Madeline Fanton remembers the first chapter book she read as a child — “Little Women.” Now, the visiting professor of theater arts is directing Westmont’s production of the novel by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by Kate Hamill.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27-28 and March 6-7; and 2 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7-8, all in Westmont’s Porter Theatre.

“I fell in love with Jo’s fiery spirit, Meg’s steady heart, Amy’s ambition and Beth’s kindness,” said Fanton, who began teaching at Westmont in 2024.

“I grew up on the 1994 film version, which continues to hold a very special place in my heart,” she said.

“The story continues to resonate today, despite being set in the 1860s,” Fanton said. “The pains and joys of growing up, navigating love and loss, and figuring out who we want to be — these are universal human experiences.”

While Hamill’s adaptation varies from the novel and films, the play retains the themes that have endeared people to these characters for more than a century.

“Rehearsals have been full of laughs, high energy; everyone is finding their way into their characters,” she said. “I hope the cast comes away from this experience with a new perspective on these characters and what it means to create something brand new out of something familiar.”

Fanton, who graduated from UC Irvine, earned a master’s degree at Cal State Northridge and a doctorate at UC Santa Barbara, directed “Poor Clare” in 2023 at Westmont.

“I hope audiences connect the unique gifts of each of the characters to the people in their lives and are prompted to reflect on the unique gifts and abilities of every person they encounter,” she said. “And they call their moms, dads and siblings and tell them how much they appreciate them.”

Tickets to see “Little Women,” which are priced at $20 for general admission and $12 for students, seniors and veterans, may be purchased at westmont.edu/boxoffice.

For more, call the box office, 805-565-7040.