Creative Cauldron’s Alice in Wonderland will delight children – and their parents

Izzy Smelkinson as the White Rabbit and Madeline Aldana as Alice. [Keith Waters, Kx Photography]

By David Siegel

Full of high-spirited playfulness, flights of adorable fancy, and some verbal gymnastics that children and adults can savor, Creative Cauldron’s Alice in Wonderland is family entertainment that will sweep one’s cares away into the joys of “curiouser and curiouser” travel.

If you don’t believe me, go ask Alice, who is winningly portrayed by seventh-grader Madeline Aldana with plenty of quizzical verve.

Part of Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theatre program, this homegrown adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 work is a peachy one by Laura Connors Hull and Ellen Selby. They get to the very heart of Alice’s adventures down a rabbit hole into an off-kilter world.

The production also provides a fine opportunity for young people to perform in an original adaptation of a well-known, still-cool-after-all-these-years children’s classic, written to support their own strengths and talents.

Key to the overall success of the Cauldron’s Alice in Wonderland is that the 24 energetic, on-their-marks, young performers in the show are not alone on stage. There are three professional actors performing with the 24-member cast: a lively Izzy Smelkinson as the White Rabbit; a dictating, obnoxious Will Stevenson as the Queen of Hearts; and a soft-spoken, timid E. Augustus (Gus) Knapp as the King of Hearts.

Creative Cauldron also has several other major artistic elements that make the production a sheer pleasure. There are 13 original songs and musical numbers composed by Matt Conner, with lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith.

The music provides opportunities for plenty of solo, duo, trio, and production numbers for the cast to show their dancing and movement skills – and they do. The music varies in tempo, style, and outlook befitting the characters.

There are few static scenes in the 11-scene show. Some of the production numbers are intricate especially given the intimate performance space. The performers make it all seem fun for themselves and the audience.

Then there is the utterly divine, imaginative costume design by Margie Jervis. She has taken the old and mixed with the contemporary, with all sorts of colorful charm. There are puppets big and small, there are children with hats and wigs and tails and wings.

Alice in Wonderland is a humorous and satirical entertainment for all ages. The young performers totally brightened my evening. But don’t take my word for it.  The many children in the audience were sitting forward, taking in the production, laughing, nudging each other, clapping, and just plain enjoying themselves.

Where and when: Creative Cauldron’s production of Alice in Wonderland plays through April 14 at ArtsSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Ave. There are shows Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and military, and $14 for students. Purchase tickets online or call the box office, 703-436-9948.


This piece is based on a review by David Siegel in DC Metro Theater Arts.