THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL by Carol Kaufman Segal

            

The Little Match Girl is a short story written by Christian Anderson in 1845.  Loft Ensemble in North Hollywood is featuring an adaptation of Anderson’s tale by Elizabeth Suzanne, directed by Tor Brown and featuring a cast of fifteen actors. 

           

The Little Match Girl is a story about a little girl, Annelise, (Ella Grace Bergeron) who lives in poverty with an abusive father (Raymond Donahey).  On New Year’s Eve, he sends her out in the cold, wintry weather to sell matches. The story follows Annalise as she spends the dreary night wandering the streets and the adventures she encounters.  It all opens her eyes to life, the suffering and the blessings of giving, and in the end, it is all about love and kindness.

            

The Little Match Girl is the fourth production of the eighth season of the Loft Ensemble.  It was quite an undertaking due to the very large cast who make up the people Annalise meets in her journey.  They include Barbera Ann Howard (Grandmother), Britt Crisp (Gisela), Paul Brodo (Vilhelm), Benjamin Shuman (Henrik), Ben Anderson (Jantzen), Jessica Wells (Petra), Ignacio Navarro (Stefan), Aaron Castle (Police Officer), Emma Gini (Incheline/Ensemble), Lemon Baardsen (Snow Queen/Ensemble), Maysa Sweeten (Shepherdess/Ensemble), Matthew Monaco (Tin Soldier/Ensemble), and Thatcher Boyd (Chimney Sweep/Ensemble). 

            

The scenic design is by Madylin Durrie, lighting design by Elza Hofeld, sound design by Tor Brown, costume design by Linda Muggeridge and Bree Pavey, choreography by La’Vel Stacy, and Jared Pugh is the Music Director.

            

The Little Match Girl plays Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 7 PM, through February 16, at the Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood.  Tickets are available online at www.loftensemble.org, or by phone at (818) 452-3153.