Little Women Guest Artists

Currently, the St. Ambrose Theatre Department is in preparation for its spring mainstage production Little Women under the direction of Dr. Corinne Johnson. To make this large scale show possible though, there is a plethora of guest artists helping out including some past students and members of the SAU community.

Taking on the role of Stage Manager is Mel Maylum who graduated from SAU in 2020, and she says it is heartwarming to be back on campus.

"It feels empowering to work alongside my former professors as a professional technician, and I love being back on campus especially since my senior year was cut short due to the pandemic," Maylum said. "This feels like a nice replacement to that last show I missed out on."

Alongside Maylum, there are many other guest artists helping with Little Women. Ron May, who is a beloved member of the St. Ambrose community, was asked by Johnson to become the Music Director. May is extremely familiar with the department since he has helped out with many SAU events prior. For many years he has prepared students for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and is a former adjunct professor.

Dianne Dye, who is also a former faculty member of SAU is returning to aid with costumes, hair, and makeup for Little Women. Before her retirement, Dye worked in the costume shop for many years, and students are excited to see her again on campus.

"I was so excited when I found out Dianne would be working on the show," said junior Quinnie Rodman who plays Jo March. "She is always so kind, inspiring, and talented, and I just love being in her presence."

Andrea Moore, the choreographer, has also been vital to the Theatre Department's success in previous productions so the department was excited when she accepted her invitation. You may have last seen some of Moore's work in St. Ambrose's production of Big Fish, in 2019 or Cabaret in 2018.

"Andrea is cool as a cucumber in the rehearsal space, and always brings her best to her work," said senior Joseph Lasher who plays Laurie.

Daniel Sheridan '05 is another alumni on the star-studded group of guest artists. Sheridan is currently the Artistic Director at the Davenport Junior Theatre and he will be the lighting designer for Little Women.

To round out this list of guest artists, Aaron Randolph III '02, ‘12, will also be lending his talents. In fact, Randolph has recently been awarded for his role as the Sound Designer in another SAU production, An Enemy of the People, by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Because of his insane level of talent, Randolph was again asked to design the sound for Little Women.

There is no question that Little Women will be a magnificent show because of the staff. Each and every one of these individuals pours all of their time and energy into the projects they take on and the SAU Theatre Department is thankful for their input, especially since this is Johnson's last show at St. Ambrose.

Little Women will be performed on the Allaert Stage on April 29, April 30, and May 1. Tickets are available for purchase.