Article and Photos by Tom Ganser
The theatrical talents of Whitewater residents will be showcased, both onstage and behind the scenes, in the Janesville Performing Arts Center production of “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” on Aug 8-10 at 7:00 p.m., and Aug. 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Taking to the stage from Whitewater is actress Althea Reichwald. Whitewater residents adding their talents behind the scenes – and all familiar to the community thanks to their contributions to Whitewater Unified School District plays and musicals – are Jim McCulloch as director, Lori Heidenreich as musical director, Lynn Lema as choreographer and costume organizer, and Whitewater High School students Josie Hintz and Emma VanDaele as stage technicians.
As an added treat, a Tea Party with Alice will be held at 5:30 p.m. before the 7:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, Aug. 10. Admission to the Tea Party is $5 and includes Tea, Cookies, and Photos with Alice. Guests will get to pick out their own porcelain tea cup to enjoy at the event and then take it home as a souvenir.
There also will be a silent auction to bid on tea cups beautifully decorated by members of the community. All proceeds from this event will benefit JPAC’s Education and Outreach Department.
This is a face-paced stage adaptation of the Disney classic animated film that has been a favorite of generations, younger and older, since its premier in 1951.
It features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as “I’m Late,” “The Un-birthday Song,” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
The ever-curious Alice’s journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit. Her adventures become increasingly more strange as she races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.
For more information on the Janesville Performing Arts Center located at 400 South Main Street in Janesville and tickets for “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” visit janesvillepac.org or call 608-758-0297.
