Mad Hatter meets modern day in ELJHS production of ‘Alice#Wonderland’

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Casting for the production began in December, with rehearsals starting in January. Since then, students have been meeting weekly after school, along with additional practice sessions to prepare for the show.

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Mad Hatter meets modern day in ELJHS production of 'Alice#Wonderland'

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This year’s cast of about 20 students is smaller than in past productions — a deliberate shift while maintaining a high level of performance.

“They’ve been a really strong, consistent group,” Smith said. “They’re attentive, they come to rehearsals, they know their lines.”

Rather than staging a traditional version of the classic story, Smith rewrote the script into Alice#Wonderland, weaving in themes tied to social media, identity and perception — ideas that resonate more directly with today’s students.

“It’s still true to some of the characters and storyline,” she said. “But it’s a more modern version — asking what’s real and what’s not.”

The production also incorporates contemporary music and choreography, adding a fresh tone to the familiar tale. That shift, Smith noted, took some early adjustment from the cast.

“At first they pushed back a little — like, ‘that’s not how the story goes,’” she said. “But I told them to trust the process. And I think they really like it now.”

For some students, the story itself is new territory.

“Some of them didn’t even know the original,” Smith said. “So it’s kind of a fresh take for this generation.”

The performance is designed as more than a traditional stage production. Audiences will be part of a “Mad Hatter tea party” dessert theatre experience, seated at themed tables while the story unfolds around them.

Guests can expect a whimsical setting complete with tea sandwiches, tarts, cupcakes and themed beverages, paired with a lively student performance.

Performances run from April 23 to 25 at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre.

A daytime performance on April 23 is reserved for schools and cast parents, while public shows include a dessert theatre evening performance on April 24 at 7 p.m. and a Saturday matinee on April 25 at 1 p.m.

Tickets range from $10 to $20, with table seating available for groups. All tea party tickets include dessert and refreshments, and tickets can be purchased through the school’s parent portal.