CARBONDALE - Fancy gowns and period hair were just the right cup of tea for more than a dozen little women who attended a tea party Sunday afternoon at Carbondale Public Library.

"It's old-fashioned," said Elena Sasso, 8, of Carbondale. "I kind of like it."

The party took place to kick off the upcoming Carbondale Community Arts' production of Little Women the Musical. The production will show at the McLeod Summer Playhouse at Southern Illinois University Carbondale from July 31 through Aug. 4.

Dressed in their costumes, several members of the cast sat with children who were interested in learning more about the Louisa May Alcott story and getting a sneak peak at a few musical numbers that would be included in the show.

"I read it, and it changed my childhood," said Marina Shay, Carbondale Community Arts liaison. "It's not required in school, but it's such a good book."

Shay said she wanted to share the story and the history of women with other girls in the area and organized the tea party to spur interest to the musical production, as well as introduce the girls to the book version.

"They should know the history of women," she said. "Jo (being played locally by Angie Fisher, 17, of Marion) is the first really independent heroine of that time period. You compare her to Scarlett O'Hara, and there is no comparison. She is so opinionated and sarcastic and sassy. She is just awesome. I think it's important for little girls to grow up knowing this heroine."

Shay said the book has been a great influence on her life and she was happy to see the other girls enjoying the tea party with the characters.

"It makes me feel so good that they are learning about it," she said. "It makes me want to read it for the first time again."

The tea party included period clothing, food, an assortment of drinks served in tea cups and lots of discussion over the book.

"It's going to be a great show," said Robert Ketter, summer production intern for the Carbondale Community Arts.

Director Jenny Holcombe said she thought the tea party was a good way to bridge the gap between the younger women and the actresses. She said she was hopeful it would spark interest in the arts.

"Tea parties are what little girls like," she said. "They like to dress up and have tea parties. It is all around the same time period as the show. It goes well together."

The July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 2 and Aug. 4 shows begin at 7:30 p.m. A Sunday, Aug. 3 matinee begins at 2 p.m. Holcombe said tickets should be purchased in advance.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com / 351-5824