Due to its immense popularity, we asked several directors why they chose this version of Little Women when they had perused copies of four or five versions previously. Two reasons seemed important: This version has 12 to 18 women, while some adapters cut parts to condense the long novel. Since the story covers several years and many characters, a narrator, Josephine (Jo) Marsh, gives background information to tie the scenes together. Her narration also gives time for the few costume and set changes necessary for a simple or magnificent production. Jo, of course, is Louisa May Alcott. The author and the publisher have worked to make this script playable by every theatre regardless of size and budget and by actors of virtually any age, since it is a story that every person ought to see. The story is familiar to nearly every American. The four March daughters—Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy—continue to live in the hearts of readers, causing smiles and tears, triumph and tragedy as they grow up, fall in love and face life. This classic American tale will touch the heart of every person in your audience.