Kankakee Valley Theatre Association issued the following announcement on Nov. 6.
Calling all male actors! We have introduced you to three strong male characters from Little Women the Musical, and now it is time to meet the last, but not least, of these fantastic men.
Mr. Laurence a.k.a. The Secretly Kind One
Mr. Laurence - Laurie’s grandfather and the Marches’ wealthy next-door neighbor. Mr. Laurence is an educated, benevolent old man with a peppery disposition. Mr. Laurence seems gruff, stern, and intimidating but he is loving and kind.
Lonely in his mansion, and often at odds with his high-spirited grandson, he finds comfort in becoming a benefactor to the Marches. He protects the March sisters while their parents are away. He was a friend to Mrs. March's father, and admires their charitable works.
Although old Mr. Laurence often seems crabby or intimidating, he's actually a very compassionate, thoughtful person who loves his grandson very much and has a special liking for the March girls. Mr. Laurence's particular favorite among the Marches is Beth, whose sweet manners and wonderful piano-playing remind him of the granddaughter he lost. He develops a special, tender friendship with Beth and gives Beth the girl's piano. We can't help but love him because of his sweet dedication to Beth and her love of pianos. Mr. Laurence reminds us that it's never too late to make up for something that's happened in the past – even though he cut off relations with his son because he didn't approve of his son's marriage, he's determined to make up for it by taking good care of Laurie. Mr. Laurence also functions as a device to keep the plot of the story moving – whenever the Marches need money urgently for something, Mr. Laurence pops up to provide it.
Like others in Little Women, Louisa May Alcott fashioned the character of Mr Laurence after someone in her life. Louisa May Alcott wrote,”Mr. Lawrence is my grandfather, Colonel Joseph May.” One can only imagine Alcott’s special relationship with her own grandfather.
Mr. Laurence is a dynamic role for a mature performer who can use his talents to play both the commanding and loving sides of this character. Sign up today to audition for this role for a chance to be a part of the small but dynamic cast of Little Women the Musical!
https://www.kvta.org/little-women-auditions
Original source can be found here.
Source: Kankakee Valley Theatre Association
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