"Little Women: the Musical," the uplifting story of the beloved March family, will open Coastal Carolina University's Department of Theatre season starting Thursday, Sept. 25, with performances through Saturday, Oct. 4 at the 79th Avenue Theatre in Myrtle Beach.

Performance dates are: Thursday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. A command performance will be held Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. that includes a reception and pre-show lecture. Tickets for the command performance are $50, and proceeds will benefit scholarship opportunities in the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts. The special performance is hosted by the Edwards College Board of Visitors.

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, "Little Women" focuses on the four March sisters and their beloved Marmee during the Civil War in America. This story is a tribute to feminine strength and independence as the March women discover not only their individuality, but also the importance of family and friendship. This heartwarming play is appropriate for the entire family.

Adam Pelty, assistant professor of theater, directs the play, which features students in the theater programs at Coastal.

Kelly Kapur plays the role of Jo March, and Corey Ryan is cast as Laurie; they are both sophomores and B.F.A. musical theatre majors.

Other cast members include Jordan Sharp, Kathryn Gaffney, Meagan Sharp, Anna Sheridan, Keelin Sanz, Brianne Campbell, Daniel Pippert, Conor DeVoe, Connor Kendall, Ashlyn Inman, Kailey Mixer and Tyler Keller.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 CCU faculty and staff, and $5 CCU students. To purchase tickets, visit CCU's cultural arts site (coastal.edu/culturalarts), call the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit the box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The theater is located in CCU's Myrtle Beach Education center at U.S. 17 Bypass and 79th Avenue North.