Alice in Wonderland
Audience Rating: G
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Performance: Not Available
Volume Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Cast members shuffle through the audience during one chase scene, Jabberwock wears a long-nosed mask that may startle certain patrons
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
Growing up is a bit tricky. It feels, very much, as if you enter into a "Wonderland" of sorts. A young person coming of age, such as Alice (Jude Lewis) will experience things they never thought they would. And, navigating this new world becomes an adventure! One that is new and excited, but strange, scary, and sometimes kind of creepy. There will be a little help along the way from friends and family, especially if you have a kind older sibling, such as Alice's Sister (Libby Hawkins.) But, ultimately, you have to find your own way home.
Executive Producer, Steven D. Morris wears many hats at Theatre Arlington, from actor, director, producer, to, now, playwright! Each area of his work is thoughtfully considered and fits perfectly for Theatre Arlington's mission of "presenting superior, diverse artistic experience." There have been many interpretations of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland since it's first publishing in 1865, and many adaptations that, without a doubt, spoke to each generation in its own way. For our generation, and for the sake of my two little boys who sat next to me for this production, I prefer this one!
These two little boys (not so "little" anymore, however) are my co-partners in reviewing family-centered Theatre productions around DFW, on occasion. They graciously provide me with their feedback, and I am grateful. My youngest sat next to me, this time with his notepad and pencil in hand, writing, listening, observing, then writing again. Once his paper was full, he'd tear it out and pass it to me. The first thing I noticed on his notes? "different from the movie." Indeed, child! It is! (*smirk*) You're likely familiar with the 1951 Disney adaptation, already, so I'll take this space to highlight a few of these differences in which my lovely young writer so notably alludes.
The Hooka: "Mom, why is that caterpillar smoking? And, what is that thing they're smoking from?" Oh, Lord, help me! I must, already, address the issue of drugs. "Kids, drugs are bad!" Jude Lewis plays an innocently curious Alice, with self-assured bravery, especially when approaching Wonderland and making one of her first acquaintances, the grumpy, hooka-smoking Caterpillar, played by Tilda Grace with comical annoyance at her newly acquired "buzz kill" friend. So far, the first difference we will note is that of bubbles! Yes, bubbles, (instead of smoke) from the hooka! (Who doesn't love bubbles?!) This softens the blow a bit, as a parent introducing the concept of drugs to children. But, as the scene continues, Alice comes to our aid, explaining to the Caterpillar that smoking is the reason why she's so grumpy, (Amen to that!) and that smoking is what holds her back from becoming the beautiful butterfly she longs to be. Alice lovingly sings, "Everyone Can Be Beautiful,"giving the Caterpillar the encouragement she needs to set the hooka aside and let herself grow.
Tea Time: "Switch!" Don't like where you're sitting? Switch seats! Indeed, it's always good to make a change and try something new, even for silly reasons. This tea party only has room for three, so Alice is not invited to dine, but that doesn't keep her from staying. Those accepted are The Mad Hatter (*Bradford Reilly,) The March Hare (*Landry Beckley) and The Doormouse (Janina Jaraczewski,) who show off their athletic abilities, RACING around the tea table every time one of them yells out, "Switch!" not unlike our game of musical chairs. Why? Well, why not? (*shrug*) Reilly plays a whimsically fun Mad Hatter host to this quirky and colorful tea party, among his two guests-- Beckley's amusingly twitchy/spitty hare and Jaraczewski's adorably dozing doormouse.
Lobsters: Yes, I said there are lobsters in this play! They perform "The Lobster Quadrille" with The Mock Turtle (Karl Martin) and, personally, it is my favorite number! If you've read Lewis Caroll's book, you know that the lobsters appear with the Gryphon and perform this dance with Alice, but sadly, it was cut from the 1951 movie. Martin uses gradually calculated, sluggish movements, with a deep voice and clear-cut speech with his Mock Turtle, drawing us in to every rich word and elegant movement. The outstanding ensemble, made up of John Marshall, Becca Brown, Andrew Cave, Nick McGeoy, has already made a few appearances at this time, so when they enter the stage in unexpected lobsters costumes, we know that we are in for something great!
The Jabberwock: For those of us who enjoy a little bit of Halloween-styled thrill, this scene is just for you! Our beloved ensemble makes their appearance with the creepy-crawly Jabberwock (Davayun Chase,) who has met up with Alice following a slap-stick comedy/stage combat scene with the hilarious duo, Tweedledee and Tweedledum (*Hannah Bell and Lindsay Hayward.) The Jabberwock gets hold of Alice, but not for long; she persists! A well-lit, imaginative surprise awaits you in the creative scenic and lighting design by Bryan Stevenson, if you should spot it!
Off with their heads! The Queen and King of Hearts (Samantha Padilla and David Helms.) I'm not considering this pair to be a "difference" as I mentioned above, but they definitely deserve some recognition! Padilla and Helms make a perfect match for the domineering Queen and some-what cowering King. I did appreciate, however that Helms' King has a little more spine to him than I've previously witnessed. But, Padilla is, without a doubt the Queen of this show! Another special set piece by Stevenson rolls onto the stage featuring her majesty's likeness-- this I know you'll relish!
Major elements, including Costumes by Janice Pennington, Properties by Robin Dotson, Choreography by Becca Brown, Music Direction by Vicky Nooe, Stage Management by Maria Leon Hickox and Rebecca Rickey, Sound design by Ryan Simon and Set/Lighting by Bryan Stevenson all come together beautifully in this production, making for a magical Spring time experience!
Theatre Arlington continues to bring us top shelf productions in a competitive Theatre market! Join Alice and her Wonderland friends before their gone! You can also enjoy meeting these characters and getting their autographs in the lobby after the show. Alice in Wonderland runs through April 14. Tickets can be purchased at theatrearlington.org.
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
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