Description

A Version of Lewis Carroll's classic created by The Manhattan Project,

Credits

Reviews

"Alice in Wonderland" has all the colors of magic
- Mike Cook, Las Cruces Bulletin

The blue dress, the Red Queen, the White Rabbit, the Black Box.

Director Karen Caroe and a small but talented group of actors and technicians take us down the rabbit hole for a colorful, thoughtful, fun and very entertaining look at "Alice in Wonderland" as Andre Gregory and The Manhattan Project imagined it in 1970.

Nearly 50 years later, and more than 150 years since Lewis Carroll's novel was first published, the story remains a timeless classic. It's child's play for adults with a bit of modern steampunk thrown in. Bravos to all three C's in this production: Caroe, cast and crew. Tiffany Tyson is a wonderful, wonderful Alice.

Fearless, curious and without guile or pretense, she is our guide through this world of make-believe, and as she believes it, so do we. A sky full of stars to this talented and versatile actor.

Tiffany was the only actor in the cast who played just one part. The others - Jamie Bronstein, Stephen Caroe, Mark Katanga, Luz Resendez and Joshua Taulbee - all played multiple characters, many of whom you will recognize and some you may not know but will come to adore. This is truly an ensemble cast and no one ever lets the energy drop or the magic drain away. They are supported throughout by Autumn Gieb’s excellent costumes, including masks, hats and crowns, "mushroom" umbrellas and elaborate jewelry that define each character without overpowering it.

Luz Resendez's Caterpillar was a delight.

The scene he shared with Tiffany's Alice was outstanding theatre and may be what I remember most from the show.

The charm of Jamie Bronstein's Mad Hatter was challenged only by her equally exceptional White Queen; she gave the queen a vulnerability that I found especially appealing.

Mark Katanga played two of Carroll's iconic characters, the Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit, with grace. But my favorite character of his was the White Knight - just the right mix of gallantry and madness - and I could almost see his mighty steed. Joshua Taulbee was a totally hateful and loveable Red Queen - adding another great character to his growing repertoire. Josh is also a talented artist and his scenic design for the production - especially the enormous clock - provided even more color and flavor. Likewise to Bekah Taulbee's light and sound design and the work of technical director Peter Herman and assistant director Kathleen Gleason.

Stephen Caroe also played several characters, but his portrayal of Lewis Carroll is one that I am sure Carroll himself would have vigorously applauded.

"Alice in Wonderland" continues for two more weekends at Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Main St.

Performances are 8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, March 29-30 and April 5-6; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, March 31 and April 7; and 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 4.

The show is less than two hours long and without an intermission. It will leave you wanting more.

Tickets are $12 to $15; $10 for the Thursday night performance. Call 575-523-1223 and visit tktassistant.com and nostrings. org.

Mike Cook can be reached at mike@lascrucesbulletin.com.

Seating

No seating plan has been posted.