Big hopes for Little Women

Starcatcher Productions, a theatre company serving Kahnawake and Chateauguay with members from both communities, is setting up its production of Little Women at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal.

“Centaur Theatre is one of the biggest English theatres in the area,” said Kirk Elsmore, president of Starcatcher Productions. “If you want to make a presence of yourself, you get to Centaur or Place des Arts. In terms of visibility and promotion, it’s a great opportunity.”

While Centaur is a chance for Starcatcher to grow, Kirk believes that the theatre company should still stay in the Kahnawake and Chateauguay area.

“Centaur just happened to be a place where we got last minute. We’re not disappointed about it, it’s an awesome place, but it’s just not our vision,” Elsmore continued.

This year’s show is Little Women, a musical based on a book by the same name. Originally written by Louisa May Alcott, the story follows four sisters and the unfolding of their lives.

“The cast and crew are amazing,” said Angel Robertson, the actor playing Beth March, one of the four sisters. “They’re so supportive, and I learned so much because I don’t come from a theatre school background. This is a hobby, a passion of mine, and I find every production I learn more and more about working with the other actors, but also the incredible crew that they have, the directors and just their work ethic and is over the top amazing.”

Robertson has been with Starcatcher for four years and is looking forward to playing a leading role in the production.

“It’s one of my biggest roles I’ve got, which I’m very excited for the challenge and very honoured that they trust me and see something in me to actually get this role,” she said, adding that everyone at the audition was very talented and professional.

So far, preparations are coming along well, she said.

“It’s coming along great. The vocals are coming together. The choreography is coming really naturally, having such a talented cast, and now it’s just fine tuning everything,” said Robertson

“I think we have a great cast,” said Eric Curotte-Ryder, who is playing Mr. Lawrence.  “We have a great ensemble. We have a great director - I like her patience. I like her dedication - and also the other stage crew members who also are very experienced.”

Curotte-Ryder has been with Starcatcher since its start in 2018. He also has extensive experience with Turtle Island Theatre.

Elsmore said the reason he founded Starcatcher Productions was because of the temporary closure of Turtle Island Theatre.

Both actors are excited about being able to present the production for the community even though it’s not being staged in the community.

Little Women runs at Centaur Theatre from August 23-30, with a free shuttle bus from the Kahnawake Sports Complex for the August 30 matinee; spots on the bus must be reserved in advance, and a ticket to the show is required.

[email protected]