The director of “Little Women,” Carly Keone, back row fourth from left, is pictured with some members of the backstage crew for the Peninsula Association of Performing Artists. At back are Dave LaPere (set design), Angela Grote (costumes), Robert Scherrer (scene continuity), Keone, Kurt Owens (scene continuity), Jerr Harding (production manager), Philip Leonard (lighting) and Bruce Mihalek (backstage). At front are Violet Normand (music tech), left, and Maddie Erland (stage manager).

Carly Keone, who has directed the summer production of “Little Women,” is the first to note she has had help.

And Peninsula Association of Performing Artists has always been a team effort.

The show opened July 5 and runs each weekend through Aug. 4 at the Fort Columbia Theater in Chinook.

Keone directed PAPA’s production of “Letters to Anne of Green Gables,” a non-musical script based on L.M. Montgomery’s series. The troupe staged it in 2022 when life started to return toward normalcy after covid shutdowns brought down the curtain on community theater. Last year, she took the role of the shy newcomer Annelle in PAPA’s production of “Steel Magnolias” then starred as Maria in “The Sound of Music.”

“Little Women” is a musical by Jay Richards — different from the 2005 Broadway version — that tells the story of the four sisters from Louisa May Alcott’s semi-autobiographical Civil War-era classic.

‘Luck’

For their production, PAPA’s leaders assembled a backstage team to spread the load.

“It is my first musical as director, so I have help with things that arise. I lucked out because I have this amazing crew,” Keone said.

Musical director is Pamela Klifar, who directed Peninsula Players’ March production of “Nunsense” in Ilwaco. Klifar’s husband, Philip Leonard, is a skilled technician who has designing the lighting.

Maddie Erland was recruited to serve as stage manager, mentored by PAPA’s long-time enthusiast Samantha Grote. Erland, home from her biology studies at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., played Ava, the narrator in “Green Gables,” and a postulant in “Sound of Music.”

“It is a delight, my first time doing anything backstage. It is different, getting to know what’s behind the scenes,” Erland said. “It is a lot of work, but it is worth it.”

‘Stress’

It is the first show in recent times with a separate production manager, a role filled by Jerr Harding, who has experience directing. “He has really streamlined the process,” Keone said.

Robert Scherrer, a stalwart with Peninsula Players who appeared opposite Keone as Capt. Von Trapp in “Sound of Music,” plays the March girls’ father. In addition to acting, he and ensemble member Kurt Owens were appointed as scene transition managers, working closely with Harding. “They know what needs to get done; they have relieved the stress,” Keone added.

As she has for multiple productions, Angela Grote, the troupe’s president, created the costumes. Richelle Weston, whose son and daughter Aric and Sydney both have roles, is in charge of hair and make-up, while Jaclyn Lemar handles props.

‘Help’

Dave LaPere, who appears as Mr. Willoughby, the shopkeeper, had an early backstage role, too, with his wife Julie. “The couple volunteered to build some set pieces for us,” Keone said, expressing her gratitude.

LaPere was recruited by his neighbor, Jane Schussman, a long-time PAPA performer, who appears as Aunt March. “She asked if I could help. I am a retired fireman, but I have done a lot of remodeling!” he laughed. As is common in community theater, he was soon being fitted for a costume. “He’s so good!” said Keone.

Others pitching in include Violet Normand as music tech, Jonathan Cole doing spot lighting and sound, Ken Tobias doing sound, Glenn Ripley as the electrical and mics advisor, Penny Ripley in charge of box office with Marla Johnson heading up the house and refreshments. Grote, the president, also highlighted the contribution of Sue Holt, whose graphic design skills have enhanced the troupe’s signs.

Overall, the director has been delighted with the help behind the scenes as she marshaled her cast of 21.

“It really does take a village!” Keone enthused.

If You Go

“Little Women: A Little Musical”

By Jay Richards, directed by Carly Keone

Peninsula Association of Performing Artists

Fort Columbia Theater, 475 U.S. Highway 101, Chinook.

7 p.m. July 19-20, 26-27, Aug. 2-3; 2 p.m. July 21, 28, Aug. 4.

Tickets $16-23, online at www.papatheater.com, at Okie’s Thriftway in Ocean Park, Wash., or call 360-436-4448.

A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is not required to enter the park to attend the theater.