Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s (ETC) production of Alice in Wonderland is a delightfully curious affair–“Courious and Curiouser.” This whimsical adaptation by Joseph McDonough, with music by David Kisor, transforms Lewis Carroll’s classic tale into a rollicking holiday extravaganza that’s equal parts psychedelic fever dream and heartwarming family fun.
Background
For 25 years, ETC has been tumbling down the rabbit hole with Cincinnati audiences, making this show as much a holiday tradition as eggnog and ugly sweaters. But don’t mistake familiarity for staleness – this Alice is as fresh as a newly-painted rose.
The story follows our plucky heroine Alice as she navigates the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland, encountering a menagerie of colorful characters along the way. From the Mad Hatter’s tea party to the pompous absurdity of the Queen of Hearts’ croquet match, the play hits all the beloved beats of Carroll’s original while infusing them with a theatrical flair that would make the Cheshire Cat’s grin even wider.
Alice in Wonderland Performances
Speaking of grins, it’s impossible not to wear one while watching the effervescent performance of Elli Maddock as Alice. She brings a wide-eyed wonder and steely determination to the role, making Alice feel relatable. Her vocal prowess shines in the musical numbers. Keeping with the times, Maddock’s portrayal includes numerous Gen Z references with modern vernacular, texting and technology references, and even a “skibbidi” thrown in for good measure.
But this is no one-woman show. The entire ensemble dazzles, with standout performances including Sara Mackie as the bombastic Queen of Hearts. Each “Off with their heads!” is delivered with increasing hilarity as Mackie is the queen of comedic timing as well.
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, played by TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins and Andrew Maloney, are a vaudevillian delight, their synchronized slapstick routines elicit guffaws from audience members of all ages. Caterpillar’s (Erin Morton) metamorphosis into the Butterfly – a moment of theatrical magic that has the audience giggling with delight.
Creative and Production Team for Alice
Under the deft direction of D. Lynn Meyers, the production strikes a perfect balance between the surreal and the sincere. The dreamlike quality of Wonderland is brought to life through inventive staging and costume design that would make Tim Burton green (or red in this case) with envy. Yet, amidst the madness, there’s a beating heart to the story that resonates with themes of self-discovery and the courage to forge one’s own path.
The set design is a triumph of imagination, with every inch of the stage utilized to create Wonderland’s ever-shifting landscape. From the geometric platforms and swinging ladders to the teetering towers of the Queen’s castle, Brian c. Mehring’s and Shannon Rae Lutz’s attention to detail is staggering. The costumes (Cat Schmeal-Swope) are equally impressive, a riot of color and texture that brings each character to vivid life.
David Kisor’s music, under the expert direction of Steve Goers, is the secret ingredient that elevates this production from merely good to truly magical. The score seamlessly blends styles, from jaunty music hall numbers to soaring ballads, all while maintaining a cohesive sound that perfectly captures the spirit of Wonderland.
ETC is a Wonderful Organization
But ETC’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Through their Fairy Godmother program, they’ve brought the magic of theater to over 2,500 children in the greater Cincinnati area who might otherwise never have the chance to experience live performance. It’s a testament to ETC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of theater-goers and makers.
Much of the credit for ETC’s community impact goes to D. Lynn Meyers, whose vision and leadership have helped solidify the theater’s place as a cultural cornerstone of Cincinnati. Under her stewardship, ETC has become not just a place to see great theater, but a force for positive change in the community.
in ETC’s Alice in Wonderland. Photos by Mikki Schaffner.
Overall, Alice is Wonderful
ETC’s Alice in Wonderland is more than just a holiday show – it’s a celebration of imagination, community, and great storytelling, for children of all ages. (Remember, in Wonderland, we’re all mad here – and that’s precisely what makes it wonderful.)
Tickets to Alice in Wonderland
Don’t miss your chance to fall down the rabbit hole with Alice and her friends. Alice in Wonderland runs from December 5th to December 30th at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensemblecincinnati.org or by calling the Box Office at (513) 421-3555.
