Dawn DeVries, who has read not only "Little Women" but also all of Louisa May Alcott's novels, finds the Broadway musical "very true to the book."

DeVries directs the Drama Group production of "Little Women, the Musical," opening tonight for a two-weekend run at the intimate Studio Building.

"Little Women" is the timeless coming-of-age story of the four March sisters: Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth. Their mother Marmee struggles to hold together the impoverished New England family through the Civil War years while their father, a Chaplain, is serving in the Union Army.

The main character, Jo, based on Alcott herself, wants the family to stay together forever. "She hopes to become a published writer, earn enough money and make everyone happy so that no one wants to leave," DeVries says.

Like Alcott, who learned from such giants as Hawthorne, Thoreau and Emerson, Jo was given an education that went well beyond what most women experienced at that time. She was encouraged to read a wide variety of literature and put on shows. A bit of a "hellfire," she was not disciplined in the way she expressed emotions nor restricted in what she said. Her aunt tried to teach her proper Victorian behavior but found her sister Amy a more apt pupil.

In the end, it is Professor Bhaer, who Jo meets at a New York boarding house, who influences her. "He tames her but does not break her spirit," DeVries says.

Jo is played by 19-year old Christine Guymon, in her first adult role.

She played Anne several summers ago in the Drama Group's charming "Anne of Green Gables," also directed by DeVries, a musical that deserves more community theater productions.

DeVries describes Jason Howland's music as contemporary Broadway, reminiscent of shows like "Wicked." She finds particularly memorable the jaunty "Off to Massachusetts" and "Five Forever," sung after Jo swears in Laurie as an honorary member of the March family, which conveys the sense of a solid bond. A baby grand piano is used to accompany the musical numbers.

Authentic period details enhance the show's realism. Women wear corsets and hoop skirts, DeVries says, and men wear frock coats and pants that conform to Civil War-era styles.