Little Women Welcomes New Talent to the Lillian Theater Stage
February 26, 2025
In the intimate setting of the Blackbox at the Lillian Theater, Cretin-Derham Hall’s Theater Department brought Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women to life in a production that balanced tradition with fresh energy. Under the direction of CDH Theater Director Cullen Wiley ‘16, now in his first year as Theater Director, the cast and crew worked at a remarkable pace - just four weeks of rehearsals - to create a show that really resonated with both performers and audience members.
For two students, this production was more than just another show - it was a leap into something completely new.
First-Timers Take Center Stage
Both Ruby Omann '25 and Joe Fenlon '26 made their CDH theater debuts in Little Women, taking on the roles of Jo March and Laurie Laurence. Each brought a fresh perspective, proving that trying something new can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.
“I was terrified at first,” Ruby admitted, reflecting on her last-minute decision to audition. “I’d always been behind the scenes in crew, but Jo March is one of my favorite characters ever. I had to give it a shot.” That leap of faith paid off - her dedication was evident in every line she delivered. “I don’t think my script book was ever more than a few feet away from me for an entire month!” she laughed.
For Joe, a varsity baseball player, stepping into the world of theater meant embracing a completely different challenge. “This was not what I expected - it was way harder than I thought,” he said. “But I loved it. Every moment.” At first, portraying a 19th-century character felt daunting. “Mr. Wiley gave me a tip early on - bring more of myself into Laurie. That changed everything for me.”
Both Ruby and Joe echoed the same sentiment: their biggest takeaway was the camaraderie of the cast and crew. “I was nervous, but they made me feel like I belonged,” Joe said. “This was an amazing experience one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
A Community Beyond the Curtain
Little Women is a story about resilience, love, and family - both the one we’re born into and the one we create. That theme extended beyond the script, as the cast and crew bonded through rehearsals, late-night tech weeks, and shared meals.
“Some truly great friendships came out of this,” Ruby shared. “We uplifted each other, we laughed constantly, and we came together to put on this beautiful show.”
Director Cullen Wiley was especially impressed by the sense of teamwork. “In my time as a theater professional, I’ve never seen a company of artists come together quite like this one,” he said. “Students from all different backgrounds became a family."
The payoff? Six performances, three of which sold out, proving that CDH’s Theater Program is thriving. “The Lillian Theater is alive and well,” Wiley added.
An Invitation to the CDH Community
With the success of Little Women, the CDH Theater Department is looking to welcome even more first-time actors and crew members. “Theater isn’t just for ‘theater kids,’” Wiley emphasized. “We have varsity athletes, students from music and arts, people who’ve never set foot on a stage before - there’s a place for everyone here.”
For those inspired by this production, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get involved with The Addams Family Musical! While auditions have already taken place, you can still contribute behind the scenes or support the cast by cheering them on from the audience.
As Ruby put it: “Take the risk. Step outside your comfort zone. I’d do this show a million times over if I could.”
Interested in joining CDH’s Performing Arts Parents Organization? Sign up for our e-mail list today!