‘Little Women: The Musical’ now showing at Miami Hamilton

How to go

What: "Little Women – The Musical" – presented by the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre

When: 8 p.m., Dec. 1-3; 2 p.m., Dec. 4

Where: Parrish Auditorium, Miami University- Hamilton campus

Cost: $16 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, $14 per ticket for groups of 20 or more

More info: Tickets can be purchased by phone at (513) 737-PLAY (7529) or online at www.ghctplay.com

HAMILTON — The adventures of one of literature’s most renowned quintet of sisters are coming to life on stage in a new twist as a musical.

The Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre is presenting “Little Women — The Musical” Dec. 1-4 on stage at Miami University Hamilton as the winter show for the group’s 53rd season.

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, the production tracks the exploits of the March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — as they grow up in an America torn by the Civil War.

It’s the first time the musical has been available to community theaters in the area, said Ryan Heinrich, the musical’s director.

“The first real successful version (of the musical) was on Broadway in 2005,” Heinrich said. “It’s still pretty new to the community theater world.”

It’s the second production Heinrich — a Hamilton resident and 2003 graduate of the Boston Conservatory — has directed for the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre.

He has previously directed productions for the Fairfield Summer Theater.

Directing “Little Women” has had some quirks, such as the size of the cast, Heinrich said.

“This is the smallest cast I’ve ever worked with,” Heinrich said of the 11-member cast.

“It’s unusually small (for a musical), but it makes for a smooth and quicker process than other shows I’ve done.”

The small cast has made for an interesting situation with the show’s orchestra, which actually outnumbers the cast, Heinrich said.

The small cast, however, allows Heinrich to direct to his style, one of simplicity.

“There won’t be long changes (in the musical),” Heinrich said. “I like to keep the show clean, simple and small, tell the story, and not get bogged down in theatrics.”

Part of that is due to the performance of the cast members, Heinrich said.

“We have a very strong cast,” he said.

“We have people with professional experience and they’ve really been a blessing to work with. They come in prepared and they’re talented as well. I think people will be blown away by the vocal talent with the show.”