Behind the Scenes of “Little Women”

Teamwork and passion bring the classic story to life at PACA

Caption: This year’s high school play is stepping away from school property to perform at a nearby shopping called known as “Shopping Jardim Sul.” [photo provided online by https://www.baressp.com.br/]

by Isabella Bruniera [in collaboration with Rafaela Miglio, Benjamin Oliveira and Felipe Wilcken]

PACA’s high school drama class is adjusting the preparations and practices of Allan Knee’s Broadway adaptation of “Little Women” due to the changed venue for the two performance days on the 21st and 22nd of November. 

For the first time ever, the annual high school play will not take place in PACA’s gymnasium, but at the theater complex located inside Shopping Jardim Sul. Along with this change it was decided to postpone the traditional drama rehearsal retreat from the 6th of November to the day of the first performance; which is the 21st of November. 

With these changes in mind, the cast and crew of “Little Women” are keeping busy bringing one of literature’s most beloved stories to life on this new PACA stage. From long rehearsals to behind-the-scenes coordination, every student involved is working with dedication and teamwork to make this year’s drama production a success.

Caption: Drama students practice important choreography for the upcoming performance. [by Isabella Bruniera]

Backstage manager, Lilah Denham, and her team have been working tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

“My backstage crew and I are working hard to bring Little Women to life,” said Denham. “We focus on organizing props, costumes, and set changes to deliver an amazing performance.”

However, Denham admitted that backstage can get chaotic.

“The most challenging part is all the chaos that happens backstage,” she explained. “Everyone’s rushing to their places, saying lines, or moving props. Chaos is okay — as long as it’s organized chaos.”

To keep things running smoothly, she has planned out specific roles for everyone on her team.

“I plan to assign each person a specific job and location so everyone knows exactly where they need to be,” said Denham. “We’ll have printed schedules, scene cues, and even costume order pictures backstage to make quick changes easier.”

While the backstage team prepares behind the scenes, the actors are giving their all on the rehearsals. Lígia Penteado, who plays Jo March, shared her favorite part of the process so far.

“My favorite part of ‘Little Women’ has been rehearsing songs,” said Penteado. “All of the emotions that come up in singing the difficult ballads and the excitement of the upbeat songs has been a blast.”

Still, preparing for such an emotional role hasn’t been easy for Penteado.

“The hardest part has been deciding how to show all of Jo’s complex emotions while still singing and performing,” she said. “Balancing everything and keeping the emotion real has been quite the challenge.”

As opening night approaches, Penteado said she’s most excited for the second act.

“It’s full of tragedy, love, and the ups and downs of life,” she explained. “My favorite scenes are with Marmee, played by Carolina Cândido, and the final duet with Professor Bhaer, played by Davi Magalhães.”

Even with the challenges of long rehearsals and busy backstage moments, the “Little Women” team continues to grow stronger together. With dedication, teamwork, and passion, this year’s play promises to be an emotional and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The drama will be performed at Teatro Shopping Jardim Sul on Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at Zapto for R$70 (advance), R$90 (regular), and R$45 (half-price for students and seniors).