Classic Production Touches Hearts in Riverside

Gold Leaf Theatre Productions (GLTP) and the Riverside Women's Club recently had a special presentation of the classic play, Little Women. The play was a community effort performed by talented local actors and actresses, and made possible through work of volunteers from with the community. Amy Estep, stage manager for the production and hair designer; Danielle Smith, makeup and costume designer; Sarah Waters, set designer; Jordon Smith, lights and sounds; and Stacy Parshall-Dietrich and Sandie Parshall, costume assistants combined their efforts to pull off a seamless production. The cast included 10 year old Aliyah Soto as Hannah Mullet for Cast B and Nia Campbell in Cast A. Ben Richardson was the lovable Laurie, best friend of Jo March, played by Maddison Rickard, who is planning on studying Theatre and Business at California Baptist University (CBU) this fall. Brooke Davis, who says that Little Women is one of her favorite plays, took Beth March, and Brooke Iva, alumni at CBU, made a hilarious Aunt March. Camryn Dietrich and Dallas Dudley played as Amy March on seperate weekends, while Hannabelle Swartzel and Hailey Selters took turns representing Meg March. Marc Schryer and Stephanie Parshall were a great team as they played Mr. and Mrs. March. Rich Durant, who has been an actor since the age of 10 played as Jo March's mentor, Professor Bhaer. Brooke was played by Jason Crewse, who has come back to theatre after a 10 year hiatus. "We hope you have enjoyed this production as much as we have enjoyed putting it together," Shared Danielle Smith, Director at Gold Leaf Productions. The play was dedicated to Michael Cluff, a talented actor who has been part of GLTP since it originated, and was originally cast as Mr. March for the production. Cluff tragically passed away before the play was presented.