Writing in a Wonderland
There are a couple of reasons why Alice in Wonderland is a great show to do at this time. First, I was wanting to try my hand at playwriting. What better first attempt than to adapt a well-known story that is in the public domain?
Secondly, we wanted to do something specifically for the kids. Many of our shows tackle ideas that might be out of reach for elementary students, and we want them to know that there is theatre for them! And after taking my own boys to see Jim Henson's Jugband Christmas and then Dogman the Musical in Chicago, I wanted to take the time to provide something local for our youngest audience members.
Finally, after last year's whirlwind season with Shakespeare, Footloose, and a one-act that we spent nine months on between contest and performing at the International Thespian Festival, presenting a shorter piece allows our students a little bit of a change of pace.
But despite the brevity of this production, the challenges are all the same. Bold characters, exciting costumes, and figuring out how to create all of the special effects have kept us on our feet!
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Peggy Matanic. Her unwavering collaboration and commitment to excellence keep me inspired. I am also thankful to the many students in her Technical Theatre classes, whose hard work and perservence have contributed what you see before you in this performance.
To the students who have worked on this show as performers and designers, I am also thankful. They have brought their excitement and energy for this story to life, and helped me workshop scenes that I struggled to get just right.
Finally to you, the audience. Thank you for supporting our students. Showing up matters so much these days in terms of raising the next generation of leaders. And you showed up.
Enjoy the show!
--R. Palasz
