Big Applause For 'Little Women'

(CBS)  The Broadway musical version of the classic "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott opened on Broadway Jan. 23, 2005, starring Sutton Foster as Jo March and Maureen McGovern as Marmee.

On The Early Show Friday, Foster was joined by fellow cast members Amy McAlexander (Amy), Megan McGinnis (Beth), Jenny Powers (Meg), and Danny Gurwin (Laurie) as they performed the number "Five Forever" from the show. It's a scene where the four March girls "adopt" Laurie, the boy next door, into their fold.

Foster, a Tony Award winner for playing the title role in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," is onstage almost the entire time during "Little Women" and carries a good part of the show. How does she do that? She says, "I've trained my whole life to do this and think I've reached a certain level. This is a character with boundless energy who's quite defiant. I take it easy during the day and try and bring my energy to the show.

"I also drink a lot of coffee."

She has been performing since she was 10 but, more than that, she says she is inspired by the character of Jo March and feels very connected to her.

Foster says that it's shows like "Little Women" that made her want to become a musical theater performer. She says, "This is a show that everyone can get something out of, and I'm proud to be part of such a beautiful story." She thinks one of the reasons it appeals to teen girls so much is that it shows a strong, independent character as she moves is moving into womanhood.

Asked by co-anchor Julie Chen what advice she has for young people who want to pursue a career in theater, Foster says, "It is a difficult business, obviously, to succeed in. But I think that, when you do have a passion for it, you should really go after your dream, just like Jo March did."