Musicals as a philosophy of life

By Ammi Midstokke
Reader Contributor

When Michael Seifert talks about producing musicals, his verbiage only hovers around song and choreography for a moment before it veers sharply into philosophizing on the growth one can achieve while performing on stage. Specifically, stepping into the vulnerability of singing on a stage. 

Hearing Seifert speak, one is given the impression stage acting may be as necessary a developmental milestone as, say, learning to eat with utensils. Which is why it was not difficult to pull him from his own charade of retirement to lead Nova High’s production of a spring play this year. In fact, the Waldorf-trained Seifert can be lured into almost any gig involving teaching children, but he is particularly powerless against the promise of a musical.

For this class of 12 high-schoolers, Seifert began searching for the right musical months in advance. Selecting a piece is an art form in itself: It must somehow relate to the class, reflect their own stories back to them, benefit their growth through the challenges of production. 

The cast of Nova High School’s production of Little Women. Courtesy photo.

Thus, an uninformed eyebrow might be raised when learning that a little known musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women will be performed on Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 at the Panida Theater. 

There is something unfortunate in the title of Little Women — a subtle shift in our linguistic judgment of the term. Those familiar with Alcott’s work beyond its charming tales of sisterhood might recognize that the title is a reference to the coming of age through adolescence. The story is one that celebrates the individual’s journey toward understanding their own identity. 

Little Women celebrates the pursuit of one’s dreams regardless of societal expectations, while resisting the temptation to identify its main protagonist (Jo March) as the hero. In this tale of youthful transition into adulthood, each path is valued for its authenticity. It explores how we wrestle with being in integrity with ourselves while navigating the complications of maturing relationships.

What is fantastic (and it is fantastic — I had the opportunity to hear them rehearse) is how the actors in the play are of a life experience now in which they can embody the emotions they are depicting. They relate to these characters, the awkwardness of interactions, their longing for their own version of personal triumph and liberation. 

Perhaps more impressive is knowing the teens did not audition for these roles, are not trained actors, but adept students. They bring with them to the stage a willingness to explore themselves and their own potential through the art form of a musical. They demonstrate courage and playful curiosity from which we could all learn.

Little Women isn’t a quaint story for girls, but a delightful reminder of our autonomy and personal empowerment, of the essential value of adolescence (and adolescents). And while you should go for the entertainment because it is a joyful experience to see what these kids bring to the stage, also go to remember yourself and your own dreams.