Theater review: In a musical update of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tale, Selma Arts Center delivers a stirring tale of laughter and grief in ‘Alice by Heart’
By Olivia Pavao
Anyone who gets the chance to fall down the rabbit hole of Selma Arts Center’s production of “Alice by Heart” is a lucky duck, indeed.
The well-known wonderful world of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is a fairy tale reimagined in “Alice by Heart,” with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater.
Selma Arts Center brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life, told in a new, postmodern light set in the heart of the London Underground amidst World War II wreckage.
Co-directors Claudio Laso and Toph Ortiz, working with scenic designer Nicolette C. Andersen, did an absolutely tea-riffic job at turning the modern space that is the Selma Arts Center into one reminiscent of 1940’s London. I lived in London for a few weeks at the beginning of this year, and the set was immediately recognizable from the second I stepped into the space. You could plainly see each set piece, costume change and lighting cue was hand-picked with intention to completely transport the audience down the hole.
Although the show is inspired by and centers around Alice’s tales, the storyline revolves around two teens: Alice Spencer, who dreams of escaping to a faraway Wonderland with her best friend Alfred Hallam, who is quarantined from Alice after receiving a deadly tuberculosis diagnosis.
The show is a comedic but heart wrenching portrayal of battling adolescence and grief, following Alice and Alfred’s star-crossed story in their race against time.
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Leads Kaci Clason and Tyler Murphy displayed undeniable stage chemistry and presence, their voices blending together seamlessly to make a perfect pair. In duets “Still” and “Afternoon”, I was completely overtaken by the raw emotion they emitted through their characters’ friction.
I’ve seen Clason in quite a few shows in the past — we went to the same high school. However, this was unlike anything I’ve ever seen from her. Her emotional depth in her embodiment of Alice was sublime. No notes.
As Vinny Galindo’s lighting glowed hues of purple and red, I inched towards the edge of my seat as the entire cast, but especially Clason, encapsulated me with just the first number, “West of Words.”
Throughout the show, I witnessed persistent emotional whiplash through my fellow audience members laughing through their tears.
There wasn’t a dry eye in sight during “Another Room In Your Head,” and fits of laughter filled the theater during “Your Shell of Grief.”
WIN TICKETS TO THE FINAL WEEKEND OF ‘ALICE BY HEART’
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What really resonated with me was watching Alice go through the five stages of grief as she hopelessly tries to rewrite the pages of a story that has already been set in stone.
In a desperate state of denial, she returns to the world of Wonderland in an attempt to cling to the comforts of her childhood — but it’s nothing like it was before.
As Alice toes the line between her youth and the ugly truth of growing up, she grapples with the loss of who she used to be as she watches everything and everyone she knows changing right in front of her eyes.
I think anyone in that audience would agree: Alice Spencer is a character you can so easily see yourself in. We’ve all had to face the coming-of-age trials blindly, in fear of the unknown.
It’s a feeling that drives you mad. This show is a great reminder that loss is maddening, and it’s also universal. So, not to be cliché, but they’re right — we’re all mad here.
“Alice by Heart” continues its run at Selma Arts Center through March 8. If you have the chance — go see it. It will crack you up while it simultaneously tugs on your heartstrings and is full of flair and aptitude from the leads all the way down to the ensemble.
Personally, I would see this production again and again until I know it by heart.
Emily Shepard
Amazing review also the person put on trial was the knave of hearts 💕
Briana Villanueva Hardcastle
The knave of hearts!
Sheila Perkins
The knave of hearts!
anne m hendrickson
Thank you for your great review! The seven-piece live band accompanying “Alice” hopes that our musical efforts enhance and support this terrific production. Musical director and keyboard, Jordan Williams, Omar Ruiz, trumpet, Xavier Bueno guitar, Alexis Holliday bass, Landon Peckham drums and percussion, Ali Ruiz cello and yours truly, Anne Hendrickson on woodwinds. We have LOVED performing this show!
Heather Parish
Nicely written and reviewed, Olivia!
Elizabeth Flood
Knave of hearts
Doug Hoagland
Ditto to what Heather said. A smart review.