Based on the 1869 classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, "Little Women, the Musical" tells the compelling tale of the four March sisters from Massachusetts -- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy -- as they navigate childhood, adolescence and young adulthood against the backdrop of the Civil War.

Temple Theatre's production of the play begins Thursday, April 16, and continues through Sunday, May 3.

This production marks a North Carolina homecoming of sorts for the play. Originally workshopped in 2001 and again in 2004 in Durham, as part of the Theater Previews program at Duke University, "Little Women, tthe Musical" left North Carolina and immediately opened on Broadway in early 2005, earning its stars, Sutton Foster (as Jo) and Maureen McGovern (as Marmee), Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations. After the show closed in New York, it began touring the country, and the first Broadway tour of "Little Women, the Musical" had as its dance captain Temple Theatre's own artistic director, Peggy Taphorn, who brings her wealth of professional experience and her directorial expertise to Temple's production.

"Little Women, the Musical" stars Jae Boley as Jo and features a professional cast of Katherine Anderson as Meg; Anne Elizabeth Butler as Beth; Fayetteville natives Molly Griggs, Cassandra Vallery, and Ken Griggs as, respectively, Amy, Marmee, and Professor Bhaer; Sean Powel as Laurie; Rob DuPont as Mr. Brooke; Peter Tamm as Mr. Lawrence; and Temple Theatre regular Lynda Clark as Aunt March.

This production is sponsored by Bankingport Insurance Company, for the benefit of Sanford's food pantry, The Bread Basket.

Temple Theatre is located at 120 Carthage Street, downtown Sanford.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, and $10 for students. Discounts are available for active military, Lee County educators, and groups of 10 or more.

For tickets or information call the box office at (919) 774-4155 or visit www.templeshows.com.