Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND - A MUSICAL PANTO, People’s Light
Photo credit: Mark Garvin
Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto is probably my new favorite Christmas play. A musical comedy with a hero and villain, with original songs, fabulous dancing, a “messy bit” and candy. What’s not to love? Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto is fun for the whole family because it involves audience participation and my five year old got to enthusiastically shout (or scream like a banshee) with certain prompts and actor encouragement. I personally wouldn’t change a single thing about this performance.
Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto follows the general premise and character arcs of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland but with Alice being a middle school student whose parents have divorced and is now living with her dad and soon to be stepmom. It deals with teenage angst and feelings of isolation and just wanting to be loved. Playwright Jennifer Childs meticulously transforms this story into something that anyone can relate to.
The show is directed by Bill Fennelly who brings everyone together and makes this play seem effortless. Composer/Lyricist/Arranger Alex Betchel provides songs that could beat any pop Top 40 with danceability and feel-goodness. Melanie Cotton (Choreography), Chris Haig (Scenic Designer), Rebecca Kanach (Costume Designer), Sapphira Cristal (Wig Designer) and Pi Queen (Makeup Designer) also do an amazing job in their respective areas. Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto has the most fun and vibrant characters and sets I have seen in a long time.
The amazing cast of Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto guide the audience in learning so much about themselves, the shared world and one another. Grace Ellis Solomon stars in the titular role of Alice and brings a brightness and charm to the character not always portrayed. Philadelphia’s own Eric Jaffe plays Dinah/Cheshire Cat and they are so fierce, truly captivating the audience with every scene they were in. Kim Carson (Stepmom/Red Queen), Altamiece Carolyn Cooper (Mom/ White Queen) and Justin Jain (Dad/ White Rabbit) dazzle the audience. Mary Elizabeth Scallen (Miss Hart/Queen of Hearts) is delightfully wicked. Patrick Halley (Bob/Caterpillar), Eli Lynn (Mean Flower/Tweedle and Fight Director), Danny Wilfred (Mean Flower/ Tweedle), and Tom Teti (Dormouse) could have had their own spin off of one-liners and slapstick comedy. Alexis Tidwell (Hattie/Mad Hatter) and Susan McKey (April/March Hare) lead my favorite number for both lyric and dance ‘Merry Un-Birthday.’ They are all supported by the ensemble swing Angel Sigala and Tiara Whaley who dance and sing their (red) hearts out. These wonderful and dazzling actors made me laugh until my ribs hurt.
Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto is only at People’s Light for the holiday season, so hurry up and grab tickets while you can. If you have the time, stop by the Farmhouse Restaurant located on the premises, who are featuring seasonal ingredients whipped into delicious classics. Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with a friends outing, date night or family matinee. A definite must-see!
Effervescent and delightful.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers
Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto plays at the People’s Light, Malvern, Pennsylvania until 1 January 2023, with tickets available here.