9 This fall, the AQ Theatre Program brought Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic Little Women to the stage, following the journey of four sisters navigating girlhood, family, and growing up during the Civil War. The talented cast and dedicated crew worked tirelessly under the guidance of Director Emma Mousaw, who directed her very first school play with this production. Below, Emma shares her personal reflection on why this story—and this cast—have made such a meaningful impact. AQ PRESENTS Li le Women DIRECTOR’S NOTE: I am o en asked: Why did you get into theatre? Why Aquinas? Why Little Women? Not to sound too cliché, but the answer to all three is: love. I have loved theatre since high school, o en staying up late into the night, meticulously working on wood grain texturing or repainting lettering on set pieces or props that wouldn’t make or break the show. It didn’t matter to me because I loved it: the stories, the people, the community. As for Aquinas, I’ve grown to adore my work, my students, and my colleagues, but moreover, Aquinas is a family that loves and cherishes its members. And that’s the same reason I love Little Women. Little Women, for those who are not familiar with the story, follows the journey of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate a life of genteel poverty, romantic notions, girlhood, and growing up during the Civil War. Louisa May Alcott wrote this book to be loosely based on the lives of her and her family, and I o en wonder if she knew how big this story would become. How mundane it must have felt, writing her life down on paper, and yet hers is now a classic tale that is continually adapted for stage or lm. So why do we love this story so much? ere are no good guys and bad guys, no smoke, no glitter, no glorious and exciting battles keeping the audience at the edge of their seats. I spent my whole summer searching for the answers to this question as I read the novel. I didn’t nd them until I was nally in rehearsal with this amazing cast. We love this story precisely because it’s not some crazy, thrilling, fantastical fairytale with a million bells and whistles to grab your attention. ese characters aren’t perfect. ey make mistakes, they try new things, they meet new people, they argue excessively, they celebrate each other, and, oh, do they have ever-so-many messy feelings. We love the story and these characters because we see so much of ourselves in them. We can relate to the joy and pain they feel and their experience of growing up. is production has been a long labor of love from so many people, to whom I wish I could give more thanks than just a few lines on one page. First, to my colleagues, Andy Pratt, Brian White, Lorin Easton, Michelle Daniels P’29, and Kiana Cotton, who not only provided support and advice but assisted me in auditions, rehearsals, prop creation, and raising AQ theatre to a new level. To Kayleigh White for seeing all my visions, making them a reality, and dressing all our children while making one of her own (Congrats BTW!). To Aquinas’ very own Ted Mancini ’88, P’26 for showing me this adaptation, being a huge theatre nerd, and to him and Kristie Schillaci for seeing the potential in me. To the people who made me the thespian I am today, most notably Chris VerSchneider, Krystal Kennel, Steve Mazzoccone, and Dr. Whitney Emerson. And last, but certainly not least, to Megan and Mark Knisely P’30 and Kayden McLeod, without whom I would have crashed and burned long ago. ank you for keeping me sane, dealing with my ridiculous dreams, and of course, all the work and dedication you poured into this show and this theatre program. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Emma Mousaw Little Women Director Aquinas Technical Director FROM THE CAST: “Playing Meg March in Little Women was an honor. This show has really brought me closer to my classmates and I have made some lifelong friends that I definitely consider to be my sisters.” – Riley Miner ’26 (Meg March) “Playing Jo March was so meaningful to me because the story is so iconic and captures the essence of girlhood. It really brought me closer to my onstage sisters.” – Paisley Boulis ’27 (Jo March) “Although playing Beth in Little Women was challenging due to the amount of memorization, I truly loved the role and had a wonderful time portraying her. Being in a play for the first time was so much fun, and I really enjoyed spending time with and getting to know the cast and crew.” – Abby Christopher ’26 (Beth March) “Portraying Amy March was especially meaningful because I finally had the chance to perform on the AQ stage alongside my big sister — and my older brother, who ran the lights! Working closely with the four sisters during rehearsals helped us form such a strong connection.” – Tessa Boulis ’32 (Amy March)
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