Willow Lane Elementary School will present the original play “Alice in Willowland” March 3 and 4.

First conceived as a skit for presentation at Willow Lane Elementary School’s 10th anniversary celebration in 2020, “Alice in Willowland” evolved into a two-act play after anniversary festivities were canceled due to COVID-19.

Deb Campbell, this production’s playwright and director, has transported Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to “Alice in Willowland” and created a tale highlighting many of Willow Lane’s most engaging activities. As well as cleverly paralleling many of the characters and incidents from Alice in Wonderland, the play incorporates a variety of popular songs, often with rewritten lyrics that complement the Willowland storyline.

While their parents travel the world, Alice and her siblings are cared for by the household staff who also narrate much of the story. Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper; Benson, the chauffeur/handyman; Chef Irma and Tiggy, the nanny, watch over the children. Alice, who finds school distasteful, is of special concern. As Mrs. Hughes states, “Will she find her way?”

Similar to Carroll’s heroine, Alice awakes from a deep sleep and is confronted by a unique creature: in this case, a talking Hawk. This hawk, a direct connection to Willow Lane Elementary School’s Incredible Hawk mascot, leads her through Willowland. Along the way Alice visits a series of fascinating sites which include the Garden Club, kindergarten and the Star Student Café. Her journey culminates in a game of bingo with the Queen of Chess. Having experienced the wonders of Willowland, Alice awakes with a much more positive attitude toward school.

As Campbell states, she strives “ ... to have a large cast to give many kids an opportunity to experience theater and be on stage.” Consequently, Campbell, with the support of Assistant Directors Amy Grubb and Stacy Kusko and numerous parent volunteers, has involved 51 students in the production’s cast and crew.

For those interested in attending a performance of “Alice in Willowland,” tickets may be purchased in advance and at the door. Children under 12 are admitted free. A basket raffle of “Alice in Willowland” themed baskets will also be held.