A story from 1865 is colliding with Studio 54.
Perseverance Theatre Young Company’s latest production, “Disco Alice: The Wonderland Remix” is a retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic story infused with humor and a heavy dose of ’70s dance music.
The young cast said they liked that the play adapted and written by William Conrow is substantially different from the classic Disney animated film as well as the 19th century book.
“I like how it’s not the movie,” said Siena Farr, 10, who plays Gryphon. “The movie has no dark villain character, and there’s nothing that makes it pop, but this one is popping — like popcorn.”
The play opens Friday, March 1, and includes a cast of 19 students, who were excited about the show during weekend rehearsals.
Sophia Nylen, who plays Alice, said she felt all of the cast fit their roles and said she wanted to thank costumer Ruth Fulwiler for the whimsical outfits that make the Wonderland occupants come to life.
Becky Engstrom came up with the shows disco-tinged choreography, and young performers said they’ve enjoyed dancing to the likes of the Bee Gees, Donna Summer and other disco staples.
“It’s awesome,” said Clara Ferguson, 11, who plays the Door Mouse in the show. “Almost every scene has dancing.”
Also, nearly every actor is on stage for the duration of the show, the cast said.
Artist Glo Ramirez created the Day-Glo mural that will decorate the Phoenix Theatre where the play will be performed. The Phoenix Theatre, also known as the Black Box, is a smaller space inside Perseverance Theatre.
“If you want to have fun, this is the play for you,” Farr said.
Not all that’s in the works
Perseverance Theatre has a few opportunities for young performers to hone their craft while taking a break from school with a Spring Break Theatre Camp March 18-22.
Different programs include creative drama for ages 5-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon with $125 tuition; stranger theatre things for ages 8-12, 1-5 p.m. with $175 tuition; costume camp for ages 10 and older, 10 a.m.-noon with $100 tuition; and two free teen programs she sand beyond 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Zach Gordon Youthcenter and Scenework for Bros 2-5 p.m. at the Douglas Public Library.
Know & Go
What: “Disco Alice: The Wonderland Remix”
When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, March 1-3 and March 8-10.
Where: Perseverance Theatre, 914 Third St., Douglas.
Admission: $15 for all age. Call 463-8497 to purchase tickets ahead of time of buy online at www.ptalaska.org.
• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter @BenHohenstatt.
Alice (Sophia Nylen) explores the disorienting Hall of Doors and its resident Wonders (Kyra Wood and Alex Boily, right) in a black-light scene from “DISCO ALICE: The Wonderland Remix” during rehearsal by Perseverance Theatre’s Young Company on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Paige Kirsch, left, and Cadence Ward, as the Caterpillar, perform the Mad Tea Party scene from “DISCO ALICE: The Wonderland Remix” during rehearsal by Perseverance Theatre’s Young Company on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
