‘Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women’ comes to life at TheatreWorks

The central character is the second-oldest daughter, Jo (Elissa Beth Stebbins), who sometimes speaks as Alcott herself and who aspires to be a writer.

Early in the play she also says she has wished she were a boy.

Meg (Emily Ota) is the oldest sister. Behind them in age are Beth (Lauren Hart) and the youngest, Amy (Sharon Shao). Their mother is called Marmee (Cathleen Riddley), an island of calm and good sense.

Her daughters have their share of sisterly squabbles as well as traumas such as the scarlet fever that Beth contracts. Nevertheless, familial love unites them.

Their neighbor, the personable Laurie (Max Tachis), is deeply in love with Jo, who cherishes their friendship but can’t return his love.

Completing the cast is George Psarras as John, who courts Meg and does double duty as Bhaer, the German scholar who connects with Jo.

Director Giovanna Sardelli has assembled an outstanding group of actors, each one believably embodying his or her character in an endearing fashion.

The audience comes to care for each one.

The action occurs over several years and moves from the March household to Europe. Annie Smart’s austere set aids each transition, enhanced by Kurt Landisman’s lighting design and James Ard’s sound design.

Period costumes by Meg Neville are praiseworthy, too.

Running about two and a half hours with a 15-minute intermission, this memorable production will continue through Oct. 12 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.

For tickets and information, including performances to enhance accessibility, call (877) 662-8978 or visit theatreworks.org.