“This wonderful tale of the four March sisters, about family love, growing older, and being an independent woman has been a classic from its inception in 1868. Mark Adamo’s luscious arias bring a musical poignancy to Louisa May Alcott’s story that is touching, and his unsettling music brings Jo’s struggles with the changing world to life and keeps the audience wondering if she will ever change her mind. Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera for its Young Artists, Little Women premiered on March 13, 1998.” -Lyric Theatre @ Illinois
Turntable
The scenic design placed the March house on a two-stage stock turntable consisting of a center disc and outer ring, each driven independently. The center disc was 16 feet in diameter and the total diameter was 32 feet. The disc was driven from the center hub by a Creative Conners Rotator machine. The ring was driven by a #80 roller chain wrapped around a rubber surface along the outer edge. The ring machine was similar to a Creative Conners Revolver machine except the friction wheel was swapped for a chain sprocket. Spikemark software was used to control the automation.
Role
Technical Director
Credits
Opera by Mark Adamo
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Dawn Harris
Music Direction by Casey Robards
Vocal Coaching by Julie Gunn
Scenic Design by Fallon Podrazik
Costume Design by Nicolás Dudit Pardo
Lighting Design by Jasmyn Oliveros
Media Design by Ethan Borrok
Sound Design by Madeleine Carroll
Properties by Josh Doniek
Stage Managed by Anna Compton
Production Managed by Lydia Przybylski-Munden
Assistant Scenic Designer: Mary McCarthy
Assistant Technical Director: Samuel Wright
Automation Operator: Brian Zuckerman
Scenic Charge: Christina Rainwater
Dress Rehearsal Photos by Darrell Hoemann
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois, April 2026
Krannert Center, Tryon Festival Theatre
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
