Welcome to SEASON SPOTLIGHT! Here we will take an in-depth look at the shows in the 2017-18 season and give you a little insight into what you can expect in the upcoming season.
March 23 – April 8, 2018
Book by Rachel Rockwell. Music by Michael Mahler.
Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Rachel Rockwell.
Lewis Carroll’s classic story gets curiouser and curiouser in Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure. This rock concert-meets-children’s theater production is certain to have audiences dancing in the aisles as Alice encounters the familiar faces of Wonderland whirled together with a wide range of modern musical styles, from glam rock glitter and pop-hook punk to jangly guitar grinds and stadium anthem swagger. Anything is possible in Wonderland!
Wonderland composer Michael Mahler is known for his sticky, melodic and smart songs. He recently penned the score for the musical Hero and helped revise the lyrics for the new Cameron Mackintosh production of Miss Saigon. Mahler’s score will be performed live on stage with characters playing keyboards, drums, guitar and more.
Guest director Justin Perez will lead the production. Perez’s work was last seen on The Rose stage in its 2013 production of Big Nate, which fittingly also featured an onstage rock concert. Perez is co-directing Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play with Artistic Director Matthew Gutschick in June 2017 at the Parallel 45 Theatre in Traverse City, Michigan. He is also an ensemble member with the Dance Cartel in New York City.
“This is a high-energy, rock-and-roll extravaganza with a message about finding strength through adversity and finding your own voice,” says Gutschick. “I know Justin will bring a wondrous energy to this show that reflects his unique way of seeing the world and his immense dance and musical talent.”
Wonderland: Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure will be presented Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5 pm, and Sundays at 10 am and 2 pm. There will not be a show on Easter, Sunday, April 1. Interpretation for the hearing impaired and audio description services for the blind will be offered at the 2 pm show on Saturday, March 31. A sensory-friendly performance will be presented on Saturday, March 31 at 5 pm. Children ages five and up will delight at Wonderland’s whimsical characters in the 60 minute show.