If you are a fan of the traditional Alice in Wonderland story, then you are in for a real treat. Kokandy Productions presents the Midwest premiere of Alice by Heart, a new musical and twist on the original story of Alice and the strange, yet unique journey she experiences in Wonderland. This new musical is a magical, fantastical and heartfelt journey, which awakens your senses and perceptions humanity, emotions and your imagination.
From the Tony and Grammy Award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical that invites audiences to go through the looking glass, seeking solace in a Wonderland unlike any they’ve seen.
The world is in the middle of World War ll in London, England. Alice (played by the very talented Caitlyn Cerza) and her childhood friend Alfred (Joe Giovannetti) are seeking shelter in an underground tube station. Alice’s teenage life is interrupted by the horrors of war, while Alfred is quarantined and suffering from tuberculosis. Alice encourages him to escape “reality” with her into their favorite book and journey back to Wonderland. As they journey through their story, Alice learns life lessons involving love, loss and the courage to move forward and live life.
This modern version of Alice in Wonderland was beyond impressive and unique. The beautiful musical score and lyrics were fresh and tugged at my heart strings, while the amazing casts’ incredible acting and singing skills far beyond impressed me.
Cerza was joined by an extremely talented and versatile cast, with almost all the members playing several different and unusual roles and characters including Ezra Borrero (Nigel, Dormouse), Elliot Esquivel (Angus, Caterpillar, u/s Alfred), Niki-Charisse Franco (Red Cross Nurse, Queen of Hearts), Joe Giovannetti (Alfred, White Rabbit), Darian Goulding (Dr. Butridge, Jabberwocky, King of Hearts), Will Lidke (Harold Pudding, Mad Hatter), Emily Ling Mei (Young Alice), Patrick O’Keefe (Dodgy, Duchess), Mizha Lee Overn (Tabatha, Cheshire Cat), Alex Stetkevich (Clarissa, Mock Turtle) and Peter Stielstra (Young Alfred). Swings include Sophia Mae Brenner, Victor Lopez, Kevin Parra, Jack Saunders and Ava Stovall.
The Chopin Theatre provided just the right amount of intimate space for the small, yet big-hearted production, complete with a simple stage of wooden planks and boards, color lighting, fog effects and sound. The performance was very immersive with the actors at times interacting with the audience.
At times, it was a bit confusing to understand what was happening in the story, especially when the various performers were constantly changing into different costumes and characters, with no apparent indication of who was doing what next or being next. However, this small snag is made up for with an outstanding music score and one of the best cast of performers I have seen in a long time.
Alice by Heart only runs for 90 minutes, but the time never drags as you were constantly entertained and guessing as to what was going to happen next in the curious, emotional yet wonderful journey that Alice takes to discover new life lessons about growing up, moving forward and accepting that life is sometimes full of lessons that are meant to be learned and experienced the not so easy way. If you are looking for theater that is something completely different, then don’t miss this production!
Photos: David Rosenberg
Alice by Heart plays July 18 – September 29, 2024 at The Chopin Studio Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. Tickets on sale at the Chopin Theatre website.
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