LAKEWOOD — Lakewood High School’s annual spring play reached a new audience this year as its run of “Little Women,” adapted from the Louisa May Alcott novel, began with a free showing for area senior citizens.

Residents of the Warm Beach Senior Center joined other area seniors in stopping by the Lakewood High School auditorium on the afternoon of Thursday, May 2, for a dinner theater production of the students’ play, complete with a catered meal by Cristiano’s Pizza of Marysville.

“Your actions speak volumes of your support for the community, especially seniors who need a little extra help,” Warm Beach Senior Community Program Coordinator Mike Tatham wrote to the students. “We value the relationship we share with students and staff at Lakewood High School and your outreach draws us in for more. Little Women and the meal were just great. A number or our residents commented on how the students really put their hearts into it all.”

After regular showings on May 3 and 4, the Lakewood High School student cast of the play reflected on their run before their final performances on May 10 and 11.

“The seniors actually knew the story, because they’d grown up reading it,” said Lakewood High School senior Alethea Cody, who played Beth March. “I think we should do it every year.”

“They were so appreciative,” said Brianna Winegar, who played Meg March. “It was really cool to see how happy they were, and it was so cute that they wanted to talk to us about it.”

Lakewood High School Drama teacher Rebecca White described the play’s cast and crew coming together as family, much like the one in the novel.

“It came to me that a play that highlights the bonds between family and friends is timeless,” White said.