Ric Weaver, the director of the Dayspring Christian Academy production of the musical "Little Women," first discussed the show with Dayspring's Upper School principal, Dan Stone, in 2019. Stone had seen the play and loved it. Weaver was unfamiliar, but soon watched a video of the show. His reaction? "I don't understand how this is not a more famous show," said Weaver. "The music is so good, and the whole show (puts women in the spotlight)."

The show was originally slated to run in the spring of 2020, and Weaver, in the director's seat alone for the first time, said that the show almost made it to tech week when the state was shut down by COVID-19 restrictions. Now, with most of the same cast, the show will be presented live at Dayspring, 120 College Ave., Mountville, at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 26, and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, in the school's auditorium.

"Little Women" is set in Massachusetts during the Civil War. It is the story of the March sisters and their mother, who are waiting for the family patriach to return from battle. Jo, played by Emma Myers, is the second to the oldest of the four sisters. Along with her sisters, Meg, played by Emma Hasting; Beth, played by Alison Bruner; and Amy, played by Zoe Martin, Jo struggles with the limitations placed on her as a woman while coming of age in the Civil War era.

Weaver said that the biggest challenges of staging the show involve COVID-19 restrictions. "Blocking and keeping people socially distant while conveying that they are a family that hugs and touches (is a challenge)," shared Weaver, who noted that the show may include some side hugs and hand-holding in romantic scenes that will be preceded and followed by the off-stage use of hand sanitizer. "We are trying to keep the loving family feeling in the show without having people touching so much."

According to Weaver, the music in the show will not disappoint audiences. "One of the biggest songs is 'Some Things Are Meant to Be,' which is sung by Jo and Beth. It's a beautiful duet, where Beth is helping Jo let go and saying it's OK," said Weaver, who added that he uses the blocking to give a nod to the Lord. In addition, Myers will sing "Astonishing," which Weaver noted is a standout. Another favorite is "Five Forever," in which the girls are joined by their neighbor, Laurie, played by Gavin Knolle. "There's a lot of action, singing, dancing, and fun, and the cast loves (that song)," shared Weaver. "It is one of their favorite songs (to perform)."

After delaying the production for more than a year, Weaver is happy to see the cast members enjoying rehearsals. "(The) kids have so much fun, and they have (grown) in their talent from last year," shared Weaver, noting that both practice and life experience can help an actor hone his or her craft. As a veteran of the Cavod stage among other area venues, Weaver is pleased to be involved in theater again. "It's fun being able to use my creativity to finally do a show after so long," he said.

Tickets, which will be limited, may be purchased at http://www.dayspringchristian.com/store.