Yarrabilba audiences will fall down the rabbit hole in July, when Village Green Theatre Group brings Alice in Wonderland to the stage.
The community theatre group will present six performances at Yarrabilba State Secondary College from 3-11 July, with Friday and Saturday evening shows and Saturday matinees.
Director Sue Barlow said one of the biggest challenges had been “trying to fit the wonder of Wonderland on a small stage”.
“I hope our version of Alice in Wonderland brings back childhood memories as we’ve been sure to include all the favourite characters, along with a bit of fun and chaos and our own quirky style too,” Ms Barlow said.
She said planning for the production began months before auditions, with volunteers, parents and crew helping bring the show to life.
“Our amazing team includes costumers, tech, set-builders, dance choreography and music, props, backstage crew, parent helpers,” she said.
“It really takes a village to put on a show at Village Green Theatre.”
Ms Barlow said the story remained strong for young performers and family audiences because, beneath the whimsy and wackiness, it was still a relatable coming-of-age story.
“Underneath all the whimsical characters and wackiness, it’s a story about a little girl who is impatient to grow up and be included and I think we can all relate to that,” she said.
Cast members said the production had been a chance to build confidence, work with performers of different ages and enjoy the chaos of Wonderland.
Summer Sethi, 12, who plays the number five card, said: “It’s really fun to be the cheeky card who gets to eat tarts on stage.”
Calum MacKenzie, who plays the caterpillar, said the best part had been “working with everyone with different ages and skills”.
Pippa McNeill, 15, who plays the number seven card, said being part of the show had “improved my confidence with my singing”.
Naomi Barlow, 14, who plays Tweedle Dum, said the production had taught her “to let go of being shy and just have fun with my character”.
Asked what they were most excited for audiences to see, Naviah Morris, who plays the Cheshire Cat, said: “Introducing audiences to the Cheshire Cat of course.”
Jasmine Leon Duke, 10, who is part of the ensemble, said: “‘She’s the Queen’ song – that’s my favourite.”
Ms Barlow said youth productions were an important way for young performers to gain experience, build confidence and be part of theatre life.
“We’re so keen to bring community theatre to your area,” she said.
“We need support from the public to be able to continue to put on great performances – and our youth productions are such a brilliant opportunity for the younger actors and actresses to be a part of theatre life and gain experience.”
Alice in Wonderland will be performed at Yarrabilba State Secondary College Performing Arts Building from 3–11 July, with Friday and Saturday evening shows at 7pm and Saturday matinees at 2pm.
Tickets and more information are available through Humanatix.
Subscribe to stay up-to-date with news from across Logan. You’ll receive a link to our digital newspaper direct to your inbox each week. It’s free.
