Alice by Heart Play Review

By: Kyle Chmielowski

Wilbur Wright College presented a spectacle Alice by Heart Play that explores escapism from a gloomy reality of grief directed by Kristen Williams.

Set in the backdrop of a heavily bombed England in World War II Alice Spencer (played by Carson Starcevic) wants to escape reality and enter the magical world of Wonderland because her best friend Alfred (played by Michael Lesko) has contracted tuberculosis and is in danger of death. 

Alice explores between Wonderland and England, fantasy and reality, while she is tormented by her denial and mockery from other characters. The cast displayed unique costume designs, emotional effects, and wonderful choreography. 

Behind the scenes, the closest home to all the costumes. Photo Credit: LiLuzietti

The characters' emotions, especially Alice's, resonated with the audience, who were fascinated by the drama and brought tears to our eyes. Alice cares for her friend, Alfred, so much that you feel heartwarmed by their relationship. 

Alfred is at risk of dying; you feel sympathy for a distressed Alice. Yet it’s not just the gloomy emotions, this play takes the audience through the brilliant production centered around grief creating laughter. 

Whether it was the witty sass of the Duchess (played by Luis Ovalle) or a scene of contagious, repetitive laughter by Alice and Alfred, the audience enjoyed humorous scenes sprinkled on such a sad tale. 

The main element throughout the play was the costume design. Bunny ears, oversized top hats, lobster hands, lifelike turtle shells, and an enormous Jabberwocky (voiced by Hugo Gluck) all made each new scene feel like an art piece to admire. The intricately detailed costumes were authentic by the actors' delivery, and the British accents were very realistic. 

Stage managers Carlos Carmona and Gemma Ffrench said the cast of Alice by Heart portrayed the best teamwork they had seen. This was evident when the cast came together to sing and dance songs “Down the Hole" and "Do You Think We Think You’re Alice.”

Alice by Heart rehearsed, the stage props created by Wright Stage Students. Photo Credits: LiLuzietti