Adapted many times for stage and screen, the Louisa May Alcott classic now comes to the opera house in this commission by the Houston Grand Opera, featuring a score and libretto by acclaimed young American composer Mark Adamo. Conducted by Patrick Summers, "Little Women" is the poignant coming-of-age chronicle of the four March sisters -- Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy -- in 19th-century New England. The production features mezzo-sopranos Stephanie Novacek and Joyce DiDonato as Jo and Meg, with tenor Chad Shelton as Jo's long-suffering suitor Laurie. Also featured are sopranos Margaret Lloyd as Amy and Stacey Tappan as Beth, and mezzo-soprano Gwendolyn Jones as Alma March. In a performance acclaimed by THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE as "a vigorous yet seductive debut ... filled with kinetic energy," completing the cast are Daniel Belcher, James Maddalena, and Katherine Ciesinski. Background on the Houston Grand Opera and its current general director David Gockley; a synopsis of the opera, with commentary by Mark Adamo on adapting the novel for the stage; and an interview with one of classical music's rising stars, composer Mark Adamo. Click here to explore the Web companion for this program, which originally aired on August 29, 2001. Top banner photos: The March sisters -- Amy, Beth, Jo, and Meg; Friedrich Bhaer (Chen-Ye-Yuan) with Jo March (Stephanie Novacek); Amy March (Margaret Lloyd) and Laurie (Chad Shelton). Jo March is played by Stephanie Novacek. Joyce DiDonato as Meg March.