Giving more opportunities to female actors is one reason for this weekend’s performances of an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” for ISU Theatre.

“We try to balance productions so that men and women have a chance to perform,” says director and adapter Jane Cox. “We are doing a show this spring that features men, so this play gives a good chance for strong women’s roles. And it’s a family show, but I think that university students will enjoy it, too.”

Jessica Gunzberger, junior in biology, plays the part of Marmee.

“I liked the book ‘Little Women,’ and I think that Marmee is a very strong woman — encouraging the girls also that they are strong in a world where women didn’t have a lot of opportunities,” Gunzberger says.

Playing the part of Laurie is Scott Morehead, senior in performing arts. Morehead says he doesn’t feel pressure as one of the only men in a show focused on women.

“My character’s greatest function is to show how the girls deal with men in the sense of love and friendship and the issues with men and women in the time period and that it’s much different than it is today,” Morehead says.

Morehead says he enjoys playing Laurie because he is so different from his character.

“In some aspects, he’s a lot like me; he’s a good guy, and he’s fun to be around,” Morehead says. “But the best part are playing the aspects that are not like me. It’s interesting playing a character that doesn’t really think when dealing with other people’s emotions.”

While the play revels in the trials and tribulations in women, Gunzberger also says more gender-blind lessons can be found.

“It has a lot of lessons, like maybe we don’t need to worry about money all the time — that there are more important things in life,” Gunzberger says. “The camaraderie of the girls shows that we need that type of support in our lives.”

Cox says playing the women in this play is difficult because of the time span. In “Little Women,” the characters age about 20 years, and the actresses need to show this in subtle and precise ways. Cox says the cast has been more than up to the challenge.

“This is a really great cast. They are enthusiastic and have been working so hard,” Cox says. “They are a cheerful, creative group.”

What: “Little Women”

Where: Fisher Theater

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday- Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $5.50 students,$11 public