Tony Award winner Laura Benanti and Olivier-nominated performer Julian Ovenden have been cast in the upcoming studio album of Jo – The Little Women Musical, a reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women. Benanti will portray Marmee March, while Ovenden will take on the role of Father. This exciting project will feature a 29-piece orchestra and a cast of acclaimed Broadway, West End, and international talent, showcasing a fresh adaptation of the classic coming-of-age tale.
The studio recording will take place in January at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios and is being produced by five-time Grammy nominee and three-time Emmy winner Nigel Wright, alongside composer Dan Redfeld. The album will mark the world premiere of the musical, with plans for several tracks and videos to be released ahead of a full album debut. Following the album release, a semi-staged concert production is scheduled to hit the West End, directed by JoAnn M. Hunter, whose extensive credits include Bad Cinderella and School of Rock.
A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Benanti’s celebrated career includes standout roles in Gypsy, Into the Woods, and My Fair Lady, while Ovenden is known for his performances in Downton Abbey and the recent revival of South Pacific. Other cast members include Christine Allado as Jo March, Rob Houchen as Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, and Sophie Pollono as Amy March, among others. The final cast list is set to be revealed soon.
The creative team features composer and co-producer Dan Redfeld, lyricists Christina Harding and John Gabriel Koladziej, and producer Brian Purcell. The project promises to deliver a richly orchestrated and emotionally resonant adaptation that appeals to both longtime fans of the novel and new audiences.
Exciting Prospects for the West End
Details about the West End concert’s date and venue will be announced in the coming weeks. The studio album, to be released under Grammy-winning Center Stage Records, will serve as a stepping stone to this much-anticipated stage production.
Stay tuned for updates on this musical celebration of Little Women. For more information, visit Jo The Musical’s official website and follow @jothemusical on Instagram and Facebook.
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