"Alice in Wonderland, Jr." - A Review

My pal Zach Davis sends in this entry - a review of the recent ACTC production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr.:

“Zippity do da, zippity ay, a wonderful feeling, a wonderful day.”

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. came to life last weekend at Ashland Community and Technical College. The ACTC Children's show was simply delightful.

It all begins when Alice is out listening to her sister babble on about how she needs to grow up. Alice, having a short attention span (as does any child), drifts off to sleep... or does she?

She finds herself chasing the always late White Rabbit into the rabbit hole, taking her into a world not short of confusion.

Then the story takes off, with twist and turns like no other. Alice is played by three lovely and talented individuals (Small Alice - Molly Baldock, Medium - Sarah Shivel, and Tall - Caroline Clay. They spin in and out depending on what size Alice is at the moment.

The lost and confused Alice then finds herself dubbed “Sorry” by the crowd-pleasing devious duo, Tweedle Dee played by Huntington’s own Levi Kelley, and Tweedle Dum Chad Hedrick. These two actors left the audience in stitches.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Alice escapes the wits of the Tweedles and finds herself being sassed by the “Golden Afternoon Club,” a flower bed that has a bite worse than their bark.

As Alice goes through this tiring journey, the Cheshire Cat, played by a terrific trio, tell the tale as it happens. Our heroine then winds up crossing paths with the the dictation diva, the Caterpillar (Lauren Saltsman). Let me just say she stole the show.

Tea time and a very happy unbirthday can only mean that the Mad Hatter and The March Hare are pulling their ever-exhausting shenanigans. Poor Alice then reunites with the White Rabbit briefly and as she follows him, she finds the card soldiers painting the roses red. She quickly finds herself bowing at the feet of the Queen of Hearts (Haley Clay).

The talented young Queen makes everyone shudder with her booming “Off with their heads!” After Alice outsmarts the Queen at her own game, she finds herself on trial. Then after a rambling trial she wakes up to realize it was all a dream, except she found the White Rabbit's famous watch in her blouse.

I will say that due to little time and manpower, the set was minimal and sparse - however the children made you feel like everything was there. The costumes were outstanding.

Paula Krepsik, along with her team of helpers, outdid themselves. The caterpillar, lobsters and three-piece cat, among the rest were just perfect. The team or Directors and Production staff deserve a huge hand for a job well done.

I must admit I am a little partial to the ACTC acting community. It was incredibly moving to see the curtain rise after it has been closed for so long.

I have never seen a show that had more heart than Alice in Wonderland Jr.. It truly is a blessing to have ACTC Theatre back in operation after a long hard fight to recovery.

Out of 5 stars I give it 4. Way to go everyone! You have something you should be truly proud of.

Zach also adds: "Although the show has not yet been named, ACTA will stage a spring musical, and I assure you that you will find me involved with it."