Ensemble Theater Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) presents the world premiere musical Alice in Wonderland, written by seven-time Emmy Award-winning author Mark Saltzman and directed by Jim Fall. Musical arrangement by Jack Lipson for the culminating work of the 45th season.
The musical will run from Thursday, May 30th through Sunday, June 16th at the New Vic Theater, 33 W. Victoria St.
The play tells the true story of the real-life Alice and her secret romance with Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's son and Prince Harry's great-grandson.
As a child, Alice was Lewis Carroll's inspiration for The Girl Who Fell Down the Rabbit Hole, and now Alice falls in love despite the Queen's vehement opposition.
In honor of Oxford's a cappella tradition, the music from Alice in Wonderland will be played unaccompanied.
Scott Devine, Executive Director of ETC, said: “Creating unique living works of art is at the heart of what we do every day at ETC.” It's original, right down to the casting decisions we make.
“The process has never been more exciting, dynamic, or fascinating than when you're working on a work that has a world premiere. Working with playwrights to develop a script and then being able to present that work to audiences anywhere for the first time. is a special experience with an energy like no other.”
“I am thrilled to see a project I have envisioned for many years come to fruition at Ensemble Theater Company of Santa Barbara,” Saltzman said.
“The relationship between Alice Liddell and Prince Leopold first came to my attention when commentators started analyzing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's romantic relationship, suggesting that Prince Harry's great-grandson Leopold was similarly in love with a celebrity. ,” Saltzman said. “I tried to bring her 21st century sensibilities to this story of her 1872 Oxford, interweaving references to the racism, sexism and colonialism of society at the time.
“I am also delighted to be able to represent a character with a disability as a romantic protagonist on stage with historical accuracy.
ETC stars Matthew Greenwood and Alfred Lawston as the Caterpillar. Margie Mays as Alice Liddell. Bree Murphy as Queen Victoria, Mrs. Pettigrew, and Victor. Sam O'Byrne plays Prince Leopold. Sawyer Patterson as Edward Bullock. Brent Schindell as Dean Henry Liddell.
The production's design team includes set designer Harry Feiner, lighting designer Michael Rathbun, sound designer Kate Wecker, and costume designer Michael Mullen.
Producers: Gwen, Henry Baker, Dana White. Associate producer is Joan Davidson. Supporting producers are Paul Longanbach and Donald Polk.
Ticket prices range from $40 to $86. A patron under the age of 35 is always 35 years old. Student tickets are $25. Single tickets can be purchased at the ETC Box Office at 805-965-5400 or online at etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.