The College of Wooster Department of Theatre and Dance to perform spring play, Alicia from the Real in Wonderland

The College of Wooster’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its spring play, Alicia from the Real in Wonderland by Carlos-Manuel and directed by Wooster alumna Stephanie Castrejón ’16 in the Freedlander Theatre (329 E. University Street) March 2 through 5. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on March 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on March 4 and 5. The show is appropriate for all ages and the department also invites families to join the cast in the lobby after each show for opportunities to take photos with the characters. 

For Castrejón, returning to her alma mater to direct this play holds special meaning. “I’ve seen many productions at Freedlander Theatre and while most were dramatic productions, I felt that I wanted to add some fun to the stage,” Castrejón explained. “Coming back to Wooster feels like everything has come full circle for me, and I am so thankful to Jimmy A. Noriega, professor of theatre and dance, for always encouraging and believing in my work.” 

A modern-day retelling of the classic novel Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the play tells the story of Alicia, a sixteen-year-old girl played by Amari Royal ’23, who runs away from home after a disagreement with her mother. As she packs her things, she sees a White Rabbit, played by Alexander Wiseman-Rose ’23, and follows him out of curiosity. Soon, Alicia finds herself in a world full of “wonders,” with plants that talk, a philosopher caterpillar that discusses the meaning of reality, a mysterious cat that glows in the dark. Welcoming a large cast after productions involving fewer performers due to the pandemic in recent years, other iconic characters, including a Mad Hatter, played by Owen Belfiore ’23, an over-the-top Queen of Hearts, played by Lauren Kreeger ’23, and a jabberwock everyone is terrified of for no reason, also make an appearance. These well-known, but also unique characters, have one goal in common—to help Alicia realize that running away from home and her problems is not a solution.  

“Carlos-Manuel’s play has an urban twist and touches on themes that deal with family conflict and growing up into adulthood,” Castrejón said, something that is not seen in other adaptations of the story. “The story allows audiences to get away for a little bit and have an escape but also follow a journey of self-discovery.” 

The production is stage managed by Lucia Johns ’26, with assistant stage managers Amy Falk ’25 and Abigail Rahz ’25. Other students in the production include Eleanor Boomhower ’25, Alexander Wiseman-Rose ’23, Sam Elwood ’24, Madison Mohler ’25, Emma Teichert ’24, Camron Love ’25, Mali Chappell-Lakin ’25, Moira McCudden ’25, Kate Conway ’24, Brianna Lyman ’23, Anna Whiting ’26, Ethan Bardoe ’26, and Hannah Reinicke ’26. 

The show has a runtime of approximately one hour and 45 minutes and will include a 15-minute intermission. The Freedlander Theatre Box Office hours are Feb. 20 to March 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. and March 2 to March 5 from 1 p.m. to the show’s start time. Tickets can be reserved in person, by calling the Box Office at 330-263-2241, or online at www.wooster.edu/tickets. 

Photo: Owen Belfiore ’23 as Mad Hatter, Kate Conway ’24 as Tweedle, Mali Chappell-Lakin ’25 as March Hare, Camron Love ’25 as Oruca

Posted in News on February 21, 2023.