If you step inside the Black Box Theatre at Bothell High, you will be transported to Wonderland — “Alice in Wonderland,” that is. The award-winning Bothell High Theatre Arts Department will present the play, based on the classic children’s book by Lewis Carroll, beginning March 13.
Director Tim Hagerman, longtime Timbercrest Junior High teacher and guest director at BHS the past five years, chose Anne Coulter Martens’ adaptation for the school’s spring play offering.
“Wonderland is a fun place to visit,” said Hagerman. “The many familiar but strange inhabitants help to create a vacation of imagination. The costumes, sets and performances will be colorful.”
“Alice in Wonderland” tells the story of young Alice, who follows a white rabbit “down the rabbit hole” into Wonderland. With the friendly, ever-grinning Cheshire Cat as her guide, she explores the new world, meeting a host of quirky characters. Alice is trying to find a way back to her world. Will the Queen of Hearts help her, or is her personality not as it sounds like it would be? Who is real and who is not? Is the whole experience just a dream?
The cast includes 25 students, the largest cast Hagerman has directed at Bothell, with some playing multiple parts. The leading role of Alice belongs to senior Shelby Jensen, who started acting in junior high.
The role of Alice is a dream come true for Jensen.
“I’ve always loved ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ It’s like being a part of something you watched on TV when you were little and now I get to be a part of it,” she said.
She is enjoying working on this production, adding, “It’s really funny and entertaining to watch. Everyone in it is really good in their parts, and the set is really cool.”
Kevin Lin, a junior, portrays the Mad Hatter. He is new to the theater scene.
“I was actually dragged into last year’s BHS spring musical by one of my friends — they urged me to audition even though I was still unsure about it — but I auditioned and I got in, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.”
Lin is now in his third production of this school year.
“In a play like ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ I think character voices are more important than they usually are,” said Lin. “I auditioned with a ridiculous amount of energy and a voice to match. It was loud, it was crazy, it was offbeat and it was fun. When you put all those together, you get a Mad Hatter.”
Both Lin and Jensen agree “Alice in Wonderland” is a must see for all ages.
“It’s great for kids, but adults will enjoy it, too,” said Jensen.
“These characters are brilliant and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss seeing them on stage,” added Lin.
“Alice in Wonderland” runs two weekends beginning March 13-14 and then March 26-28 with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance will be presented at 2 p.m. March 14 and 28.
The play will be staged in the Black Box Theatre, adjacent to the Northshore Performing Arts Center, located at 9130 N.E. 180th St., Bothell. Box office opens one hour before each show. Tickets are available at the door only — $8 adults, $6 students with ID. Doors will open to the theater 30 minutes before showtime.
All proceeds benefit the Bothell High Theatre Arts Department.
