Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr

A Theater Review

Simply charming!

That’s the best way to describe Meadville’s Academy Theatre’s current
production, “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

“Jr.” is a musical retelling of the classic 1865 Lewis Carroll story, “Alice in
Wonderland” and its sequel (They had sequels even back then?!) “Through the
Looking Glass,” with added inspiration from Disney’s 1951 animated production.

A major shout-out to director Shannon Ordakowski who also served as
costumer for all the groovy threads that all the kids wore in this all-children’s
production—from the trio of snarky Cheshire cats to the ditzy twins to Tweedel
Dum and Tweedle Dee to the ultra snobbish flower girls Rose, Lily, Petunia, Daisy,
and Violet.

Alice (Anastasia Toney) goes down the rabbit hole and encounters all these
wacky characters and more and all with some hummable songs such as the frantic
“I’m Late” performed by – Who else?–the White Rabbit, the Golden Afternoon, sung by
the ultra snobby flower girls and “the Unbirthday Song,” parts one and two.

With too many talented children to list in this awesome cast, a fun story and
great tuneage, this gal is seriously tempted to see this show again before it closes
this weekend.

So do yourself a favor: Go down the rabbit hole yourself this weekend and
see “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

***Thea Tah

Alice in Wonderland Jr continues through August 31. For more information,
visit www.TheAcademyTheatre.org

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