I have been writing a musical for the past several years based on two of Louisa May Alcotts lesser known Rose Books.
Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom tell the story of Rose and Phebe. It is a friendship coming of age love story and I believe, Alcotts best story.
Her storytelling was at its apex and the themes of this book are sophisticated and layered.
One of the most telling insights are the depictions of the many Aunts in Rose’s family who all live on the same hill in their various homes, yet are so different in personality and habit that you have one auntie who potions and pills her daughter to death and completely clueless of her own folly has every intention of doing the same to Rose and this aunt is juxtaposed with another aunt who raised her boys hale and hearty on oatmeal.
Uncle Mac steps in to adopt Rose as his own daughter when her Dad passes away.
As the brilliant doctor who uses common sense approaches to teaching and training Rose in her daily habits, he shines bright amidst the madness of various aunts and their misguided focus on fashion, materialism, and entitlement. He encourages Rose to befriend Phebe and teaches her the way to live a happy and purposeful life.
I truly have enjoyed reading these books over and over again while trying to determine what is shared in the musical, which I fully intend to make into a movie.
The free version of the books are on Gutenberg
Eight Cousins
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2726/2726-h/2726-h.htm
Rose in Bloom
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2804/2804-h/2804-h.htm
Jenny Hatch
PS This is my biggest project as a playwright to date. I have written several one act plays for children’s theatre and a couple of Road Shows for the teens at church, and I have directed a bunch but this musical movie will be a full 90 minute full scale period piece set in late 1800’s northwest USA.
A few of my songs sung with my daughters and vocal groups. The Neil Simon Players Christmas Show and a few solos sung with In Jubilo.
More on Gender Parity in the Theatre HERE!
Pippin Finale and Street Greeting after the Show… closing night at the Playmill 1987!
Musical Theatre is my Love Language!