ANN ARBOR, Mich.–Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is one of the truly classic works of American literature. And because it is in the public domain, it is open to alL sorts of adaptations, including abbreviated versions of the story designed for young audiences.

That is what Wild Swan Theater has done for its December offering–a lovely adapted production that feels like a well crafted young-people’s version of the book brought to life in about 70 minutes or so. The audience of kids I sat with, grade-school age, seemed and felt tuned in to the classic story of Marmee (Michelle Trame Lanzi), and daughters–Amy (Sarah Brabee), Meg (Carly J. Buchbinder), Jo (Meghan VanArsdalen) and Beth (Emily Slomovits).

The four sisters live with their mother, Marmee, facing Christmas without their father as the Civil War is underway and he has gone to serve. The family is settled in a new place, living on lesser means after the father lost the family money. Meg and Jo, the two older sisters, work for money to help the family. Meg teaches children of a local family, while Jo aids her grand-aunt (Sandy Ryder), a wealthy cantankerous widow whose in decline. Beth helps with housework, and Amy attends school. Meg is seen as the pretty sister, while Jo is a bit of a tomboy, and Beth is musician in the family. Amy is the artist. Beth contracts scarlet fever after tending to a family where three children died of the dreaded 19th century disease. And her poor condition forces the sisters to call Marmee back from Washington, where she went to tend the girls’ ailing father who came down with pneumonia.

The Wild Swan production, adapted by Hilary Cohen, is taut and delightful. Music Director Brian E. Buckner directs several songs sung by the girls around the piano including a lovely partial performance of “Barbara Allen.” His under-scoring of the production, and the additional Christmas traditionals sung feel warm and correct for the mood of the story.

The set of the family home, designed and constructed by Kerry Coker and Beth Sandmaier, feels period correct and is well executed.

Little Women is a story that every parent should want their child to read, or at minimum sit still while its read to them. This Wild Swan production, performed at The Townsley Auditorium at The Washington Community College, while a condensed version of the literary classic, is a wonderful introduction to the story for young people and will hopefully inspire many who see it to read the original.

Click here for show and ticket information. You have to see it this weekend if you want to catch it.