‘Alyce in Wonderland’ comes to Madison High

It’s sure to be a fun, ‘Through the Looking-Glass’ experience as outer East Portland student actors present a ‘steampunk’ version of these classic tales …

During a rehearsal for the upcoming production, “Alyce in Wonderland, the Steampunk Edition” opening November 16 at Madison High School, are (top) Wren Louis as White Rabbit, (middle level) Jason Anajovich as Tweedledee, Taty Sinclair as Red Queen and Symia Clark as Tweedledum (lower level) Grace Oja as The Duchess, and Jasmine Brown as Alyce.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

This school year, the Madison High School Theater Department is being rejuvenated by a writer, instructor, and director familiar with many of our readers, Ms. Zena.

After several years building the Parkrose High Theater Department, Zena left the city, state, and country to perform humanitarian services abroad. “It’s really an exciting time for me, being back into the high school theater arena, and here in outer East Portland!” enthused Zena.

Show director and Madison High Theater Instructor Ms. Zena watches, as student actors rehearse another scene.

“I’m so happy to be back here at Madison, working with a great group of enthusiastic theater students here,” Zena told East Portland News at an after-school rehearsal of the upcoming production.

Called “Alyce in Wonderland, the Steampunk Edition”, it’s a show adapted for the stage by Zena, to the delight of student actors.

“It’s the normal ‘Alice in Wonderland’ story, but it’s adapted to include a scene with the White Knight; and, in our telling of the story, we learn why the Jabberwocky is persecuted,” Zena said.

In this scene, Alyce (Jasmine Brown) tries to slow down White Rabbit (Wren Louis), to inquire about the whereabouts of the Red Queen.

The classic story plays out against a “steampunk” setting, which is a subgenre of fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery.

“Alyce in Wonderland” features a cast of 40 student actors, aided by 40 student theater technicians.

“This is one of the largest shows that Madison has had on its stage in quite some time,” Zena said with a big smile. “It’s exciting have so many student actors on stage.”

The characters race to a cacophonous finish in this fun and unique play.

See “Alyce” November 16, 17, and 18
“Alyce in Wonderland, the Steampunk Edition” opens on the evening of November 16 at 7:00 p.m. The curtain goes up at the same time next evening, November 17.

And, there’s a special Family Matinee performance on November 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $8 Adults | $5 Students/Seniors – available at the door.

All performances are in the Hibbard Auditorium at James Madison High School, 2735 NE 82nd Avenue, 97220.

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