The sad Mock Turtle (Skye Ryan) gets no sympathy from the Gryphon (Siena Farr) in the Lobster Quadrille sequence of “DISCO ALICE: The Wonderland Remix” during rehearsal by Perseverance Theatre’s Young Company on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The sad Mock Turtle (Skye Ryan) gets no sympathy from the Gryphon (Siena Farr) in the Lobster Quadrille sequence of “DISCO ALICE: The Wonderland Remix” during rehearsal by Perseverance Theatre’s Young Company on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Boogie ‘Wonderland’: Alice meets Disco for Perseverance Theatre Young Company Show

Show features original artwork and choreography

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)

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)

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)

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for the Week of June 4

Here’s what to expect this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Monday, June 5, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Water and wastewater rates in the City and Borough of Juneau will increase 2% starting July 1. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)
Water, wastewater rates to increase starting July 1

The 2% increase is to match inflationary costs, city says.

A progress pride flag flies in the wind below an U.S. flag outside of the Hurff Ackerman Saunders Federal Building on Monday evening. Last week the flag was raised for the first time by members of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and will remain up through the month of June. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
LGBTQ+ pride flag raised at federal building sparks backlash, support

Varying reactions to the flag that was raised for the first time outside the building.

Cars and people move past the City and Borough of Juneau current City Hall downtown on Monday. The Assembly Committee of the Whole unanimously OK’d an ordinance Monday night that, if passed by the full Assembly, would again ask Juneau voters during the upcoming municipal election whether to approve $27 million in bond debt to fund the construction of a new City Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Voters could see proposal for a new City Hall back on the ballot this fall

City signals support for $27 million initiative, after $35M bond last year fails.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Sunday, June 4, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Saturday, June 3, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Courtesy Photo / Chris Blake
The <strong>Hōkūleʻa</strong>, a double-hulled and wind-powered traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe, navigates throughout Southeast Alaska in May. On Saturday the canoe and crew members will be welcomed to Juneau in preparation for the canoes launch days later for its four-year-long global canoe voyage called the <strong>Moananuiākea</strong>.
Celebration of four-year Polynesian canoe voyage to kick off Saturday at Auke Bay

Voyage set to circumnavigate 43,000 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean beginning in Juneau.

Most Read