Note: The ages listed are the approximate ages of the characters within the scope of the musical and should be within the age range of the actor. All actors must be 16 years of age or older.

Jo

The incredibly smart second-born daughter of four sisters, Jo is a gifted and driven storyteller and writer who wants to eat the world! She is brash, bold, irreverent, and impetuous. At the same time, she values and needs the tenderness and tranquility she gets from Meg, Beth, and Marmee. She eventually becomes engaged to Professor Bhaer. Jo values agency and freedom, and her engine runs on love and valor—“a colt in a flower garden.”

• Gender: Female
• Age: 17–20
• Vocal Range: E3–A5

Meg

The first-born daughter who feels all the responsibility that comes with the role. Meg is tender, sweet, and often described as attractive. She loves beautiful things and wrestles with an early streak of envy that challenges her better nature. A romantic at heart, her sense of duty makes her a delightful contradiction. She falls in love with and eventually marries Mr. Brooke.

Also plays: Clarissa

• Gender: Female
• Age: 18–21
• Vocal Range: A♯3–G♭5

Beth

The peacemaker of the sisters, Beth sees all sides of a situation and the good in everyone. She is gentle, tranquil, and brings comfort to everyone around her. An excellent musician, Beth plays the piano live on stage. Her illness and eventual passing profoundly affect the March family, especially Jo.

Also plays: Rodrigo 2

• Gender: Female
• Age: 16–19
• Vocal Range: A3–G5

Amy

Strong-willed and creative, Amy is a girl of action and impulse. The youngest March sister longs to find her own place in the world and desires the same sense of agency she sees in her older sisters—especially Jo. She is a gifted visual artist who loves beauty. She eventually falls in love with and marries Laurie.

Also plays: Troll

• Gender: Female
• Age: 14–17
• Vocal Range: C♭4–G♭5

Marmee

The resourceful, loving, patient, and kind mother of the March sisters. She strives to be useful and mindful in all things and inspires her daughters to do the same. She carries the burden of raising four girls while her husband serves as an Army chaplain during wartime.

Also plays: Hag

• Gender: Female
• Age: 40s
• Vocal Range: E3–F5

Aunt March

The March sisters’ wealthy, widowed great-aunt. Opinionated, stubborn, and incredibly intelligent, Aunt March may seem imperious, but her sternness comes from wisdom and genuine care.

Also plays: Mrs. Kirk, owner of the New York City boarding house

• Gender: Female
• Age: 50s–60s
• Vocal Range: E3–F5

Laurie

Adventurous, charming, playful, and imaginative, Laurie enjoys testing society’s boundaries. Born to be a March but destined to become one through marriage, he first loves Jo before eventually falling in love with Amy.

Also plays: Rodrigo

• Gender: Male
• Age: 17–20
• Vocal Range: B♭2–B♭4

Professor Bhaer

Intelligent and deeply ethical, Professor Bhaer is the calm in the storm. A German immigrant living at Mrs. Kirk’s boarding house, he develops a meaningful connection with Jo, bringing balance and clarity to her life. He eventually falls in love with and becomes engaged to her.

• Gender: Male
• Age: 30s
• Vocal Range: G2–F♯4

Mr. Laurence

Laurie’s grandfather. At first, he seems like the classic “Get off my lawn!” neighbor, but beneath his gruff exterior is a caring man with a generous heart. His relationship with the March family—especially Beth—softens him considerably. He plays piano live on stage alongside Beth.

Also plays: Knight

• Gender: Male
• Age: 50s–60s
• Vocal Range: Baritone (C♯3–E4)

John Brooke

Laurie’s tutor. Respectful, hardworking, and selfless, John is a romantic with a deep sense of duty, making him an excellent match for Meg. He eventually marries her.

Also plays: Braxton

• Gender: Male
• Age: 20s
• Vocal Range: C♯3–F♯4

“Operatic Tragedy” Characters

(Played by actors doubling the principal roles above.)

Clarissa

The ingénue in Jo’s story. Prone to dramatic fainting and sobbing but ultimately discovers her courage.

Braxton

The classic villain in Jo’s story—a mustache-twirling, dastardly scoundrel.

Rodrigo

The heroic leading man in Jo’s story, full of confidence and daring.

Troll

A classic bridge-dwelling troll who hoards jewels and enjoys making bargains.

Hag

A wise old hag whose frightening appearance conceals great wisdom.

Knight

An elderly knight who possesses the key to Clarissa’s destiny.

Rodrigo 2

The true hero of the tale—Clarissa’s long-lost sister in disguise.

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