IN CONVERSATION WITH: THE LITTLE WOMAN GINA BECK
June 24th 2012 is the debut of Steven Luke Walker’s Little Women: In Concert. I spoke to Gina Beck about her involvement with the new musical.
So what are we to expect on Sunday? Will there be staging and interaction between characters as well as a selection of songs from the score?
There will definitely be interaction between the characters and we are trying our best to present to you a clear idea of what the finished show would be like, despite the fact that there isn’t any staging, the audience will be able to use their imaginations to fill in the blanks.
Was Little Women one of your childhood classics?
Actually no. I only read it when I started working on the show with Steven two years ago, but I can see why it captured the hearts of so many people. I’m pretty sure I would’ve identified with Meg as a child.
What drew you to the project? Does it hold particular significance for you?
Well I started working on Little Women two years ago in a workshop. After meeting Steven he became my singing coach and someone who has been massively influential in my recent career success. We sang a few songs from Little Women in March 2011 at a concert which showcased Steven’s music sung by many West End singers. I really believe his music is something special and I’m grateful for a new musical which features so many great parts for women.
There have been attempts at bringing this story into the musical forum before. What about this new concept do you think will make this version a success?
I really hope that people like the music and someone can see a future for a full scale production. It’s a beautiful story of sisterly love, coming of age tribulations and women of all ages will be able to identify with at least one of the characters. Steven knows the books so well and has really brought out the key elements of the story to make for a compelling narrative.
Do you have any favourite parts of the score?
Yes I love the duet Meg has with her love John Brooke, sung in the concert by the lovely Jon Robyns. It’s very passionate and exciting to sing. I also love the opening number as it really envokes an image of the four girls walking home in the snow full of excitement and girlish glee!
Although Little Women was published in 1880, what specifically do you find will resonate with a 21st century audience?
Well in a time of austerity audiences do tend to favour more comforting or familiar musicals hence the revivals of Singin’ in the Rain, Top Hat, Crazy For You etc. This story, although certainly not a story without it’s sadness, is a compelling insight into a simpler time in late 19th century America, yet the troubles facing these girls are the same ones which will be affecting those watching in the 21st century.
Little Women: In Concert
24th June 2012
Playhouse Theatre WC2N
Book tickets here: www.atgtickets.com/shows/little-women/playhouse-theatre/
Interview by @BenVivianJones
