Theatre Raleigh ACT Transports Viewers to a Vibrant, Enchanting Wonderland

When Lewis Carroll wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, he had no idea that his wild, frenzied tale would spark the hearts and imaginations of so many. Since its initial publication, the story has been reimagined in a variety of ways, including as movies, television shows, and stage plays. One of the lesser known of those reimaginings is a 2012 musical, Alice by Heart, which features a heartfelt book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson, music by Duncan Sheik, and lyrics by Steven Sater. 

In this bittersweet story, the fantastical Wonderland is combined with the not-so-fantastical life of Alice Spencer, a teen who finds herself in a shelter after the London Blitz in 1941. Her best friend, Alfred, is deathly ill with tuberculosis, and as she attempts to comfort him, despite his quarantine, she shares with him the story of Alice in Wonderland, which she has (mostly) memorized by heart. As the words flow from her lips, the war-torn landscape and people around her slowly meld into the world of Wonderland.

Bringing such a whimsical, mixed-medium tale to life is no easy feat, but Theatre Raleigh ACT meets the challenge in its current performance, which runs through May 17th. The teaching theatre, which offers learning and performance opportunities for young people, is actually the perfect choice for producing such a story. Since it recently moved into its new space, it, like Alice, has been on a transitional journey of its own. And, judging by this production, that journey has produced fabulous results. 

This musical, which features thoughtful direction by Blaire Thompson and compelling musical direction by Lauren Tompkins Yates, is brought to life by an inspiring and incredibly talented young cast. Starring in the titular role is Natalie Winstead, who gives an emotionally-charged performance. This breakout star aces all the tender nuances of her character and lends a stellar singing voice, which is as lovely as it is powerful, to the role.

As her character tumbles down the rabbit hole, she is joined by Alfred/the White Rabbit, portrayed by Bailey Baker. His wan, dark-eyed appearance, made possible by impressive makeup effects, and smoldering intensity help create an enthralling and sympathetic character. Winstead and Baker also share a warm, open chemistry that makes this story of friendship, love, and loss feel all the more real and heart wrenching.

While this duo is at the heart of the tale, Wonderland wouldn’t be complete without a cast of wild, crazy characters, and rest assured that they’re out in full force. Here, the hookah-smoking caterpillar is portrayed by not one, but two performers, Wren Motley and Donna Marie Shoaf. Together, clad in a patchwork quilt of colorful fabrics and often surrounded by a haze of smoke, they provide an effectively creepy and funny energy to this often-eerie character. There’s also an incredibly funny Duchess, perfectly portrayed by the hilarious Noah Bailey; a befuddling Cheshire Cat (Kara Troy) with a gorgeous singing voice; and a wonderfully wicked Queen of Hearts, acted by the scene-stealing Madeline Campbell. Like Campbell, who also portrays Nurse Cross in the “real world” of the show, most of the actors do double duty, impressively moving in and out of a variety of characters. Juggling multiple roles isn’t easy, but strong performances, precise direction, and impeccable costuming make it not only possible, but impressively coherent.

And, speaking of those costumes, designer Jordan Parsons has outdone herself. Alice is clad in a pale blue dress, a nice callback to the version of the character most people know and love, but with a properly muted and sobering effect. Additionally, fun, clever touches, like feathery sleeves and red gloves, are used to materialize wild birds, dancing lobsters, and everything in between.

Aside from the cast and costumes, Tim Malboeuf (choreographer) and Rebecca Marlowe (assistant choreographer) also make an impression through movement. During the early musical number, “Down the Hole,” Wonderland is realized through a dance that features leaps, bounces, and a unique use of fabrics. Then, later, in “Chillin the Regrets,” Alice gets passed down a line during a vibrant and imaginative dance.
 
With all these things combined, Alice by Heart is an unforgettable, inventive production. Backed by a surprisingly tender script and all the raw emotion of growing up, it is a testament to what talented young performers can do with the right guidance and the right opportunities. Be sure to get your tickets before the rabbit hole disappears.

-Susie Potter