'Little Women' - a play which echoes audiences emotions!

Little Women, the famous novel by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), will delight many as one of the three Leavenworth Summer Theater performances this season. The musical is a well-known, spirit nourishing and heartwarming theater creation for families and friends to enjoy together. 

Little Women, is centered on the growing years of the four March Sisters, Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg, and their lives and relationships during the American Civil War era. Their passage is not a tranquil one by any means. Each of the four sisters is shamed but also gradually ultimately enriched by her trials involving love, culture, humanity and death. During a difficult time in American history, the story is told by sister Jo, a hopeful dreamer and writer herself.

Tiffany Mausser, who is the director of Little Women, is a local talent. She is a Leavenworth-area native who’s history dates back with Leavenworth Summer Theatre (LST) to 1996. Her first performance was as a child in the play The King and I.  Mausser attended the University of Washington and earned degrees in Political Science and Drama. She is now a Wenatchee resident, where she works with a number of local theatre groups as an actor, director, and choreographer.  

Little Women is her eighth LST production as a director or co-director for LST. Some of her most prevalent plays included Anything Goes, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Joseph and Singing’ in the Rain.  Mausser also acts and directs for Music Theatre of Wenatchee. Most recently she has co-directed and choreographed the very popular Guys and Dolls with her father John Mausser, who is also an actor and director.  

When asked why this year’s Leavenworth Summer Theater is so special to her, she explains that it marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of Leavenworth Summer Theater (LST).  “I am thrilled to witness how LST has grown and blossomed into such a major regional attraction for both performers and audience members.  The magic of outdoor theatre in this gorgeous, natural setting simply can’t be beat, which is part of what brings people back again and again.  Though we may hold our collective breath when dark clouds roll over head, not to mention braving high temperatures and wild critters, everyone seems to enjoy the novelty of experiencing quality musical theatre, live, outdoors and under the stars.”

Mausser feels that the story of Little Women is simply a timeless classic, with beloved and relatable characters, and universal themes of love, loss, duty, dreams, and, ultimately, the importance of family.  She states, “My hope is that Jo March’s passionate desire to travel, experience new challenges, tell great stories, and be true to herself can inspire all of us in our own lives.  I’m glad this story keeps being reinvented and reimagined over the years so new generations of young people can experience it in new and exciting ways.” She feels that this musical version, with a gorgeous and memorable score, is truly a triumph.  “There are moments of incredible joy and fun, but also very real grief and sadness, and virtually everything in between,” she explains.     

Mausser is delighted to be working with such a talented and skilled group of performers. “She says, “they are dedicated to their craft and to bringing their characters to life with passion and authenticity.” She also feels that this year’s LST company is really something special.  “Though the actors come from all over, they have bonded quickly during the short and intense rehearsal period, and I think that chemistry will be apparent onstage.” She describes that she has made some wonderful memories with the cast already, and is certain they will continue to amaze and inspire her as the summer goes on.  

Mausser explains that she always knew that theatre was her passion, and feels very fortunate to live in an area with such a rich performing arts community, since the area between Leavenworth and Wenatchee provides so many opportunities to be creative and to surround yourself with so many wonderfully talented and collaborative people.  For her theatre is beautifully unique because it is live, in the moment and ephemeral.  She states that no two performances are exactly alike nor should they be.  The relationship between actors and audience is difference each night, which creates so many varied and wonderful memories that can last a lifetime.

If she is not active in the theater world, she can be found working in Accounts Payable for Valley Tractor and Rentals in East Wenatchee. She delights in spending time with her husband David and their two dogs buddy and Tux.  

Performances are at the Sky Hill Amphitheater, on July 31 and August 4, 9, 16, 21, 24 and 30.