formats: play, musical, opera and film. Now Circle Theatre brings to its stage a fine new version of the enduring classic, adapted and directed by Bob Knuth."
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Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...This version of Louisa May Alcott's classic story, about four sisters growing up in Civil War America, has a lot going for it. The performances are lively. Laura McClain and Kieran Welsh Phillips are marvelous as Meg and Jo, the older sisters at the center of the story. And the overall production, directed by Bob Knuth, has the pleasing look of a Merchant/Ivory period movie--an effect enhanced by Knuth's well-designed set and carefully balanced stage pictures, as well as Patti Roeder's authentic-looking costumes."
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Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...the challenge for any stage adaptation is to keep it interesting. Adapted ( and directed and designed ) by Bob Knuth, Circle Theatre's new version is about half way there with most of the problems in Act I. At 90 minutes, it's too long and also is highly episodic with too many scenes of self-contained incidents that don't contribute to a longer story arc. Subtitled "A Play with Music," this version uses mid-1800's Christmas and secular songs to bridge the many scenes, with a few sung by the cast. The music provides atmosphere but isn't intrinsic to the story, although there may be ways to integrate more diverse period music."
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ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Little Woman plays as a tribute to the human spirit and the sanctity of the family. It is a feel-good show that is a family and holiday friendly fare. Kieran Walsh-Phillips as Jo and Jeremy Myers as Laurie were particularly terrific."
Steadstyle Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...At last, something new and different for the holiday season! A new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" has just had its World Premiere in the lovely little Circle Theater in the enchanting town of Forest Park. This particular adaptation is called "Little Women, a play with music part one" so as not to be confused with the musical version that played on Broadway and at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolshire. It is adapted and directed by Bob Knuth, who appears to be a man who can do everything. He also did the set design, a marvelous piece of work, as well as the lighting. This is a wonderful production that relates the story that Alcott tells of the March Family during the years 1862-1864."
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