Step into the warm, welcoming surroundings of the March house this fall, as Musical Theatre West (MTW) presents a musical spin on the timeless classic, “Little Women.”
Lovers of Louisa May Alcott’s much-retold journey can expect the same wit and sisterly affection through the lens of Director and Choreographer Cate Caplin, along with songs and a stunning score from Music Director and Conductor Diane King Vann. These characteristics will combine on the triumphant stage of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in “Little Women: The Musical” from Nov. 6-22, wrapping up MTW’s 2026 season.
The March sisters, played by Jenna Lea Rosen (Jo), Jordan Cruz (Amy), Katie Roche (Meg) and Haven Watts (Beth), each experience love and loss together as they grow older and discover what they want out of life, yet reminds audiences that family and love are two necessary strongholds when achieving one’s dreams.
Rosen, whose showstopping vocals will breathe new life into the strong-willed protagonist Jo March, spoke to the Signal Tribune before a day of rehearsals to discuss her love of “Little Women,” her deep ties to Musical Theatre West and a penchant for playing strong female characters.
It’s not a stretch to say Rosen was born for the theater, especially for her mother, who toured the country for “Beauty and the Beast” while pregnant with Rosen. Growing up in her grandmother’s Orange County Song and Dance studio, she has fond memories of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, where she was exposed to the magic of theater through shows like “Cats” and “Sandlot.”
“They were such a vital part of my growing up and learning about theater,” Rosen said. When she was 12, she took the MTW stage herself in the musical “Annie.”
It was around this time when Rosen was introduced to the March sisters and their lofty dreams, first loves and sacrifices. She remembers reading “Little Women” for school, visiting Alcott’s home in Concord, Massachusetts and feeling a “sort of magic in the house.”
“At the time it was written, it was quite progressive for the time period. It didn’t narrow down women to just one thing. They weren’t able to be put in a box. They wanted big things, they dreamt big,” Rosen said. “Everyone can see themselves in characters in the book and at its core it’s about hope, family, chasing your dreams and how often you have to change your dreams while growing up.”
Having big dreams herself, Rosen found herself enamored by Jo, the story’s main protagonist. While Rosen grew up envisioning herself on stage and screen, Jo dreamed of becoming a writer, during a time when women weren’t typically given the opportunity to make a living for themselves.
Rosen said she jumped at the opportunity to be a part of “Little Women: The Musical” since the show isn’t often performed regionally. She admits that she’s also always been drawn to Jo’s determination and stubbornness.
“She and I have both had curveballs thrown at us within our lives and we’ve had to readjust and find out that changing your dreams doesn’t mean abandoning yourself and your wants, it just means that you have to find a new dream or find a new version of that dream,” Rosen said.
Taking on a singular role like Jo is also fitting at this point in Rosen’s career. For the last year plus, she’s been traveling the country with “Suffs,” a Broadway musical about the 1913 women’s suffrage movement. It’s the latest in a long list of strong female characters Rosen has taken on, including her Disney voice acting roles: Sofia the First, Alice (of Wonderland) and Vampirina.
Rosen also played Wednesday in “The Addams Family,” Sandy in “Grease,” Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” and Elsa in “Frozen,” all in various theatrical productions.
“One of the things I’ve been so grateful to be able to do is to portray these women who refuse to accept the limitations that society or whoever has placed upon them,” Rosen said. “I think in today’s day and age, to be able to expose new young women to these characters, I hope to inspire the next generation.”
“Little Women: The Musical” will be playing at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center (6200 E. Atherton St.) from Nov. 6-22. Tickets are on sale at musical.org/events/little-women-the-musical/.
