High school’s production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ starts Friday
–Paso Robles High School Theatre Company will put on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” starting Dec. 4. The lead role of Alice will be played by senior Isabella Marziello.
“I chose this show because there are an abundance of fun characters for the kids to interpret and recreate,” drama teacher and director Marcy Goodnow said. “The students suggested it and I thought it was a wonderful idea… We are taking a whole new approach to the story with the adaption written by Anne Coulter Martens. I enjoy surprising the audience, so expect a lot of surprises. We did not want to do Disney or Tim Burton, so we have found our own way with this well known story.”
The cast of 34 is made up of entirely students from Goodnow’s advanced drama class. The crew is composed of 20 students from ninth through 12th grades. While this production is not a musical, it will include music throughout.
“My 30 technical theatre students have been working on creating the world of Wonderland since the August – props, program design, make-up design, painting and costumes,” Goodnow said.
The cast began rehearsing in September four days a week and now they rehearse twice-a-day, five-days-a-week, until opening day on Friday, Dec. 4.
“We always sell out our second weekend,” Goodnow said. “Best bet is to try to get tickets for the first weekend.”
Costumes for the production are being done by Ruth Enriquez-Bague and set design by Geof Higgins.
“My favorite part is watching all the hard work finally come together, and watch weeks of rehearsal turn into a magical performance on stage,” said junior Grace Roady, who is playing a First Lady.
Junior Samantha Vega-Chambers said her favorite part is being part of the family that is formed during the process of putting together a production.
Performances is on Friday, Dec. 4 and 11, Saturday, Dec. 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. in Paso Robles High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and children and may be purchased at www.prhsdrama.com.
“My favorite part is the bonding that happens on stage with the audience and back stage with the cast,” said senior Emma Dart, who is playing The Dutchess. “I also love when I come home and my younger siblings are asking me all kinds of questions about the show, and being very impatient when I tell them they have to wait just a few more weeks.”
