Whimsical musical comes to Eagle-Vail on Wednesday and Thursday
Special to the Daily |
EAGLE-VAIL — The drama club at Homestake Peak School in Eagle-Vail is excited to present Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” Performances will be held in the school’s auditorium Wednesday and Thursday night.
This stage adaption of the 1951 film Alice in Wonderland was created for school and community theater productions. It is very similar to the film, with some songs being added, removed or extended. It is owned by Music Theatre International and the music is written by Sammy Fain and Bob Hillard.
CLASSIC CHARACTERS
“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” takes the audience on a whimsical journey into a child’s imagination, where all of the favorite characters are not only represented but uniquely portrayed. Three versions of a very confused Alice twirl through the story in pursuit of the White Rabbit, with the lead role played by eighth-grader Berit Kirchner.
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“I like this musical because there are a lot of parts so everyone can be included and there is diversity so we have fun with each set,” Kirchner said.
The Cheshire Cat narrates the story; the Caterpillar leads the cast in “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”; and the ever-so-feared Queen of Hearts demands “off with your head” when things do not go her way. Eighth-grader August Mayer, who plays the Mad Hatter, said the best part of his role is “being crazy.”
In his first year at Homestake Peak School, musical director Matthew Miller is teaching a cast of 20 sixth, seventh and eighth graders to hone their singing, dancing and acting.
“I selected the musical, Alice in Wonderland Jr., because students suggested it and honestly because I fell in love with the music,” Miller said. “There is a lot of singing and movement and the scenes greatly contrast each other — beginning with the Caucus Race to “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” the “Unbirthday” with a game of musical chairs and the garden where roses are being painted red.”
Performances of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” take place at Homestake Peak’s auditorium on Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family; children 5 and younger are free. For more information, contact Homestake Peak School at 970-328-2940.