By Emi Gruender
A trip and fall into the rabbit hole is all that it takes to reach Wonderland: a sparkling presentation by this year’s musical theatre class following Alice and her quintessential misadventures in Wonderland. In order to watch this one-act musical before the last issue of the year debuts, I was lucky enough to join a very large class of Capri students on their annual field trip to Westmont’s theatre. The lobby and house were practically buzzing with anticipation as I took my unofficial seat and waited for the lights to dim. Jeff Bengford, as always before student shows, appeared in the front and informed the rambunctious children about proper theatre etiquette and whatever-else-have-you—but then, told everyone to count backwards from 30.
“Can you do that?” Bengford challenged. He was met with an uproar only the youth could provide for a high school performance, and the quickening chant “30, 29, 28, 27…” rang out before he could even exit the theatre. But like magic, when the kids reached 0, the lights dimmed and after a brief introduction by student director Zahra Kizarly, we met Alice sitting next to her sister, a worldly and weary older figure to Alice with a noticeable lack of whimsy.
One of my first impressions of the show was Jayan Trujillo’s voice ringing through in harmony during the first song as Alice’s parent’s ghosts haunt her. Though Jayan has participated in many of the school musicals in his high school career, such as Footloose and 9-5, I have never had the opportunity to hear his talented voice. Bravo!!
Early on, just after freshman Michelle Galvan Loya playing Alice fell down the rabbit hole, she was quickly replaced by fellow freshman Jillian Mendleson, also playing Alice, who was later replaced again by freshman Giana Carlos. Though I was confused at this choice at first, I found that it worked quite well considering the numerous references to how much Alice had changed throughout her journey in Wonderland. Another quirk to add to an already quirky show. Not to mention, the amount of vocal talent in this year’s crop of freshmen? Very, very impressive.
We proceed through Wonderland, slowly meeting a colorful cast of characters including but not limited to Humpty Dumpty, the White Rabbit, a Caterpillar, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee, the Mad Hatter and March Hare and Door-Mouse, a Jabberwocky, and several queens of different flavors. Though many of the numbers were impressive, I very much enjoyed the Mad Hatter’s scenes and songs—starring Otra Phillips as the Mad Hatter, Paige Hoene as the March Hare, and Shreya Ghoshal as the ever-sleepy Doormouse. Chaotic nonsense, especially when executed well, is one of the most entertaining forms of theatre in my opinion: and the actors in question completely committed to the proverbial “bit.” A round of applause to them!
Some other highlights of this very catchy show: when Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall, and two sunflowers hauled him away on a stretcher, saying “Over-easy!” in tandem, when Maansi Sharma pranced around in her queen’s attire in front of a chorus line whose costumes are hilariously reminiscent of Roz Keith’s french costume in “9-5,” when Wesley Addams galloped about in his elegant white suit as an incompetent knight, and when the wholly unexpected “Law and Order” sound effect during the court scene. “This is NOT Law and Order! *sound FX boom*.”
Furthermore, some songs were borrowed from other musicals in order to lengthen the musical: such as “Watch Your Back” and “Today and Ev’ry Day” from “Freaky Friday,” and “The BFF Song” from Spongebob the Musical. As a musical connoisseur myself, it was a very surreal but enjoyable experience watching these songs be repurposed for a completely different story.
I was very satisfied with the performance when the house lights finally came up again, and the actors sat down in the front of the stage, ready to pick on eager hands loaded with eager questions. My final verdict: a very fun show with very catchy songs. Despite the considerably smaller Musical Theatre class as compared to some years before, the show quality stayed consistent, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I cannot wait to watch it again at the annual One-Act play festival. Join Musical Theatre class this coming school year—who knows? You might enjoy the singing, dancing, and acting required of every strong performer.
*Zahra Kizarly in front of Alice in Wonderland set piece
