LITTLE WOMEN BALLET IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
My friend Nina2 and I recently attended the most different and interesting event perhaps ever. I thought that having lived in LA since I was a teenager, and being a theater critic for decades now, I had seen it all. But I definitely had not, as I learned last weekend.
Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of the page.
We took a trip to the Heritage Square Museum, (which neither of us had even heard of before, and which is located in a part of downtown LA that we never even knew existed,) to see, and basically participate in, the Little Women Ballet Immersive Experience. And an experience it truly was.
Before I tell you about the production, I have to finish the topic of the Heritage Square Museum, for those of you who are as nescient about it as I. It’s located sort-of just past downtown, (I still can’t get a handle on exactly where it is, but I’ve been apprised that it’s located “beside the Arroyo Seco Parkway in the Montecito Heights neighborhood in the southern Arroyo Seco area,” none of which I’ve ever heard of,) but it felt like I was someplace else; like in a beautiful little town in either upstate New York or New England, (both of which I’m really familiar with, so I know of what I speak.) It’s less a museum, per se, and more a fascinating outdoor property on which stand eight historic buildings that were moved there from elsewhere in LA. They were actually disassembled, transported, and then re-assembled on the site. My head hurts just thinking about how it was all done!
Part of the Museum grounds. Photo by Karen Salkin.
As to the actual Little Women Ballet, it’s a ballet, of course, of the classic Louisa May Alcott tale, Little Women. (Duh.) But it’s far from just a dance show. The assemblage follows the action into many of the historic edifices. The theatrical production was equally interesting to the site, which is perfect for this presentation. (You’ll have another opportunity to see it next month; the one I saw had an Autumn theme and I believe there was one earlier “season,” as well, so next-up will be the Winter edition.)
Our “narrator, “Aunt March.” Photo by Karen Salkin.
When we checked-in, they divided us into a few groups who were each led by a “narrator.” In full Victorian attire, no less! Ours was the aunt of the March sisters, and admirably, she would not break character the entire time. Nina2 kept raving about the auntie’s elegant black dress. Actually, all the costumes were spot-on.
In each house, we saw different aspects of the story being danced-out right in front of us. As both former ballet dancers ourselves, we really appreciated seeing people perform so up-close, as we had only with our fellow dancers in our dancing days. Audiences never get the unique experience of having the performers right in our proximity zones!
On top of all the lovely dancing, (some of which was en pointe, which I adored, especially since they had to dance on old carpets!,) to live music in a few of the houses, one or two of the locations featured just a bit more story-telling by the narrator. And in one, some of the guests themselves were chosen to act out a story that one of the March sisters had written. (No—I did not volunteer. But I did pick the story choice out of a hat, even though I believe that all of the papers in the chapeau had the same title on it!)
The “March family” in one of the houses’ parlors. Photo by Karen Salkin.
After what the producers referred to as the “first half,” (but this last part was really the denouement, not another full half,) the guests from all the groups met in the old church for a bit more fun. As we entered, there was a sweet and festively-decorated little dessert buffet offering several kinds of bite-sized tidbits, including scones and macarons. They were adorable. And delish! Iced tea and cold water were also on tap, along with some fun souvenirs for sale on another buffet.
Then the entire cast continued the ballet in a very happy party scene, (the one where Mr. March comes home, to all the characters’ delight.)
Part of the whole-cast-together finale. Photo by Karen Salkin.
Just when we thought it was all over, they brought up a “dance caller,” and the assemblage was invited to do some Victorian Folk dancing with the cast! Nina2 and I were committed elsewhere at that point, so we had to leave, but it appeared to us that everyone else joined in.
What an entirely fun experience this was! And it was all choreographed and produced by a young girl, Emma Andres. A lot of work went into every aspect of the presentation, for which I give her major kudos.
Just a small sampling of the Heritage Square Museum gift shop items. Photo by Karen Salkin.
There were even more positives to the experience, outside of the show and museum, (which the ballet is a perfect reason to visit.) They provided upscale bathroom trailers, (as opposed to port-a-potties,) which cutely featured Apple Cider hand soap, in keeping with the Autumn theme. They also very wisely provided a jug of water and cups in the center of the property for the guests, which I totally took advantage of during the hot week-end. And there’s a fabulous little gift shop with unique items that I would go there just to purchase! (Remember the creepy cat clocks that your grandma used to have, the ones with the moving eyes and tails? You can get them here!) And, perhaps best of all, there’s free on-site parking!
I recommend the Little Women Ballet Immersive Experience for the entire family. And, by the way, you do not need to be a fan of the classic novel to enjoy this experience. Even though I of course read it, (who hasn’t?,) and have seen the four most famous movie versions, (including that awful 2019 Greta Gerwig-led one,) I have never been a fan of the story. But I was attracted to this event because it’s a ballet. And all the rest of the “experience” was delicious icing on the cake.
A tiny bit of the desserts at the end of the buffet. Photo by Karen Salkin.
Just make sure that when you see it, you wear your most comfortable shoes. And attire. I love a cultural event where you can look as casual as you like!
We all have one more opportunity to see this show on the weekend of November 22, when it will feature a Winter theme. I definitely hope to be there, this time on one of the evening performances, to witness the Museum all lit-up.
And then the entire ballet will be performed in a more traditional venue, the Wilshire Ebell, on a stage, with no following the dancers around this time. I hope to take in that one, too, and that I’ll see all my fellow SoCal denizens there!
Little Women Ballet Immersive Experience will continue on November 22-24, 2024
Heritage Square Museum
3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles
626-792-0873 www.littlewomenballet.com
