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After seeing “Little Women” for the first time at 5 years old, Syracuse University senior Dani Saril began taking vocal lessons. When she realized that she was too young to star as a March sister in the production, she continued to work on her skills.

Now, 17 years later, she finally got her chance in her last show with Syracuse University’s Department of Drama.

“I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. ‘Little Women’ was one of those shows growing up that I always wanted to do,” Saril said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

SU’s Department of Drama is putting on the musical adaptation of “Little Women” as their final show of the academic year, running May 2 through May 10 at Syracuse Stage/Drama Theater Complex. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, the musical follows the journey of the four March sisters — Amy, Meg, Beth and Jo — as they navigate life in a small Massachusetts town during the American Civil War.

For Saril, playing Jo March in “Little Women” is more than just a role — it’s a dream come true. The music in the show was a core part of her childhood, and she’s been listening to its songs ever since, she said. Even from a young age, she saw herself in Jo’s strong will and opinions. The role has challenged her and taught her more about being an actor, she said.

“I love the story,” Saril said. “It’s a coming-of-age story, and I feel like I have really come into myself in this role.”

As a senior and the show’s lead, Saril said she feels the emotional weight of the show. Even after performances with SU’s Department of Drama in “Barbecue” and “Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical,” the anticipation of opening night and the nerves before stepping on stage never really go away, she said. But, performing alongside people she’s grown close to after working together for years makes the experience special.

While the future post-graduation is daunting, especially upon entering the professional acting industry, she said she’s focused on her current goal: leaving behind a great performance for the Department of Drama’s Class of 2025.

Evan Hoover, an SU senior and scenic designer for “Little Women,” said the same emotional connection is felt backstage. Throughout four years in the program, members have formed strong bonds, some as early as their first days on campus.

Hoover said he met senior lighting designer Brooklyn Green during the first day of freshman orientation. After living across from each other in Flint Hall, the two formed a connection that stretched their entire college career and through stage productions.

The musical adaptation of “Little Women” follows the journey of the four March sisters in a small Massachusetts town during the American Civil War. SU senior Dani Saril said playing Jo March has been a lifelong dream of hers. Christian Calabrese | Asst. Photo Editor

The cast and crew learned they would be putting on “Little Women” in January 2024, Hoover said. Since then, they’ve worked together to shape each element of the show’s design. Hoover frequently met with director David Lowenstein, who brought new props for the team to work with every day. He credited the crew’s openness and encouragement as key to pushing each person’s creative ideas forward.

Hoover said the chemistry and camaraderie of the group made “Little Women” the smoothest production he’s ever worked on. It wasn’t just the collective effort of the group, he said, but the way they worked together.

“They are some of my best friends,” Hoover said. “They’re such amazing designers, amazing people. And working on the show with them has been really special.”

Unlike Hoover and Saril, SU senior and costume designer Lillian Benge had never done anything theater-related until she was a freshman because her high school didn’t have a theater program. Once she arrived at SU, she jumped at the opportunity.

During her junior year, she was given her first design assignment. She second-guessed her choices before and after every show, she said, crediting her crew with validating her creativity. Now, after doing so many shows, confidence in her work comes more easily. With “Little Women,” she knew she had done a good job.

For Benge, it’s more than just a program she wanted to be part of; it’s a family. Syracuse Stage has practically raised her, she said, and she’s finally starting to feel the emotion of her last show.

The current seniors bonded early in their freshman year, Benge said, calling every member of the group different from one another. During their first productions at SU, he said the crew would fight over different aspects of each show. After some tough love, the crew bonded for productions like “Little Women.” They not only came together as collaborators, but also as friends.

Whether acting on stage or designing from behind the curtain, the Department of Drama’s Class of 2025 is putting all four years of learning and experience into the show. Saril is grateful for the community the organization has given her.

“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to embark on this final journey with,” Saril said.

Published on May 8, 2025 at 12:18 am