The Encore Musical Theatre Company will open its 2011 season with Little Women: The Musical on Feb. 3. The story is based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott and follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up during the Civil War.

Little Women marks a milestone for the fledgling theater company, both as its 12th show in three years and the directorial debut of assistant artistic director Steve DeBruyne.

"Steve is really great at explaining text in contemporary terms. He is a really great director," New York resident Sean Widener, who plays Laurie, said. 

Widener said working on Little Women has been a lot of fun.

"I can really relate to Laurie," he said. "He befriends four girls and acts out scenes in the attic; I grew up with all sisters."

Ann Arbor resident Thalia Schramm, who plays the character Meg, said she was delighted to work with DeBruyne.

"Steve totally rocks," Schramm said. "He is great at talking to people and very flexible."

Despite a relatively short rehearsal period of three weeks, DeBruyne said the show is progressing smoothly.  

"Rehearsals are going very well," DeBruyne said.  "This cast impresses me each night at rehearsal.  They are learning the show so quickly. The singing is fantastic, the harmonies in particular are very beautiful, and the choreography is fun and energetic."

"Each rehearsal gets me more and more excited to share this show with the community," he said.

As director, DeBruyne said he gets to experience the various challenges of putting on a production from a different perspective.

"As for challenges, they're the typical ones: How do we light this scene to get the effect we're looking for?  How will this scene shift to the next scene efficiently and quietly?  How can we protect the cast from a Michigan winter and keep them healthy?  We haven't had anything major yet," he said.  "This is a knock on wood moment. The show is ready to run ahead of schedule."

"We are ready to start running the show straight through a week and a half before we open," DeBruyne said.

The first complete run of the show is typically three days before the show opens.

Performances begin Feb. 3 and run through Feb. 20.  Lunch packages from The North Point Seafood and Steakhouse are available for the 3 p.m. performance Feb. 17. On Feb. 19, The Encore’s popular Cabaret Night will follow the 8 p.m. performance.

Tickets for all performances are on sale now and may be purchased online at theencoretheatre.org or by calling 734-268-6200.