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The origin of “Alice in Wonderland” dates to 1864 when Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, gifted the first manuscript in what would become a global phenomenon. The book, which has said to be some of the most quoted works of English literature, has never been out of print and has been translated into 174 languages. Its legacy covers adaptations for screen, radio, art, ballet, opera, musicals, theme parks, board games and even video games.
For the first time since 2017, Beaumont Civic Ballet brings its enchanting production of “Alice in Wonderland” back to the stage of the Julie Rogers Theatre (765 Pearl St.) in downtown Beaumont on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at $15 and are available online at beaumontcivicballet.net.
Choreographed by Artistic Co-Director Megan Anderson and under the direction of Monique Steinhagen, the story of Alice is one of fantastical realm that dives down the rabbit hole in mesmerizing and extraordinary fashion, a tradition set by Beaumont Civic Ballet’s professional performances.
“This is a very strong group,” said Steinhagen. “The adaptation definitely fits the company.”
On a beautiful springtime day, Alice’s sister is hosting a garden tea party for the local gentry. The Duke and Duchess of Hearts arrive with their unruly children, followed by three ladies who are adored by all. With the governesses and their charge’s arrival, Alice (Evelyn Buckner) and her sister can properly thank all for coming.
As mischief among the children ensues, Alice’s sister implores the other guests for entertainment and amusement begins with games of musical chairs, hide and seek, with the gift of the Duchess’s tarts. Fitting in with neither the children nor the adults, Alice finds herself in a secluded corner and sobs herself to sleep. As she lays her head down, a White Rabbit (Haley Weatherford) appears… and the magic begins.
After entering a magical door, Alice wanders through a forest where she finds a garden of living flowers. She doesn’t fit in, and the flowers send her away. As Alice continues her journey, she meets numerous unusual and amusing characters who constantly mislead her with faulty advice. There’s the perpetually grinning Cheshire Cat (Olivia de la Madrid), and the Mad Hatter (Elise Rogers), who is hosting a ridiculous tea party.
Ultimately, she arrives at the court of the Queen of Hearts (Sienna Peterson). After a ridiculous trial over the consumption of the Queen’s tarts, Alice flees the court to avoid consequences and falls. Expecting to be apprehended, Alice is surprised to find herself back at the garden tea party, but alone.
“Evelyn (Buckner) is very animated, which is her strong suit,” said Anderson. “She’s very good at telling her story with her body.”
Fifty of the company’s dancers are in the production including the Garden of Living Flowers, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (10-year-old twins Olivia and Pricilla Blalock), the March Hare (Alice Montalbano) and Dormouse (Gabriela de la Madrid).
Anderson said the storyline to the stage came from a TV adaption version of the original movie.
“You have to get really creative,” said Anderson. “The characters to the right dancers, music and costumes. There are so many options, then you must learn how to pivot.”
Rehearsals began last August even before the company started with “The Nutcracker.” Anderson explained this group started with “Alice in Wonderland,” then move to “Swan Lake” with the Symphony of Southeast Texas, to “The Nutcracker,” then back to this production.
“The best part has been watching the dancers grow,” said Anderson. “We started Fall with a young company, but they accepted the challenge and quickly improved.”
This weekend will also be the final performances of two seniors – Sienna Peterson and Olivia de la Madrid.
“It’s bittersweet and we will miss them,” said Steinhagen. “They are both leaders of the group and both lead differently. Sienna and Olivia have set an awesome example.”