As the cast and crew get ready for the “Little Women” premiere, what should those who will be watching the play expect coming into the show?

“It’s a magical show about love and family with the masks as guest appearances,” junior Cassidy Laffey, who plays Meg, said.

Play director Mrs. Anne Loudon explained that even those who have read “Little Women” or seen the film adaptations should expect something different. While some of the scenes are reminiscent of the book, the playwright “puts his own spin on it” and makes it “different than anything that we’ve seen before.”

“What I really love about this variation is that it gives all of the sisters their own story,” Loudon said. “For example, sometimes Amy is villainized, though in Greta Gerwig’s I think she gets her redemption. On the page, she’s a very likeable character. Her character is really developed, and Laurie gets a really solid story arc because you get to see him grow throughout too.”

Not only does she love the characters and the plot, but she hopes that the audience will love the play’s underlying themes.

“I love the theme of pursuing your joy, of being true to yourself and your artistic work, and cherishing the moments we have with the ones we love,” Loudon said. “Those themes transcend time and I believe that’s why the story is still as loved today as it ever has been.”

Having loved the show for years, Loudon always knew that she wanted to see her talented performing arts department pull it off. This year presented itself as the perfect year to do it.

“I wanted to do the show for years, but it’s a small cast,” she said. “I realized that there’s a time for everything, and this was the year. These kids are these people. Zoe Babbit is strong-willed, fiery, independent, so she is the perfect Jo. Cassidy is a hopeless romantic. Mia Masucci is a sweetheart. Flannery is very pragmatic, and she and Amy both know exactly what they want.”

More than ever before, Loudon is proud of all that her cast has been able to pull off, and is certain that the audience should expect “the same quality of a production that they would during any normal year.”

“That’s one thing that I’ve been stressing,” she said. “I don’t want anybody to say, ‘That was a cute COVID show!’ They’re going to look at this and say, ‘Wow, they did this. Even given all of these obstacles.’”

The production has, indeed, faced many obstacles that have threatened the live performance, so no one was surprised when coronavirus numbers spiked this week causing concern about the show.

“I’m most nervous about regulations or mandates being announced on Friday, or anything that would prevent or delay the premiere of the show because I know how disappointing that would be for everyone, especially with it being a performance weekend,” Rebecca Beckas, who is in the green room helping the cast with costumes, makeup, and hair said.

Even in the best case scenario, only parents will be allowed to view the show in person which the cast knows will create a different environment.

“I’m excited for other people to get to see all the hard work we’ve put into this show” Laffey said. “But this year, the biggest fear is the audience not being interactive. Laughs and applause and tears keep the actors going on stage, and without that, I’m nervous that the aura will be off.”

More than anything, though, the cast and crew of the production can’t wait to finally have their moment. After months of hard work, the anxious performers are ready to put on an inspiring show.

“I’m glad that after everything that’s happened over the past eight months, the cast and crew have worked their hardest to do whatever they could in order to make the show the best it could be, and can finally watch the show come together for an audience,” Beckas said.

For that same reason, Loudon is reportedly most looking forward to curtain call.

“I love that moment where the actors are recognized as actors. They leave the characters behind when they hit the apron of the stage and they take their bow and they finally get the recognition they deserve for all their hard work and their beautiful performance.”

The performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 20 then at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Tickets for the livestream are $10 for individuals and $25 for a family and can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com/events/SApresents.