"...Marmee (Maureen McGovern) confronts Jo about dealing with loss in the encouraging, world-wise "Days of Plenty." That's the show's finest moment, and McGovern's is the finest performance: mannered, controlled, maternal, all-encompassing. She commands the stage whenever she's present, and commands your attention and heart every time she speaks or sings."

TalkinBroadway

McGovern makes the most of the one fine song in "Little Women," a keep-your-chin-up-climb-ev'ry-mountain-there's-got-to-be-a-morning-after anthem called "Days of Plenty." It's inspiring enough to snap Jo out of mourning following Beth's death and inspire her to write what would become "Little Women."

ALEC HARVEY, Birmingham News

 

... the show is headlined by Maureen McGovern, who created the role of Marmee, the March family matriarch, on Broadway. Hers is a wise and generous performance, highlighted by her rich, warm and surprisingly still familiar voice (to anyone old enough to remember 1970s Top-40 hit "The Morning After," anyway) and her utter ease on stage.

DOMINIC P. PAPATOLA, Pioneer Press

 

...marquee star Maureen McGovern, who plays Marmee, still has a show-stoppingly expressive voice, as she demonstrates in the powerful "Days of Plenty." (Her other solo, "Here Alone," is the highlight of Act 1.)

AMANDA HENRY, Tampa Tribune

 

Star billing is given to Maureen McGovern, a versatile veteran who plays the girls mom with great presence and pipes...

Welton Jones, sandiego.com

 

...veteran singer Maureen McGovern's Marmee. McGovern's star-vehicle number, "Days of Plenty," is worth the price of admission, revealing the subtlety and power of the rich voice that has anchored so many movie soundtracks for all these years.

Ellen Fagg, The Salt Lake Tribune

 

Maureen McGovern who plays a supporting role as the mother, Marmee. Ms. McGovern deserves her above the title billing. Not just for her decades of theater work, but because she gives LITTLE WOMEN its loveliest moments. Her singing is gorgeous and captivating. Her Marmee is warm, loving, and caring. Ms. McGovern emanates this from somewhere deep inside her. You do not take your eyes off her when she is on stage. She brings a grace and nobility to the character and the piece that far exceeds the contributions of this show's creative team.

Beau Higgins Broadway World, (Ft Lauderdale Review)

 

Still, there's much to admire about this road show of the Broadway production. Particularly Maureen McGovern, who plays the matriarch of the March family, Marmee. McGovern has a serene presence, and a voice like very fine crystal.

Kathleen Allen, ARIZONA DAILY STAR

 

McGovern is the quiet but reliable engine at the heart of the show. Her Marmee is a balance of starchy control and kindheartedness, and when it comes time to sing, she still owns one of the best instruments in the business. Her two solos ("Here Alone" in the first act and "Days of Plenty" in the second) are high points.

PAUL HODGINS, The Orange County Register

 

(Maureen McGovern) As Marmee, the maternal center of the girls' lives, McGovern reflects a contagious charm along with her superb vocal stylings. ...Particularly impressive are Fisher's solos "Astonishing" and "The Fire Within Me," along with McGovern's strong rendering of "Days of Plenty."

Tom Titus, DAILY PILOT

 

Maureen McGovern, one of the Broadway production's headliners, is a nurturing presence as the mother, or Marmee, as the girls call her. When the '70s pop diva turns her rich contralto, a voice like dark honey, to her two big ballads, the show hits emotional highs.

Daryl H. Miller, LOS ANGELES TIMES

 

Maureen McGovern projects a steady warmth and wisdom made stronger still by her powerful, nuanced singing across a wide vocal range.

Anne Marie Welsh, UNION-TRIBUNE THEATER CRITIC

 

The star attraction here, of course, is pop icon Maureen McGovern. And she has earned her above the title billing, even though hers is a supporting role. Like the role she plays, Marmee, McGovern is the sturdy rock that anchors the show, magnificently keeping things in check, not allowing too much excess or easily cheesy delivery of either song or line. She leads the young cast by example, even in her gracious curtain call, where her affection for the company, and theirs for her, is delightfully evident. And her Act Two ballad, “Days of Plenty” is both heartbreaking and amazingly empowering one of those moments people will recall seasons from now. What a pro!

James Howard, BroadworldWorld.com (Baltimore Review)

 

And astonishing is the only way to describe Maureen McGovern's voice. As the iron-willed, affectionate Marmee, the singer demonstrates that she's been working hard in the 30-plus years since "The Morning After." Anyone who doubts the commitment it takes to maintain a vocal instrument at this level should consider how many of McGovern's contemporaries are still out there doing it.

Julie York Coppens, THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

 

Headliner Maureen McGovern is lovely as Marmee, mother to the March sisters. Her vocals are vibrant and powerful, of course, but her calm strength of character and maternal warmth is equally impressive.

Kathleen Kirby, THE FLINT JOURNAL

 

Maureen McGovern, a 1970s pop singer turned Broadway regular, delivers Days of Plenty with a soaring dignity and strength that resonates with the song's theme of resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.

Michael Grossberg, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Top-billed Maureen McGovern is astonishing as the March family matriarch, delivering "Days of Plenty" with gorgeous precision. There are also appealing performances, most notably Autumn Hurlbert as the doomed Beth and Gwen Hollander as the ambitious Amy.

Robert Nesti, THE BOSTON HERALD

 

And this national tour also has a captivating performance by award-winning singer and actress Maureen McGovern.

Evans Donnell, THE TENNESSEAN

 

Maureen McGovern is perfectly cast as Marmee, who holds her struggling family together while father is away serving as a chaplain during the Civil War. She has some of the show's most touching ballads and duets, quietly writing a letter to her husband while she is "Here Alone" and longing for "Days of Plenty."

Ivan M. Lincoln, DESERET MORNING NEWS

 

If you wonder why this production is promoted as "starring Maureen McGovern" when it's clearly Jo's story (and Fisher is perfect in the lead role), it's not just because McGovern has the more recognizable name. Her character adds a dependable center to the story, just as Marmee centered the girls' lives - and McGovern gets to sing two of the play's best songs, "Here Alone" and "Days of Plenty." These are very good songs, and several members of the audience were sniffling and wiping away tears at the conclusion of "Days of Plenty" on opening night. That's a song that deserves to be performed more.

SACRAMENTO BEE, Jim Carnes

 

There's much to admire about this road show of the Broadway production. Particularly Maureen McGovern, who plays the matriarch of the March family, Marmee. McGovern has a serene presence, and a voice like very fine crystal.

ARIZONA DAILY STAR, Tucson, AZ

 

The songs sung by Marmee, the March sisters mother, played by Maureen McGovern, caused many members of the audience to take out their tissues. This seemingly solemn story about sisters growing up and growing apart was uplifted by its musical accompaniment.

Amanda Doran, THE TOWERLIGHT

 

 

New York Times
By: Ben Brantley
"Beth is memorialized in a power ballad sung in a strong, lovely alto by Ms. McGovern."

USA Today
By:
"Maureen McGovern’s Marmee emerges as Little Women’s chief asset. As singer and actress, McGovern exudes a shimmering warmth ideally suited to the mother who dotes on, but never smothers, Jo and her sisters. And composer Jason Howland and lyricist Mindi Dickstein offer McGovern the show’s most affecting ballads."

Wall Street Journal
By: Terry Teachout
"Maureen McGovern’s Marmee is superb – her speaking voice is as musical as her singing."

AP
By: Michael Kushwara
"Maureen McGovern, as Marmee, the benevolent matriarch of the March family, is equally affecting. She has a beautiful voice, which Howland and Dickstein take full advantage of in the evening’s most accomplished songs, "Here Alone" and "Days of Plenty."

New Yorker
"…Maureen McGovern (as Marmee, their mother) give a stirring rendition of the ballad, ‘Days of Plenty’…"

Variety
By: David Rooney
"Thereafter, the familiar story and characters start to kick in, given an assist by Maureen McGovern as the girls’ devoted mother. Marmee’s wistful song to her husband away at war, "Here Alone," provides one of a handful of emotional peaks.

Hollywood Reporter
By: Frank Scheck
"…Maureen McGovern (the pop thrush who gave us "The Morning After" three decades ago), as the stalwart Marmee, who invests her musical numbers with a real emotional and vocal intensity."

Daily News
By: Howard Kissel
“…Maureen McGovern who invests surprising emotional power.”

New York Post
By: Clive Barnes
"Maureen McGovern as Marmee, the brood’s mother who sings like a lark."

The New York Sun
By: Jeremy McCarter
"The show’s best number is one of its simplest: "Here Alone," which the girls’ mother sings as she writes a letter to her far-off husband. As performed by Maureen McGovern, the song pulls a neat double duty: It gives emotional depth to her character, and to the rest of the show. Her other song, a big second-act pep talk called "Days of Plenty," also wows the crowd. It leaves the audience cheering her exit. McGovern gives a lovely, understated performance, so you can’t fault the impulse for throwing another number her way."

Newsday
By: Gordon Cox
"As Marmee, Maureen McGovern has a proper matronly demeanor that acquires unexpected force when she lets loose with that powerful voice of hers."

Philadelphia Inquirer
By: Desmond Ryan
"As their loving but not doting mother, Maureen McGovern captures the trials of a woman whose husband is away at war. One of the few memorable songs in the show is her wistful ‘Here Alone.’"

Toronto Star
By: Richard Ouzounian
"There is one performance worth seeing, and that is being given by Maureen McGovern as the faithful maternal Marmee. McGovern has dignity and a warmth that surrounds her like a golden bubble, not to mention that rich, honest voice that ennobles any song it touches.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette
By: Christopher Rawson
"Maureen McGovern is as warm and supportive as you want with a rich voice, to boot."

Broadway.com
By: Eric Grode
"…And especially Maureen McGovern as the materfamilias Marmee roots the drama with a heartfelt confidence …
McGovern, who has burnished her beautiful instrument with a welcome maternal warmth, makes the most of her two songs..."

Theatermania.com
By: Barbara & Scott Siegel
"For example, we both believe that Maureen McGovern is a revelation as Marmee. If you have a character who’s one of the greatest mothers of all time, why not get a woman with one of the greatest voices of all time to play her? McGovern invests Marmee with a warm dignity that makes the audience immediately understand why her four girls love and respect her, and when she sings, there is perfection in the air. She literally stops the show in Act II with her soaring rendition of "Days of Plenty." In years to come, look for this stirring anthem to be performed in benefit events across the country.

American Theater Web
By: Andy Propst
"MaureenMcGovern, whose chest caresses each note and whose upper register sounds glowingly light, is fortunate to get two of Howland’s best numbers. In the first act, it’s "Here Alone", which begins with a lone violin (fiddle might be a more apt noun) sounding from the pit. The same can be said for "Days of Plenty" which McGovern sings in Act Two as Marmee provides words of wisdom to Jo, discouraged that she might never achieve any importance in her life. Kim Scharnberg’s orchestrations, here, call to mind the work of Aaron Copland, creating a majestically soaring ballad that McGovern delivers exquisitely."

Talkin’ Broadway
By: Matthew Murray
"McGovern’s is the finest performance: mannered, controlled, maternal, all-encompassing. She commands the stage whenever she’s present, and commands your attention and heart every time she speaks or sings."

Next Magazine
By: David Hurst
"The sublime Maureen McGovern almost steals the show as Marmee, with her luxurious voice and effortlessly understated performance."

Gay City News
By: David Kennerley
"And McGovern’s soaring ballad, "Days of Plenty," is worth the price of admission alone."

Danbury News Times
By: Chesley Plemmons
"The vocal assignments are handled well, with McGovern’s style particularly soothing."

Poughkeepsie Journal
By: Barbara Mehlman
"...The best voice in the show, Maureen McGovern...What an incredible talent. As Marmee, the girls' mother, McGovern sings the achingly beautiful ''Here Alone'' and ''Days of Plenty'' with polish, range and nuance..."

CurtainUp
By: Elsye Sommer
"Maureen McGovern's, "Days of Plenty," is probably the show’s most memorable song. It was the big show stopper at the performance I attended."



 

"McGovern's voice is fantastic; . . .the self-described "singer who acts" handles the acting with incredible grace, humor and fire."

"Aurelia does not seem like a delusional old fool who won't face reality; instead, she is an idealist who truly believes -- and convinces the audience -- that one person can change the world.. . ."Dear World" has ample great humor, but it is the gentle, poignant moments that will stick with you. Such a lovely show; I hope the world appreciates it."

Eric D. Snider, The Daily Herald


"McGovern is a pleasure to watch in the lead role. . .McGovern still shines; her very presence is engaging."

". . . hearing McGovern sing such underappreciated gems as "Each Tomorrow Morning," "I Don't Want to Know," "And I Was Beautiful" and "Kiss Her Now" is a grand treat. . .families will enjoy it, and it is worth the price of admission. Hello, Maureen."

Celia R. Baker, The Salt Lake Tribune

"The internationally acclaimed Maureen McGovern tackles the lead role of the charismatic Countess Aurelia, the Madwoman of Chaillot, with aplomb. Her clear diction and powerful voice are gorgeous, but so too is her acting.. . ."

"A masterful presence on the stage, McGovern's Countess is zany and loveable, but also entirely credible. By the production's finale, one has the distinct impression that she is not actually mad, but simply chooses to live in a world she can control..."

Alex Fuller, The Park Record


"Maureen McGovern does a credible job as Countess Aurelia, the Madwoman of Chaillot. Her vocal talent is clearly evident as she flawlessly covers the range of emotion in a number of difficult arrangements."

"As a show that offers something new, and some visual and musical candy, it's a good one. There are also some bawdy chucklers, and some great lines..."

Sharon Haddock, Deseret News

 


"McGovern and Vann played Henry and Eleanor's love-hate relationship fully. The stage literally sizzled with passion."

"McGovern's performance as the saucy, enigmatic Eleanor carried the production. She captured perfectly the complexities of a woman who would do anything for power yet could love passionately."

Franci Hart, The Oklahoman



"Incredibly Moving. This is a musical with its heart clearly in the right place"

"In addition to the six soldiers, we also meet Billy Bridges' mother, played by legendary singer Maureen McGovern. McGovern, who exhibits enormous acting skills as well as stunning vocal power, frames the piece with visits to her son's name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. These scenes, taken directly from a mother's letters, are incredibly moving."

Terry Byrne, Boston Herald

 

"Everyone should see "Letters From 'Nam"...A great new theater piece, more relevant now than it was before!"

"Maureen McGovern is a joy to watch. . . she is given great material and steals our hearts. . . .Her "There Will Still Be Christmas" is a showstopper."

Ryan Defoe -Talkin Broadway

 

"Direct, innocent, uncensored and heartbreaking...adapted with sensitivity and dramatic skill"

"McGovern clearly believes in her omnipresent role, bringing to it a strong vocal and personal presence".

Markland Taylor, Variety

 

"It would be hard to get any more American than "Letters From 'Nam" ...unabashedly patriotic, surprisingly upbeat."

"Veteran chanteuse Maureen McGovern, herself no slouch in the vocal department, stands in for the homefront correspondents in general and one doomed chopper pilot’s mom in particular."

Carolyn Clay, Boston Phoenix

 

"A powerful, poignant musical play...deserves to be seen and appreciated."

"The estimable chanteuse Maureen McGovern is in superb voice as Eleanor Bridges, the mother of helicopter pilot William bridges, who counts down the days until her son's return."

Rich Fahey, Daily Item (Lynn, MA)

 

"Cathartic...an overwhelming remembrance...Truth is what "Letters From 'Nam" is all about."

"The entire cast's singing and acting is powerful. McGovern runs an emotional gamut as mother Eleanor Bridges."

Shelia Barth, Salem Evening News

 

"This is an important, impressive, and most moving theatre-going experience, well worth seeing."

"And as for the very talented and compassionate Maureen McGovern, [she] proves that she still has a magnificent and powerful voice and gets to really shine with the songs "Time Heals'" and especially the heart-string-pulling "There Will Still Be Christmas."

Paul McMahon, Bay Windows

 

"The important thing. . .is that this production, much like the letters it was based on, is much more than a history book. It's a living message."

"Maureen McGovern does an excellent job playing the mothers, girlfriends and children of the characters, primarily through voice."

Carley Thornell, Lawrence Eagle Tribune