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Players of the Stage to perform ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’

Published December 06. 2024 09:34AM

BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

Players of the Stage, a nonprofit youth theater group, will present “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 at its new location, Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is based on “Alice in Wonderland,” by Lewis Carroll,” co-director Marian Barshinger said. “Tim Kelly wrote the script adaptation of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ The music and lyrics were chosen from public domain works.”

This literary children’s classic tells the story of a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of humanlike characters.

Allentown residents Jenna Dobrowolski, who plays Alice, and Owen Dobrowolski, who plays the White Rabbit, commented on their roles.

“Alice is a young girl who lives in the mid to late 1800s,” Dobrowolski said. “As her sister is reading a book to her, she falls asleep and slips into a dream world of Wonderland.

“Here she meets a wide variety of characters that seem determined to test everything that she thought she knew about the world.

“She is generally a sweet girl and prone to wonder, but her temper slips out more and more as the play goes on and the characters continue to be confusing and crude to her.”

Owen Dobrowolski said his character is always running to somewhere, even if he’s not sure where.

“The White Rabbit is a character who is always marking the way for Alice and showing that she’s on the right path,” he stated. “This concept of character is used more often after the White Rabbit was created.

“He is nervous around everyone in Wonderland (except sometimes Alice), and even the weirdest creatures think that the White Rabbit is really strange.”

Washington Township resident David Phelps, who plays the King of Hearts, discussed his role.

“I enjoy playing my character because he really has no idea what’s going on,” Phelps stated. “He sort of just follows the Queen of Hearts around.

“The costumes and sets are amazing, my favorite of any show.”

South Whitehall resident Libi Martinez, who plays the Queen of Hearts, described her character.

“The Queen of Hearts is the main antagonist in the story of ‘Alice and Wonderland,’” Martinez stated. “She’s usually described as being aimlessly furious. She orders the heads off everyone who crosses her and instills fear into her subjects.”

She said she likes the challenge that playing her character gives her.

“I’ve never played a character with such extreme emotions.”

Barshinger and Amber Cade are co-directors.

“I have been in charge of Act One and Amber has taken Act Two,” Barshinger stated. “We’ve had amazing help from Andrew MacDonald as our assistant director.

“‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ is about the process of growing up and how confusing and sometimes terrifying that can be,” Barshinger stated. “The world that Alice has tumbled into starts off full of wonder, absurdity, and fun, but she soon sees through the cracks and starts to see it is also full of contradictions and unfairness. Alice must persevere and stand up for herself and others in order to conquer Wonderland and climb out of the rabbit hole as a wiser and stronger girl.”

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” will be performed 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.

In lieu of an admission fee, a freewill offering will be taken to benefit H.O.P.E Kids of Allentown, a ministry supporting underprivileged children of Allentown.

Barshinger explained why they chose H.O.P.E Kids of Allentown to receive money donated at the play.

“Players of the Stage, as a children’s theater, has immense care for young people,” she said. “We have a desire that all kids can grow up with the emotional, educational, financial, and spiritual support they need to flourish.

“H.O.P.E Kids ministers to the children of our local community and we are grateful to partner with them.”

Reservations are required for all performances.

To reserve tickets to this show, go to playersofthestage.org.

For more information about Players of the Stage, visit playersofthestage.com.

PRESS PHOTOS BY SUSAN BRYANTThe Players of the Stage cast rehearses a scene from the play “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” in which Alice, played by Jenna Dobrowolski, of Allentown becomes a key witness in the trial of the Knave of Hearts.
The Players of the Stage cast rehearses the scene where Alice meets the Queen of Hearts in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” to be performed 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13, and 14; and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14 at Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.
Press photos by susan bryantThe Queen of Hearts plays croquet in a scene from the play “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
A frantic dance at the Duchess’ will be performed by Players of the Stage, a nonprofit youth theater group in the play “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Alice receives instructions on “Caucus Race.” Lower Macungie Township resident Jacquelean Dressler as Lory, Upper Milford Township resident Rowan Beaumont as Mouse, Lehigh Township resident Bryleigh Barnhart as Dodo, and Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice.
Alice is schooled by the Caterpillar. Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice, Lower Macungie Township resident Eli Sampson as Caterpillar.
The Knight brags to Alice. Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice, and South Whitehall Township resident Colin Goonewardene as the Knight.
Alice hides from the mysterious creatures in Wonderland. Lehigh Township resident Melaina Scheirer as Frog Footman and Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice.
Alice joins the Mad Tea Party. Taking part are Lower Macungie Township residents Julia Daniel as Dormouse and Robbie Vaughn as March Hare, Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice, and Hellertown resident Hannah Morgan as Mad Hatter.
Alice meets the talking flowers. Lehigh Township resident Brinley Barnhart as Daisy, Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice, South Whitehall Township resident Amara Mazariegos as Rose, and Lower Macungie Township resident Avery Vaughn as Lily.
Humpty Dumpty chastises Alice. Hanover Township, Northampton County, resident Stephen Smith as Humpty Dumpty and Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice.
Alice reaches the eighth square. Allentown resident Jenna Dobrowolski as Alice, Lower Macungie Township resident Grace Vaughn as Red Queen, Upper Milford Township resident Treyton Beaumont as Fish Footman, and Emmaus resident Madison Hause as White Queen.