From the moment the curtain opened, I was hooked. Janet Dacal was amazing and believable as Alice Cornwinkle – who needs blonde, straight hair and blue eyes when you can have Dacal’s red curls? And her voice – it’s the kind of voice that leaves you wanting more. She belts out her songs in a way that draws you into the story. Darren Ritchie (Jack/White Knight) reminded me a little of Norbert Leo Butz, and I love it! He brought his songs to life, whether boy-band style or ballad. He was also intriguing in his role as author Lewis Carroll, shining light on who Alice really is, inside. Julie Brooks (Chloe, Alice’s daughter) has a sweet voice that rings out pure, vivid, and strong.
Nikki Snelson’s (Mad Hatter) songs ring out strong and tyrannical at the same time; though her Napoleon-esque character is the most uncharacteristic of the original Wonderland story, she makes this new imagining of the Mad Hatter completely believable. Karen Mason (Mrs. Everheart/The Queen of Hearts) isn’t your stereotypical Queen of Hearts; she’s actually quite comedic, flighty, and absent-minded. Tad Wilson (Jabberwock) is sinister and comedic all in one breath, and he’s not at all what you expect.
Rounding out the supportive cast are Edward Staudenmayer (Richard/ The Rabbit), who plays his role with such believable timidity, and reminds me a bit of the Cowardly Lion, though his loyalty isn’t always exactly clear; Jose Llana (Hector/El Gato) who plays it smooth like a cat, and who’s a bit reminiscent of Santana (per Wildhorn’s pop music intentions); and Tommar Wilson (Theo/The Caterpillar) whose riddle-me-this questions are portrayed in a cool, urban tone, completely non-standoffish; unlike the Disney version, his question of “Who are you?” transitions to “Who are you?” (In Alice’s own mixed up words, “mother, writer, wife, or friend… where does one begin or end?”)
One Response to “Review: Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure (Tampa)”
Absolutely blown away with Wonderland. My husband and I are season ticketholders and love the Alley. But last night we had the pleasure of traveling to Broadway without leaving Houston! Wonderland is the theatre experience that one hopes to have. And Miss Dacal is a spectacular talent – a stunning beauty with the presence and gifts of a true star. An incredible musical with an equally amazing cast!
Absolutely blown away with Wonderland. My husband and I are season ticketholders and love the Alley. But last night we had the pleasure of traveling to Broadway without leaving Houston! Wonderland is the theatre experience that one hopes to have. And Miss Dacal is a spectacular talent – a stunning beauty with the presence and gifts of a true star. An incredible musical with an equally amazing cast!
Posted by Caroline | February 13, 2010, 1:12 pm