Alice in Wonderland The classic story by Lewis Carroll is brought to life in this original Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) production. The adaptation is by Sharon Holland and it pulls not only from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland but also from Carroll’s sequel Through the Looking Glass. The production is making it’s return after more than a decade featuring a wildly creative scenic and costume design by the late G.W. Mercier. I wasn’t a fan of CTC bringing back How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the second year in a row, I’m fine with companies bringing back their hits from time to time, and I acknowledge that the Guthrie does A Christmas Carol every year. This feels much more appropriate, there has been a nice long break. For children’s theater I think the old Disney model makes a lot of sense, before and during the early days of home video the company would re-release their animated films in theaters every 5 to 7 years, basically the cycle when a new group of children were at the appropriate ages to see them in the theater. This production is definitely one that should be brought back for each generation of young theatergoers to enjoy.
Enough praise cannot be given to this adaptation and the overall design and look of the production. The illusions and creative zaniness of the storytelling make this play like a live action episode of Animaniacs. Most of us over the age of 12 will know how certain tricks are done, but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. Those under 12 may just have their minds blown. It’s an tale of nonsense full of madness and reverse logic, the type of show one wonders who will enjoy it more, the kids or their parents? Too close to call. The cast is filled with brilliance, CTC company member Dean Holt is fantastic as among others The Mad Hatter and Humpty Dumpty. His tag team performance at the Tea Party with the always strong Nathan Keepers as the March Hare is a highlight of the show and the perfect snapshot of the tone of brilliantly constructed chaos that the show runs on. At the performance I attended the role of Alice was played by Anja Arora who alternates the role with Audrey Mojica. Arora is wonderful in the role and if she can hold her own in the sea an anarchy that is this production, you can bet she has a bright future ahead of her. Shout out to local favorites China Brickey, who really gets to let loose at the Queen of Hearts, whose favorite phrase is :Off With Her Head!!”. Also Taj Ruler whose knack for comedic line readings makes her the ideal actor to play the Cheshire Cat.
Alice in Wonderland is the type of show that can make lifelong theatergoers of young audiences and as such I highly encourage everyone with children between the ages of 6 and 14 to take them. I also highly recommend that those without kids go as well as it’s the kind of show that can make lifelong theatergoers out of adults as well. The show runs through March 31st at The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis for more information and to purchase tickets go to https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/alice-in-wonderland/
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