MCT's 'Alice' takes audience down the rabbit hole

SANDPOINT — Local audiences will venture down the rabbit hole later this month as more than 50 local youth perform the Missoula Children's Theatre’s musical adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.”

The production is part of MCT's unique international touring project and is presented locally by the Pend Oreille Arts Council.

“We value our decades-long relationship with the Missoula Children’s Theatre and know that local children and their families look forward to their return each year,” said Tone Lund, POAC executive director. “The amount of work they do with the kids all week, and all the fun the participants have, is truly remarkable.”

This latest MCT tale is based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.”

The story begins with Alice and her older sister, Margaret, reading together. Margaret becomes frustrated as Alice is curious about absolutely everything. Suddenly, a White Rabbit appears from nowhere. After a quick and nonsensical conversation, Alice follows the rabbit to a strange and wonderful place.

In the course of her adventures, Alice meets a band of Flowers, the King and Queen of Hearts, the Knave and the rest of the suit of Cards, a giant Caterpillar, a Fish, a Frog, the Duchess, the Cook, the Cheshire Cat, the Gryphon, the Mock Turtle, a group of singing Lobsters, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the March Hare, the Mad Hatter, the Dormouse and Humpty Dumpty.

Through it all, Alice grows “curiouser and curiouser” as to where she is and even who she is. In the end, the answers she seeks are unimportant. Wonderland is all nonsense, anyway. And, as the White Rabbit explains, “Nonsense is fun!”

Auditions for “Alice in Wonderland” will take place Monday, Nov. 17, at Forrest Bird Charter School. All aspiring actors and actresses in grades K-12 are welcome and encouraged to participate. Those auditioning should arrive by 3:15 p.m. and plan to stay for the full two hours. No advance preparation is necessary, as MCT provides all the guidance needed for a successful audition.

With 50-plus roles up for grabs, local students have a chance to showcase their talents and immerse themselves in a magical theatrical experience. There are also non-acting roles available for those who would prefer a behind-the-scenes experience as assistant directors or production assistants. Those selected as cast and crew members will start rehearsals immediately following auditions. Rehearsals typically run for approximately four hours, Monday through Friday, starting after school.

Two performances of “Alice in Wonderland” will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, with the first show at 1 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m. Tickets for this fun-filled, family show are priced at $5 to $20 and may be purchased at the POAC office, N. Second Ave., Suite B, in downtown Sandpoint. Alternatively, secure your spot with a click of a button by visiting ArtinSandpoint.org or by calling 208-263-6139 for details.

For more information, visit ArtinSandpoint.org.