Title
From Classic Novel to Broadway Musical Production: An Examination of Little Women as an Adaptation
Date of Award
Fall 12-14-2016
Degree Type
Honors Project
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Craig Franson
Abstract
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic work of American literature that has been adapted into many different forms since its original publication in 1868. This essay analyzes the effects of adapting a novel, or written medium, to a visual medium such as a film or stage production. Particularly, it looks at Alcott’s Little Women in relation to Allan Knee’s 2005 Broadway musical adaptation of the story. This article begins with a discussion about the challenges that come with adapting a written medium to a visual medium, and then uses Little Women as a case study, examining the differences between the two versions of the story. Some main elements that help determine the validity of Knee’s adaptation are (a) insignificant changes brought about due to time constraints; (b) significant thematic alterations; (c) character development; and (d) modern significance of the novel.
Recommended Citation
Skiles, Meghan, "From Classic Novel to Broadway Musical Production: An Examination of Little Women as an Adaptation" (2016). HON499 projects. 5.
https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/honors_projects/5
Included in
Dramatic Literature, Criticism and Theory Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Literature in English, North America Commons