Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” has enchanted many minds, but playwright Tommy Jamerson’s “Alice the Brave and other Tales from Wonderland” presented a new story that included puppets, a live band and audience interaction with some classic characters.
“Alice the Brave” was presented in partnership by the university, the City of Bogalusa and the Southeastern chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, a national honorary theatre society, and was directed by Jim Winter, assistant professor of acting and directing. The traveling show held performances at Cassidy Park in Bogalusa, Faith Family Church in Denham Springs and the Vonnie Borden Theatre in D Vickers Hall on campus.
“There are a lot of factors because each place you travel to the venue is different,” said Winter. “You have different technology at your disposal or no technology at your disposal. That’s a challenge. Getting trucks and carrying the set and all the costumes everywhere, it’s crazy.”
Olivia Matte, a senior majoring in general studies with a theatre concentration, played the title role of Alice. Matte, who was last seen at Southeastern in “Mr. 80%,” enjoyed being able to play the “curious, outlandish child” who was different from the classic Alice.
During the performance, characters such as the Dodo bird, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum pulled children from the audience onto the stage.
“There weren’t as many kids as I hoped there would be,” said Matte. “It’s so much fun with the kids. You can hear them interacting during the show. But it was a good crowd. A lot of audience interaction is needed during the show, and it was there. It was nice. I love hearing the audience. It feeds the actor.”
Winter worked closely with Jamerson in planning this adaptation and decided to incorporate a live band and puppets on stage to give the show new life.
“Those guys add a whole other level to the show,” said Winter about the musicians, who wore flowered hats for the show. “I can’t imagine it without them. For them, it’s their first time doing anything like this. It’s different than playing in a musical. They’re almost like characters themselves, and they do all the sound effects.”
According to Winter, Southeastern visual arts alumnus Avery Brent designed all of the puppets used in the production. The Mad Hatter used a hand-puppet for the Dormouse character, and several students worked the intricate, life-size Jabberwock puppet.
Christine Jones, a freshman psychology major, played the role of the White Rabbit and hopped down the aisles during parts of the show. The production was Jones’ first role with Southeastern Theatre, and she enjoyed presenting a non-stereotypical rabbit in the show.
“I’m so proud of them,” said Winter. “They’re up there with alums, professional actors, and I think they hold their own. It’s a big ensemble piece, and everybody brought their best to it. I hope all these new guys and girls come back. We’ve got lots of roles for them.”
For information on future theatre productions, contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 985-549-2184.