Alice in Wonderland JR
NOW Productions
TICKETS to 13: The Musical - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1555212
NOW Productions’ Alice in Wonderland JR performed to near-full houses of family, friends, supporters, and lovers of Lewis Carroll. With the strong opening ensemble number, it took little time to recognise Danny Elfman’s work in “Alice’s Theme” from the 2010 Alice in Wonderland. From there, the cast, aged 6–12, continued from strength to strength.
The youthful production team step into their respective
roles for the first time: Holly Thompson as Director, Anna Restall as Assistant
Director, Lily Cotton as Music Director, and Belle Coulson as Choreographer.
Together, they have assembled a young, energetic cast taking on multiple roles,
while fostering a safe environment that allows nearly 30 children to showcase
their talent.
The dance troupe (including the alternate Alices and Red
Queens) tackled Coulson’s choreography with consistent attitude and confidence,
while Cotton’s vocal direction was evident throughout both the ensemble numbers
and principal performances.
Spades Cast – 13th June, 1pm
Grace Barnett fills the large shoes of Alice with poise and
assurance, delivering a thoughtful and engaging portrayal of the character. As
Alice shifts in size throughout Wonderland, the role is shared with Ava Button
as Small Alice and Kasidey Ryan as Tall Alice, and the trio work cohesively to
maintain consistent mannerisms and characterisation. Barnett anchors the role
with clear storytelling and steady stage presence, while Button, only 6 years
old, commands attention with remarkable confidence, executing her blocking,
dialogue, and lyrics with impressive clarity and control. Ryan complements the
trio effectively, ensuring a seamless continuation of character across each
transition.
Joe Doddridge is perfectly energetic and erratic as the
White Rabbit. His rendition of “I’m Late” was well received, and despite
intentionally rushed dialogue, his diction remained clear and understandable.
In the Hearts cast, Doddridge’s Tweedle Dee is awkward and humorous,
highlighting the nuances of the character.
The Cheshire Cat appears early as Alice falls down the
rabbit hole, taking on a larger role in this version. Lydia Dutch excels within
this narrator-like position before her brief in-character appearance, and even
when not the focus, she remains subtly present, moving around the set and
reacting to the action.
Jacob Crampton and Estelle Robinson play to their strengths
as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, creating comical highlights while also
contributing to Alice’s journey of self-discovery. Crampton also impresses as
the Doorknob. In the Hearts cast, Robinson steps into the role of the Cheshire
Cat with confidence and clarity, delivering a compelling narrative.
Atlas Restall delivers a performance that is fresh and
recognisable as the Caterpillar, maintaining clear physicality throughout. The
consistent stage presence ensures the role remains engaging whenever he appears,
with “Adventure Is a Wonderful Thing” standing out as a highlight, showcasing
confident vocals and a strong connection to the character.
Emily Payne portrays a formidable Queen of Hearts,
commanding her subjects with authority. In this abridged version, the croquet
game becomes “Simon Says,” and Payne delivers a strong performance in this
sequence and the courtroom scene. In the Hearts cast, she plays Alice’s sister,
Mathilda, demonstrating versatility across contrasting roles.
Henry Button’s King of Hearts provides a performance that
offers a contrast in stature and temperament to the commanding Queen. Button
leans into the King’s more reserved and compliant nature, while shining during
the court proceedings, where his delivery adds texture to the chaos.
Edison Dutch and Christian Lauro lead the tea party as the
Mad Hatter and the drowsy March Hare. Together, they deliver a lively “The
Unbirthday Song,” while a well-timed visual gag in the court scene beneath the
Hatter’s hat draws audible laughter from the audience.
Georgia Lauro presents an eloquent Mathilda, delivering the
role with clarity and warmth, before transforming into a decisive and
destructive Queen of Hearts in the Hearts cast. She differentiates between the
two characters through physicality and vocal choices. Lauro earned strong
responses from both audiences, showcasing her impressive versatility.
Hearts Cast – 13th June, 6pm
Abigail Carr’s Alice makes clear choices that shape her character
alongside Lori Talbot as Young Alice and Kasidey Ryan. Carr maintains a
confident stage presence throughout, navigating the journey through Wonderland
with clarity. Her vocals shine particularly in the finale, where she delivers a
controlled and expressive performance, while Talbot makes a strong impression
in “The Caucus Race” alongside Faraonio's Dodo Bird, and “Adventure Is a Wonderful Thing,” showcasing both
energy and vocal confidence at such a young age.
As the White Rabbit, Harper Coombe brings animated energy
from her first entrance, maintaining a strong character throughout. Her performance
of “I’m Late” was confidently delivered, with clear diction and engaging stage
presence, earning a warm and enthusiastic response from the audience.
Mackenzie Simmons drew a raucous cheer upon her entrance as
the Caterpillar, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. She brings
strong energy and clear characterisation, making a memorable impression and
maximising her moments on stage.
Alongside Doddridge’s Tweedle Dee, Tobias Polley delivers a
highly comical Tweedle Dum, forming a well-matched duo. Polley leans into the
physical comedy of the role, using exaggerated reactions to enhance the pair’s
dynamic. Polley’s performance complements Doddridge’s to complete the
partnership effectively.
The
lighting design appeared overtly complicated through the beginning of the
musical, but soon eased up on the cues as the story progressed, but overall it
flowed well, with the more technical moments executed well. Alice falling down
the rabbit hole, as well as the changes between the 3 Alices were technical
highlights. There are moments throughout where the backing tracks are louder
than the singing onstage, making it difficult at times to understand the lyrics,
as well as issues with microphones cutting in and out.
Edison
Dutch and Kasidey Ryan are also performing in 13: The Musical in two weeks. To
help promote their production, the 13 cast welcomed audiences with a sneak peek
with the opening number. You may have missed out on Alice in Wonderland JR, but
you still have time to buy tickets for their production with the link at the
top!
- Andrew Broadbent
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