"Alice in Wonderland," by Lewis Carroll, has the potential to be turned into a musical for all the family. And yet there is a darkness to this tale the madness, loneliness and violence present within its surreal narrative that would make one think twice about bringing it to the eyes and ears of a young audience. But then, how many children have loved stage and screen conversions of Roald Dahl?"Alices Adventures in Wonderland: The Musical" gets around this issue rather nicely. It focuses on the inventiveness of Carrolls poetry, the dedication of a family to filming his work (projecting a 1903 homemade movie) and the vibrancy of bringing music and dance to such a concoction, (through "The Looking Glass Orchestra" and members of "K-Bis Theatre School"). The Sunday performances young members of the audience appeared to be interested in the musical, regardless of the vague and impressionistic construction. No performers talent, from The "Looking Glass Orchestra" to young Florence Langhorn (Alice), could be doubted and Yvo Lunas Mad Hatter was particularly charismatic. The musical score, moreover, was accomplished and offered some memorable and likable tunes. For a Spring evening, "Alices Adventures in Wonderland: The Musical" came across as warm and undemanding. As we approach the middle of May however, it would be good to see something a little zestier. Busier boards with more adventurous set pieces would certainly wake things up, with the addition of some exciting stage lighting. The poetry, film and dance of the production, each taken as a theme, seem a little solitary, brought together somewhat by the overriding musical score. Yet confusingly, the piece tries to evince an overall feeling of happiness. This is the central problem of AAWTM, which despite this presents a lot of talent and creativity.
