Review: WONDERLAND: ALICE'S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE at Rose Theater

I don't quite know where to start. I saw WONDERLAND: ALICE'S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE at the Rose Theatre this morning and was blown away. It has everything! The comedic acting, the voices, the band, the set, the lighting, the costumes, the choreography...it's all a secret recipe for one heck of a good show. Don't think that just because this is about the childhood fairytale "Alice in Wonderland" that you won't like it if you're over the age of 12. It is impossible not to like it, no matter what your age is.

With book by Rachel Rockwell, music by Michael Mahler, and lyrics by Michael Mahler and Rachel Rockwell, WONDERLAND is artistic genius. This creative team takes the well loved story of young Alice following a white rabbit down a rabbit hole to a new contemporary level. Modern day Alice is supposed to be practicing for her piano recital, but she is bored and wants some adventure. Before she knows it, she is tossed into a crazy world of rock music, unbelievable characters, and impossible situations.

Guest Director Justin Perez and Assistant Director Geran Ramet have done themselves proud with this casting lineup. Each actor is a pro. And what's more...they look like they are having a blast. When singing in group, their harmonies are chillingly beautiful. Individually, they are strong and true.

Stella Clark-Kaczmarek is a wondrous Alice. Oozing confidence, her voice fills the theatre and she knows that she belongs in the spotlight.

Doran Schmidt does triple duty as Musical Director, keyboards, and Cheshire Cat. We always knew she was a whiz on the piano, but now we know her vocals are equally as impressive. She is a marvel as The Cheshire Cat, stalking up the aisles, every bit the cat in her actions.

Dan Chevalier as the White Rabbit is hilarious as he scampers, hops and jumps, rolls and creeps through the audience.

Robby Stone and Jordan Smith (Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee) crack up the packed house with their urban hiphop-like presence. Checkout that extended handshake.

Kabin Thomas as the Caterpillar draws the most audience giggles with his efforts to attain an inner peace and harmony by spewing a variety of mouth-produced noises. Raspberries? Funny stuff.

The choreography (Sue Gillespie-Booton and Justin Perez) is enchanting and really something special. At times I felt like I was watching a mini "So You Think You Can Dance." The dancers are reflected in the mirrored background and the effect with the lighting is amazing.

The set (Adam Rowe) and lighting/sound (Craig S. Moxon) are astounding. Start with a brick wall and a concave mirrored vertical frame, throw in some strobe lights or some evil green or happy blue and red, and the projected images and lights change constantly to evoke a wide variety of moods. Projections (Brittany Merenda) add a surreal element, and props (Devon Denn-Young) such as the cat that moves add a touch of realism. Sherrie Geerdes' costumes are rich and detailed. The Mean Girls red rose blouses are just right.

The music is all fantastic. At times it is reminiscent of 60s hippie rock, the B52s of the late 1970s, Madonna of the 80s-90s, and even a song that could be from Riverdance. It's all original, yet it's all familiar.

Words of foolishness meet words of wisdom. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum say they won't give in, they love to fight: "Who cares what the fight is about?" Countering the nonsense are words of wisdom such as "Everywhere you go is the sum of everywhere you've been. You can't subtract yesterday or add tomorrow" In one of my favorite scenes Bianca (Ashley Laverty) and Felicite (Kendra Ball) are the Mean Girls of the Rose Garden as they try to give Alice a makeover because "what matters is what other people think."

I wish I could write everything I found beautiful or hilarious or imaginative in this show, but there isn't room. You need to jump down that rabbit hole and see for yourself. Yes, it's impossible to be perfect, but as Alice says, "I believe in the impossible." I'm already calling this as a nominee for several awards.

Photo Credit: Alex Myhre

To post a comment, you must register and login.