Most of the good things in this show come from Louisa May Alcott’s book. The March sisters are smart, well-read, energetic, determined, and ultimately good to each other, even if they squabble from time to time. And their mother is wise, supportive in a crisis, yet slow to anger – an outstanding parent. 

Any show built around these strong characters is off to a good start. But we’re talking about “Little Women – The Broadway Musical.”
The music’s pretty, but not memorable, smooth, but not distinctive. Mostly, it’s like Cream of Wheat – warm, comforting, and kinda bland.“Little Women” is also very domestic – no gunshots or fistfights, no grandiose special effects. The show plays up courtship and marriage more than Alcott did in her book. But as they say, you can’t stage a musical without a love story. The first half, with twelve songs, is long. But the acting’s good, and this is one of those rare musicals where the second half’s is more interesting than the first.

 “Little Women” is at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre through October 9.