ALICE: QUEEN OF CAYMAN WONDERLAND?
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from January 1986.
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Lewis Carroll may have invented the precocious, flighty Alice, heroine of both plays, however, Colin Wilson, a denizen of these fair isles for a number of years, has amalgamated both plays and adapted them to encompass, to an extent, day-to-day Cayman in his production of "Alice Queen of Wonderland".
This imaginative adaptation, which has been extensively rewritten by Colin Wilson, even pays homage to some of the islands' more notable clans. Boddens, Watlers, Kirkconnells, Merrens, McTaggarts and Pantons to mention but a few.
There are stage sets that feature a scale model of the wreck of the Gamma and a backcloth with the cruise liner Rhapsody firmly aground off Seven Mile Beach. A cast of 45 plays 65 characters warranting the same number of costumes and there are several scenes requiring the entire cast to be on stage at the same time.
There are 20 songs, all adapted from the original works or written especially for Alice Queen of Wonderland, 14 dances, eight set changes and three acts. At a quick glance, this epic production begins to make Ben Hur seem insignificant by comparison.
What prompted Colin Wilson to embark upon this mammoth exercise in theatrical logistics? A concept that has been simmering for two years. "I have never felt that productions featuring Alice, be they films or stage plays, have ever captured the true Alice and the sheer madness of Lewis Carrolls internationally famous creation. Also, I felt that players cast as Alice were invariable too old for the part," said Colin.
There is no story to Alice in Wonderland, which is simply a collection of Alice's dreams. Alice Through the Looking Glass has a strong theme, whereby Alice, who actually hates Wonderland, strives to escape by winning a game and becoming a Queen. Thus she will command her minions to escort her out of Wonderland.
By combining the two plays, the plot thickens considerably; by making this unique amalgam a pantomime as opposed to a play, the prospects for diversity become immediately evident.
Colin Wilson has taken full advantage of these licences as Director of this entertaining production. For example, there is no Red or White Knight in this piece, however, there is an evil Black Knight lurking manevolently in a Wicked Wood through which Alice must pass on her way towards liberation.
There are other horrors to be encountered such as the Gryphon, a mythological figure with an eagle's head lion's body. This intriguing little beasty has become Gryff Bodden for the purpose of "Alice Queen of Wonderland", and Alice's original Turtle has become a Cayman Mock Turtle adding further local spice.
The demanding part of Alice is played by 10 year old Melissa Martin, whom Colin met while playing Toad trying for their first acting Toad Hall. "Casting the parole, wanted a part," Colin remembered.
I envisaged a much younge From the auditions came girl for the part than has bee some surprises. For example, customary over the year Evelyn Andresen auditioned for the part of proved a great stumbling block that prevented me from Duchess, a part that in pan- putting on Alice sooner," sai tomime would traditionally Colin. "When I met Melissa be a Dame and thus played I knew I had the perfeby a male. Evelyn was out- Alice," he added. standing at auditions and
Casting for this prodigious plays the part superbly. venture went surprisingl. Aside from arranging the well with 80 percent of the intricate choreography of cast being chosen at the fir Alice Queen of Wonderland, two auditions. "I was amaze Sue Kieran plays a masterful at the response. It seeme Cheshire Cat. that just about everyone ir Newcomer Chris Lundie volved in theatre, and man gives an impressive perfor- mance as the Mad Hatter, admirably aided and abetted by Costas Takkas as the March Hare.
Penny Phillips, a veteran of the Cayman Drama Society, plays an impelling and bloodthirsty Queen of Hearts. Alan Hall plays an impressive Black Knight among other notable performances too numerous to mention.
Whether one finds the thought of a radically changed Alice appealing or not, the audience will certainly appreciate the subtleties that Colin has woven into his production in order to make it more entertaining for local theatre goers. The script adaptation took six months to complete and rehearsals have been extensive. Alice Queen of Wonderland should be thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Alice Queen of Wonderland opens at the Harquail Cultural Centre on Thursday, January 16. Performances as follows: 16th., 17th., 7:30p.m. 18th., 5:30 p.m. (Sold Out). 23rd., 24th., 7:30 p.m. 25th., 5:30 p.m. 30th., 31st., and 1st., 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at Phillips Electrical, outside Bank of Nova Scotia 12-2 p.m., Lord Nelson Tavern (evenings), or stage door.
