ALICE BY HEART
Book by Steven Sater & Jessie Nelson
Music by Duncan Sheik; Lyrics by Steven Sater
Directed by Spencer Bovaird & Leslie Navarro-Bovaird
Music Directed by Billy Veer
Choreography by Leslie Navarro-Bovaird and Campbell Bovaird
Produced by Lakeside Community Theatre
Running Time: 2 hours including 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: Air sirens in several places
Reviewed by Glynda Welch
Lakeside Community Theatre presents the regional premiere of ALICE BY HEART, a reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. There are similarities and differences that explore adult problems from the springboard of a beloved childhood story. Alice (Ashley Tone) falls down the rabbit hole into underground London during the Blitz of World War II. Most other members of the cast play dual roles from the original story and characters sharing Alice’s underground bunker. Tone takes Alice from childhood innocence to budding adolescence and the edge of maturity as she pushes through the challenges and changes she faces.
Nathan Rubens co-stars as Alice’s friend Arthur, White Rabbit and March Hare. The Queen of Hearts is also a Red Cross Nurse, both played villainously by Audrey Reidling. Henri Sudy’s Cheshire Cat is an enigmatic delight. Spencer Walsh steals scenes as Duchess, as well as Queen of Diamonds and Mock Mock Turtle. (I can’t explain, you will just need to see for yourself.)
Also in this talented young cast are Tyler Halbrooks (Harold Pudding/Mad Hatter), Lauren Rodriguez (Nigel, Dormouse), Noelle Saul (Angus/Caterpillar), and Jason English (Dr. Butridge/King of Hearts/Jabberwock). Rounding out the cast are Olivia Goodspeed, Lilee Gifford, Dakota Britvich, Amryn Wood, and Reece Turley.
Semi-seen in silhouette backstage was the band, conducted by keyboardist Scott Lee Clayton. Brad Hawkins played percussion, with Emily Maher on cello, and Anthony Holmes on guitar. The music and lyrics guide the story and provide the bridge between the familiar and the new.
There are 18 musical numbers in this show, and I honestly could not pick a favorite. Each one is a treasure. Walsh as Duchess leading the ensemble in Manage Your Flamingo is a showstopper. Sudy’s (Cheshire Cat) "Some Things Fall Away is beautiful." Alice (Tone) takes back her power in "I’ve Shrunk Enough." In almost every case the choreography amplifies the songs, but nowhere more perfectly than with "Your Shell of Grief," performed by the Mock Turtles and Alice.
LCT works magic with their small black box space. Sitting front row center landed me in the middle of the action, sometimes making me wonder if I was missing anything on the periphery. This is a show where you don’t want to miss a moment. Alice by Heart continues through May 4th. Ticket information is available at www.LCTTHECOLONY.com.
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