My Notes on Alice in Wonderland

• When I ask subscribers and long-time ticket buyers which holiday shows they want to see again, they consistently say this one. They just love it! There’s something about the book that has sustained interest throughout all these generations, and our show serves the original story really well. We don’t change it, but we do serve it on a contemporary, fresh palette. I think that’s why people like it and why they choose to come to this show and laugh.

• There’s always a deliberate, underscored parable in our holiday shows because we’re so excited that these productions will be loved and seen by so many children—like the 2000 kids we serve through our Fairy Godmother program! In the show, Alice sees a tart, decides she wants it, and just takes it, and I think some people do that too. The underlying story shows that we don’t really get to make all the rules of life, and some rules aren’t bad and help those around us.

• I am so excited for the spectacular designs! What I love about Wonderland is that it doesn’t in any way have to be realistic to our world. We brought back Cat Schmeal-Swope (Hands on a Hardbody) to create brand-new costumes designs for the show that pair beautifully with Brian c. Mehring’s black, white, and red set. The vastness of Brian’s design gives the actors such freedom to explore and play, whether that’s through climbing, dancing, or even rolling. These two designers together are a phenomenal meeting of the minds!

• We have so many new residents of Wonderland this season, including an incredible new Alice, Elli Maddock. Not to mention that Cincinnati favorite Sara Mackie will wear the crown as the Queen of Hearts. For the first time since this production premiered in 1998, we don’t have any initial cast members—though Michael G. Bath has played the White Rabbit since our second iteration in 2003. We’re thrilled to have each and every Wonderlander, whether it’s their first time or their fifth time!

I hope you join us for whimsical and wonderful holiday event!

Join us

Sincerely,