Oddfellows Playhouse to Present ALICE IN WONDERLAND

This fall, Oddfellows Playhouse presents "Alice in Wonderland", the children's classic with a contemporary twist. Fall down the rabbit hole into a whole new land where reason is turned upside down and the rules are as slippery as a Cheshire cat's grin. Journey along as we go under, over and out again in this production. Memorable characters, topsy-turvy language and the question of what do we do when nonsense rules propels this visit to Wonderland.

This new adaptation is written and directed by Kristen Palmer, artistic director of Oddfellows Playhouse. Performances are at 7 pm, November 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Pay What You Can performances, which allow audience members to set their own ticket price, are scheduled for Thursdays, November 12 and 19. Tickets are available through the website - oddfellows.org, by email at info@oddfellows.org or phone at 860-347-6143.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the first publication of "Alice in Wonderland." Oddfellows production features 18 actors from the Junior & Teen Company, a troupe that includes youths ages 12-19 from Middletown and the region. The show is appropriate for all ages.

"Our inspiration has been finding the Wonderland around us, imagining the ordinary to be extra-ordinary - an activity that is second nature to children but tends to get lost as we grow up. Working with young actors who have a foot in both worlds has illuminated this classic story to all involved," said director Kristen Palmer, who has been artistic director of the Playhouse since 2013.

"This production of Alice in Wonderland will bring out your inner child," said Alex LaBella, actor, age 15.

"Getting to experience a different approach to acting has helped me to explore a different part of myself," said Jasmine Fedele, actor, aged 16.

Palmer has developed and led arts education programs and directed productions with early childhood through college students, special needs populations, English-language learners, incarcerated youth, and underserved communities. Her plays have been produced and developed throughout the country.

Founded in 1975, the Playhouse's mission is to promote the growth of young people, in skills, knowledge and self-confidence, through the performing arts. It is committed to the art of theater at its most adventurous; to education in the broadest sense of nurturing every student's full potential; and to social justice, building a multicultural community and providing opportunities for children who are in danger of being stunted by poverty and prejudice.

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