Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts are on stage in the Act 3 Children Theatre production of “Alice in Wonderland,” March 17 - April 13, Schubert Theatre, DeSales University.

The one-hour children’s show is the capstone project of the 2022 senior theater class at DeSales University.

The classic story by Lewis Carroll, adapted by Michele L. Vacca, follows Alice through an exciting journey where she meets a host of colorful characters and discovers herself full of curiosity, bravery and independence.

“The world of Wonderland allows us to open our minds and look at the world in new and amazing ways,” says Maxwell Babcock, a musical theater major who is director of the show.

“It is the perfect show to allow kids to ?ex their creative muscles while also being fully entertained. The show brings color, shape, and bold images that create a fantastical atmosphere, making it an immersive experience,” Babcock says.

For the show, the seniors take on the artistic and administrative roles of a professional theater company. In addition to performing in the show, students also take on all of the production responsibilities, including company management, directing, box of?ce, education and marketing, and designing and constructing the sets, props, and costumes for the play.

“Everyone is adding their own personal mark on the production, and it truly goes to show how cohesively we are working towards the finished product,” says Eileen Deisemann, a dual major in design-technology and musical theater who is company manager, supervising all aspects of production.

Costume designer Erin Demczyszyn is designing colorful costumes, accessories and a mask handmade for the Cheshire Cat. Sound designer Sarah Fox has written original compositions for the show.

Other students in production roles include Hayley Bonnett, stage manager; Mike Weir, scenic designer-technical director; RJ Craig, lighting designer; Tim Sees, props master; Whitney Madill, box of?ce manager; Josie LaTorres, business manager, and So?a Curcuru, education liaison.

“Throughout the pandemic, the artists of DeSales University have remained committed to bringing the arts to children at a time when it is needed most,” says Emily Tazza, student marketing director.

“The Act 3 company has always prided itself on bridging education with performance, and the tradition will continue this year both in person and virtually,” Tazza says.

There will be a relaxed performance for children with autism, sensory communication disorders or learning difficulties, 10 a.m. April 7.

There will be an American Sign Language performance for patrons with hearing disabilities as well as with audio descriptions for the visually-impaired, 10 a.m. April 9.

“Alice in Wonderland” will be ?lmed for streaming. Upon purchase of a streaming pass, a link and password will be provided via email. The link will be active for 24 hours beginning April 9.

“Alice in Wonderland,” 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. Tickets: tickets.desales.edu; 610-282-3192

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com