A Show for Women and the Men who Love Them

Living up to its reputation for producing challenging and avant-garde pieces played by a young adult cast, the Little Village Playhouse brings "A…My Name Will Always be Alice" to the stage of the Irvington Town Theater this weekend.

The production features a cast of 13 girls, ranging from the ages of 13 to 17, who share in the unique experience of performing this kaleidoscopic work of songs, scenes, and monologues dealing with the issues that contemporary women face.

"We chose this to challenge this group of young women with juicy work to sink their teeth into," Stephanie Kovacs, artistic director for Little Village Playhouse, said. "Rather than sticking them in the chorus or a larger show, we keep shows smaller to ensure that the kids all share the spotlight and grow, while working on pieces that will challenge them at their own, individual levels."

Little Village Playhouse, a non-profit theater organization based out of Pleasantville, NY, produces student-acted community theater that is anything but your everyday children's shows.

"A…My Name Will Always be Alice" is relatable yet difficult; issues range from friendship and love to the definition of inner beauty versus societal beauty, sexism and women's power (or powerlessness) in the workplace.

"The student performers are challenged with tackling some issues they have not faced yet in their own lives," Kovacs said. "Themes like: divorce, losing a husband or finding their first wrinkles."

Kovacs describes the show as edgy and ambitious, and she believes they have been ultimately successful in getting the girls to act out scenes they themselves will not face for decades.

Kovacs also believes her young actresses have had chance to grow together in a way that is particular to an all-female cast.

"I love this show because all-female casts have a unique energy, particularly this one," she said. "The actors are having a blast and it shows—they also take care of one another on stage and off, and that also is apparent in the work."

Kovacs and Executive Director Adam Cohen are confident this show will appeal to adults--as much of the content is adult in nature--but is also a fun and humorous enough for kids 11 and older.

"I think it appeals to women," Kovacs said. "But also to the men who love them--if they're smart."

"A…My Name will always be Alice" is showing Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Irvington Town Hall Theater.  Ticket will be available at the door.