Two local men hit it off with ‘Little Women’ By Sylvia O’Hagen Two men from the Rivertowns are happy to be associated with Broadway’s newest hit, “Little Women, the Musical.” Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, the show features Dobbs Ferry resident and actor/singer John Hickok in the role of Professor Bhaer, Jo March’s eventual love interest, and Irvington composer, arranger, sound designer, producer, and engineer Scott Freiman, who is co-producing the musical. “Little Women is that rare, heartfelt show that isn’t maudlin or sentimental,” said Hickok of his latest Broadway work, which premiered Jan. 23 at the Virginia Theatre. “Adults and children can sit, side by side, crying, laughing, and both think the show was written just for them.” “They’ve done a remarkable job of keeping the core of the story, the characters, and making sure that the moral and the point of the story is there,” said Freiman of the show, which marks his debut as a Broadway producer.
John Hickok of Dobbs Ferry and Scott Freiman of Irvington outside the Virginia Theatre Given the awed reaction of the sold-out audience at a Sunday matinee Feb. 20, “Little Women” has “success” and “long-running musical” stamped all over it. Made up of many young girls and teens, many enjoying their first Broadway experience in a child-friendly atmosphere, the crowd wildly applauded the songs, humor and drama of the show headlined by Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster (“Thoroughly Modern Millie”) playing the lead role of the feisty Jo March with Broadway veteran and renowned singer Maureen McGovern playing Marmee, the March sisters’ devoted Mother. The musical follows the loves and lives of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they grow up in Civil War America. “Little Women, the Musical” has a book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Freiman and Hickok, who just recently discovered that they were Rivertowns neighbors, both expressed pride in the show, which their own children have seen “umpteen” times, according to Hickok. Multi-tasker makes producing debut Scott Freiman does a lot of music-related work from his Irvington-based studio. A composer and arranger, sound designer, music producer and engineer, music teacher and the owner of Second Act Studio, a facility for composition, recording and production, Freiman says, “Anything that has anything to do with music, I’m involved with in some way.” Though he studied music and piano through his formative years, and graduated from Yale University with a B.S. in music and computer science, Freiman’s “first act” was as CEO of a successful financial software company he co-founded and ran for 15 years. In December of 2001, Freiman, along with his wife, Allison and sons Max, now 9, Zack, 7 and Jack, 4, moved to Irvington from the Washington, D.C. area to “follow a dream” and embark on a new career as a composer and studio owner. Freiman’s state-of-the-art facility designed by John Storyk – who created Jimi Hendrix’s first studio as well as studios for Whitney Houston, Bob Marley and more artists – was launched in 2003. Freiman, now a successful composer for film and television, also produces and teaches. He is currently teaching a songwriting course at Springhurst School in Dobbs Ferry, a project he volunteered for through the school’s cultural arts program. “The kids are writing the songs, then will perform them,” said Freiman of the five-week program which culminates with a live concert March 24. “It’s very exciting.” As for his new role of one of the 10 producers of a hit Broadway musical, Freiman says it’s been an exciting time and “very, very fun.” As a second-level investor, Freiman explained, he initially sat in on meetings and witnessed the development of the show. “From the initial readings, through the out-of-town performances at Duke, the New York rehearsals and previews… then the actual show premiere, it’s been a thrill to se how the show has developed,” said Freiman. “It’s a wonderful show… audiences, especially families, just love it. Freiman noted how he had met “Little Women” cast member John Hickok, seen him through the readings and rehearsal process, but only recently discovered, during a conversation, that they were neighbors, both with children in Dobbs Ferry schools. “John is absolutely wonderful in the show,” said Freiman. “It’s a great role for him.” Since the show opened, Freiman said his role as a co-producer has changed. “I’m now helping them on the marketing side,” continued Freiman. “We’re very excited about using the Internet and doing some things that have never been done before to broaden the message and get the word out for ‘Little Women’ – we’re seeing how it touches and affects people. We want to get the word out on that.” _____________________________________________________________________________ |
