It's both a journey and a destination. It's a coming together. It's a series of growth moments.

The sense of joy and fulfillment associated with pulling off a successful stage production is a very rewarding feeling.

As students at Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS) prepare to present the musical "Little Women," they continue to experience everything scholastic theater has to offer.

"I have noticed a very beautiful coming together over the last couple of months," said Katelyn Coryell, the director of "Little Women." "A lot (of the cast and crew members) are very close friends because they share common interests. We're a small school, and the relationships pre-existed the show. But the show has allowed those relationships to grow in unique ways. The care that they have for each other is inspirational. They're great people."

The LMS drama department will stage its musical interpretation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, at 7 p.m; and Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m. at the school's High Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Tickets can be purchased at  www.lancastermennonite.org/fine-arts/drama, by calling 717-740-2456 or at the door prior to each performance.

"It's important to pick a show that will serve the department well, and it has to be approved by the administration," said Coryell. "I think a lot of people misunderstand 'Little Women.' The emphasis is on familial love over romantic love. That deep and sacrificial love is what we want to come through to the audience."

A total of 40 LMS students in grades nine through 12 are involved with the production of "Little Women," including 20 cast members, 10 crew members, seven student pit musicians and three stage managers. Members of the cast include Mara Carlson as Jo March, Zoey Groff as Meg March, Rachel Fisher as Beth March, Kate Metzler as Amy March, Kayden Beidler as Laurie Laurence, Landon Nyveldt as John Brooke, Patrick Batts as Professor Bhaer, Sim Spurrier as Mr. Laurence, Rachel Landes as Marmee March, Tessa Kennedy as Aunt March and Sofie Brubaker as Mrs. Kirk.

"I'm blessed to be able to work with a lot of really thoughtful and empathetic teenagers," said Coryell. "They care for each other, the play and the world."

"My approach to the theater experience is creating space for personal growth," continued Coryell. "I ask a lot of questions of (the students) and allow them to reflect. Reflection isn't something that comes naturally. The play is their practical opportunity to apply academic knowledge. Yeah, it's a laboratory."

"Being part of the production of 'Little Women' has revealed to me the power of storytelling through collaboration," said Mara. "It's been a true joy to bring this deeply meaningful story to life, and every rehearsal, set design and costume choice has been an integral part of bringing these beloved characters to the stage. It's a privilege to be part of such a supportive and talented group, and together, we've truly brought this timeless story to life."

The students' work on "Little Women" began before Thanksgiving with auditions, and the first day of rehearsals was conducted during the initial week of December. Since then, the cast and crew have been plying their trades almost every weekday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

"It's going really, really well," said Coryell. "The actors have done all the inner workings for their characters. My favorite part of the process is when we're able to get to explore the characters. I enjoy the questions being asked and the growth. ... It makes the product well worth it in the end."

The three-month process and all the work performed behind the scenes will culminate in the public performances.

"(The students) do get a little nervous," said Coryell. "But we find it to be a productive nervousness. Live theater is a living, breathing thing. That's part of what makes live theater so exciting. These kids are very proud of the work they're doing, and they're anxious to show it to audiences. They're little pros. They're very prepared, and I'm proud of them."