The March sisters were actually based on four real women: The Alcott sisters!
Louisa May Alcott or Jo March
Jo March is based on Louisa May Alcott (the author of Little Women). Jo, like Louisa May Alcott, is a writer, fiercely independent, and ahead of her time. Louisa May Alcott’s writings lifted her family out of poverty, and allowed her to be financially independent. Unlike Jo, Louisa May Alcott remained unmarried for the duration of her life. She intended the same for Jo, but received so many complaints from fans that she decided to let Jo get married…although not to whom fans requested.
Anna Alcott Pratt or Meg March
Anna Alcott was Louisa’s older sister and close friend. She wanted to be an actress and fell in love with her husband John Bridge Platt while performing alongside him in a play called “The Loan of a Lover.” She was 29 years old. Meg similarly falls in love and marries a man named John.
Elizabeth “Beth” Sewall Alcott or Beth March
Louisa didn’t even try to hide Beth’s resemblance to her late sister Elizabeth Alcott. Very little is written about the real Beth other than that she was similarly quiet, preferred the names “Lizzie” or “Beth” to Elizabeth, and was deeply loved by her family. She passed away at 22.
Abigail “May” Alcott Nieriker or Amy March
May Alcott was the inspiration for Amy March, hence the similarities in their names. Like Amy, May was an outspoken artist. Louisa and May were known to argue (much like Jo and Amy) but still were very close. May travelled frequently, and spent a great deal of time in Paris and London.
TEEN SCENE PLAYERS PRESENT
LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL
Script & Lyrics by Linda Daugherty
Music & Lyrics by B. Wolf
Based on the book by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by K. Doug Miller
Dec. 7 – 22
Ages 9 and up
Celebrate life, love, and family in this festive 
musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s cherished novel set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The March sisters – romantic Meg, spirited Jo, sweet Beth, and headstrong Amy – face adventure, heartbreak, and enduring hope as they weather life’s changes in this timeless drama. Embrace the spirit of the holiday season through a story that has captured the hearts of readers for more than 150 years. Performed by the DCT Academy all-teen cast!
Illustration by Frank T. Merrill. Alcott sister photos courtesy of lizziealcott[dot]com and