Submitted Photo Cast members of the Minot High Playmakers rehearse a scene from “Little Women” ahead of performances scheduled Feb. 19-21 at Minot High School’s Arvel Graving Theatre.

“Little Women,” based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott and adapted for the stage by Thomas Hischak, will be performed by the Minot High Playmakers Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 19-21, at Minot High School’s Arvel Graving Theatre.

The coming-of-age story, set during the American Civil War, follows sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March as they navigate poverty, personal struggles and moral growth. Along the way, they form close bonds with their neighbor Laurie, his grandfather and his tutor, Mr. Brooke. Guided by their mother, Marmee, the sisters learn enduring lessons about love, loss and the meaning of family.

According to director Chad Gifford, the production features strong student involvement both onstage and behind the scenes.

“The show has 25 students acting in it, with another 12 students doing behind-the-scenes work, and quite a few working both on and off stage,” Gifford said.

Gifford added the production choice was student-driven.

“The show was selected by students this year, as many of them had a great fondness for the classic novel that the play is based on,” he said.

Doors open to the public at 7 p.m., with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets will be available at the door.

Jason Shappell, a sophomore at Minot High School, portrays Laurie in the production. Shappell said, in a news release, he enjoys the emotionally intense moments, “particularly when I get to be angry and stomp out after Laurie essentially gets rejected.” He added that the most challenging aspect of the role has been “trying to find the purpose in his words and being able to convey them.”

Costume design is led by junior Abby Wittliff, co-head of costumes alongside Layla Port. Wittliff said her favorite costume to create was Marmee’s.

“The costume I had the most fun making was for Marmee,” Wittliff said in the release. “All the ideas I had for her came together wonderfully, and our actor fit the costume so well. I really like the details, and I think all of them go together really nicely.”