BWW Reviews: LOOKINGGLASS ALICE at Stage Theatre

When a little girl named Alice falls down a rabbit hole in pursuit of an adventure, she discovers a world that challenges and confuses her sense of reality. The vibrant characters she encounters on her journey help her to find her way home, but teach her some valuable life experiences.

Lookingglass Alice is a brilliant adaption of Lewis Carroll's wonderland adventures that combines circus elements, dance, and music into a theatrical masterpiece. Director David Catlin, who also created the show, has boiled down the characters and adventures of "Through the Looking Glass" for a 5-actor ensemble, giving each actor fantastic challenges as they tumble, dance, and laugh their way through multiple characters throughout the show. The minimalistic scaffold set is revealed after the first scene, and, through its simplicity, provides the perfect setting for the various places Alice encounters.

Alice (Lindsey Noel Whiting) finds herself at one end of a chess board, and the towering Red Queen (played masterfully by Molly Brennan) challenges her, a mere pawn to start, to cross the board to become a queen. As Alice steps from space to space, each move takes her to one surreal vignette to another, where the ensemble of wonderland characters helps her learn about herself and her journey. The Cheshire cat (Adeoye) and Mad Hatter (Kevin Douglas) provide chaos and mischief for Alice, but the White Knight (Samuel Taylor) keeps her pointed in the right direction and encourages her to push on. All 5 of the actors are incredibly versed in acrobatics and clown comedy, and are masters of seamlessly slipping from one character to another. They engaged the audience completely, and never let the energy and magic of the show drop.

I can't speak highly enough of the magic and wonder of this production. From the fantastic set and lighting designs to the unbelievably talented cast, the show is a win. Words cannot describe the superb surreal experience that is Lookingglass Alice, and I would highly suggest you go tumble through the rabbit hole to enjoy this wonderland of fun.

Lookingglass Alice plays the Stage Theatre at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, September 11- October 11. Tickets at 303-893-4100 or at www.denvercenter.org