This was published 8 years ago
Dorothy in Wonderland opens the door to the Canberra school holiday party
By Hosea Luy
"It's a magical adventure" when you mix two fantasy classics, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, director Nina Stevenson says.
The latest show from Pied Piper Productions, Dorothy in Wonderland, lights up the stage for the school holidays.
Rabbit, played by Imogen Baggoley, 8, is very late to an important date. She is joined by the Tin Man, left, played by Joss Kent, the Lion (Karissa Nicholson), the Queen of Hearts (Shaylah McClymont) and the Scarecrow (Charlotte Gee). Credit: Graham Tidy
The play asks the audience: Can Dorothy and Alice beat the Queen of Hearts at her own game and get back home to their families again?
Stevenson believes the blend of the timeless tales is a match made in theatre heaven.
The Scarecrow (Charlotte Gee), the Queen of Hearts (Shaylah McClymont) and the Lion (Karissa Nicholson) take time for tea.Credit: Graham Tidy
"To mix them so the characters meet each other in another place is just an ideal musical story," she said.
"The music is exceptional. The costumes are outstanding. The story is just great and it's funny, fast and it's for the whole family.
"We have a few older, experienced cast [members] and the youngest is six and the eldest is 19 and they all work together just beautifully."
Edith Baggoley, 6, who plays Humpty Dumpty, said audiences would be captivated by the play's narrative.
The Scarecrow (Charlotte Gee), the Queen of Hearts (Shaylah McClymont) and the Lion (Karissa Nicholson) share the spotlight in Dorothy In Wonderland.Credit: Alison Cooke
"They really get caught up in the story and it has lots of information about how you trust getting through danger [and how] you can get out of it," she said.
"You need to take the journey and not skip to the end."
Lachlan Anderson, 19, who plays the Mad Hatter, highlighted the funny side of the play.
"A lot of shows I've done before were a little bit more toned down, a little bit more serious," he said. "This one's much more ridiculous which makes it a lot more fun to be in."
Dorothy in Wonderland is on from October 2-9 at the Canberra College Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $18 and group discounts are available.