ALICE
October
17 – November 16, 2014
Friday nights at 7:30, Saturday & Sunday
matinees at 3:00
This
new musical adaptation of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the
Looking Glass” is by Andrew Barbato, a Stoneham local, with music by Lesley
DeSantis, from Rockport. “Alice” offers
a fresh musical perspective on the satirical vignettes drawn up by Lewis Carroll.
Barbato, who has graced local stages as
an actor, has been writing plays since he was a teen. “Alice” first took stage with the Stoneham Young
Company and was performed by Barbato’s production team “Cellar Door Stage” in
2011. “Alice: A New Musical” made its
NYC debut at the Midtown International Theatre Festival in 2011 and was also
performed at Marymount Manhattan College in 2013.
“Boston is where the seeds
of Alice were planted,” explained Barbato, “I am so drawn to the
nostalgia, the whimsy, and the magic of Alice’s
story “
“Alice”
retains the beloved distortions, musings, and caricatures that have enchanted
readers and inspired illustrators, filmmakers, playwrights, and choreographers
since the book’s publication in 1865.
Barbato’s adaptation has threaded Carroll’s distinct symbolism with a
story of a young girl “coming-of-age”.
“There have been about four incarnations of this play.
And as I’ve developed this girl who is on the cusp of young adulthood; I can
definitely relate.”
Wheelock Family Theatre has always been
a home for young talent, nurturing young artists in a safe, professional
environment. And “Alice” asks a question
many young people struggle with; must
you relinquish the dreams of your childhood when embracing the responsibilities
of adulthood?
“WFT has been an instrumental force in
my artistic development and I feel lucky to have been mentored by founding
members Jane Staab and Susan Kosoff”, says Andrew Barbato. “Places like WFT replenish my soul and remind
me that the journey is much richer than the destination.”
And under the leadership team of Wendy
Lement and Shelley Bolman, Wheelock Family Theatre will present the New England
professional premiere of Barbato’s “Alice”.
Wendy Lement states, “I want Wheelock to present new work that brings beloved stories to life
in fresh and dynamic ways. The stories
we tell must awaken our senses, alter our perceptions, promote empathy, and
encourage dialogue. I am thrilled to put
this new work by Andrew front and center as our season opener. Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole will send us on a
fantastical coming of age adventure.”
Featuring Leigh
Barrett* as the Queen of Hearts, Stephen Benson* as the White Rabbit, Jane
Bernhard as the March Hare, Maritza Bostic as Alice, Dash Evett as Tweedledee,
William Gardiner* as the Mouse, Russell Garrett* as the Mad Hatter, Elbert
Joseph as the Caterpillar, Robin Long* as the Duchess, Alexandra Nader* as the
Cook, Merle Perkins* as the Dormouse, Jenna Lea Scott* as the Frog Footman,
Jennifer Elizabeth Smith as Sister, Julia Talbot as the Cheshire Cat, Noah
Virgile as Tweedledum, and Aubin Wise as the White Queen. *Members of AEA
Wheelock Family Theatre is
a professional, non-profit theatre associated with Actor’s Equity, the union of
professional actors and stage managers. Located on the campus of Wheelock
College, Wheelock Family Theatre seeks to improve the lives of children and
families through the shared experience of live theatre.
For additional information please call 617-879-2300.
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