Image by Arkansas Arts Center

(Editor's Note: Ticket giveaway info below)

The Children's Theatre at the Arkansas Arts Center has long been known for its family-friendly productions that charm everyone from toddlers to adults. Typically the shows are about an hour long with quick pacing, humor, some sight gags and often music — all intentionally orchestrated to keep the short attention spans of their younger viewers.

When I heard the company was staging Little Women, I was excited but skeptical. Those familiar with the plot can understand. The subject matter — the Civil War, broken families, poverty, scarlet fever — seemed a bit daunting for even a company as professional as The Children's Theatre. And then (spoiler alert!), there is the matter of Beth's death. Nothing could undo me faster as a child than the scene where Beth dies. Heartbreaking!

I took my daughter and niece to the Sunday matinee last week and was pleased with and suprised by what we saw. The play is narrated by Jo, the headstrong tomboy of the March family. She keeps the plot moving quickly, explaining the passage of time and setting up the next scene. The scenes are short enough to hold attention yet rich enough to explore the characters and tell a great story.

As Jo, Samantha Davis really shines. Her delivery is packed with emotion. I was stunned to find out that she's only 18 and a senior in high school. Katherine Campbell, who plays Meg, also does a very fine job. She's laugh-out-loud funny as the witch in the "play within a play." The rest of the cast is to be commended as well. There's not a bad actor in the bunch.

As far as the serious plot lines, the girls discuss their fear that their father will die and Beth does get sick. But the play wraps up nicely with her recovery, Mr. March's return and Meg's engagement to Mr. Brooks. Jo ends the play with a flash forward that touches upon Beth's death, her rejection of Laurie's proposal and Amy's ultimate wedding to Laurie. All's well that ends well, as they say.

This is the final weekend of the show, with performances at 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (501) 376-4000 to reserve tickets.

Even better — we're giving away tickets! What is your favorite play? Leave your comments below by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 to be entered in the contest. We'll select winners Thursday morning.