Southport Magazine

Jacob Chabra (Cowardly Lion), Nic Tewell (Dormouse), and Gina Flow (Red Queen) will appear in ‘Dorothy Meets Alice.’ Courtesy photo

What: ‘Dorothy Meets Alice’
When: November 9-11, 16-18
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees, 3 p.m.
Where: Playhouse 211
4320-100 Southport-Supply Rd.
Cost: $6-17
Info: www.brunswicklittletheatre.com

One might guess that the biggest lesson to learn from “Dorothy Meets Alice (or The Wizard of Wonderland)” is to always complete one’s work on time. Yet it may just prove procrastination is one of the strongest motivators: Of course the compounded pressure of having little time to finish a task is reason to kick a project into high-gear—but dilly-dallying might just place you in the farthest corner of your imagination.

Such is the case for young Judson Watson, anyway. Played by Ryan Tewell in the Stagestruck Players rendition of “Dorothy Meets Alice,” Judson was supposed to complete a book report due the next day. Having read nothing, Judson attempts to one-up his teacher by watching the movie version of “The Wizard of Oz,” until his father sends him to bed before the end of the film. Wanting to make some sort of grade, Judson flips on a flashlight to read “Alice in Wonderland” under his covers, only to nod off to sleep, drifting away to a very strange land. Here, characters from both tales come to life, and Judson and friends must untangle Dorothy (Madison Ward) and Alice (Kami Fillman) before the Wicked Witch (Sydney Parker) and Red Queen (Gina Flow) can get them.

Chase Coston (Mad Hatter), Hannah Caison (Scarecrow), and Eliza Fish (White Rabbit) will perform in ‘Dorothy Meets Alice.’ Courtesy photo

The musical for youth troupes was scribed by renowned playwright Joseph Robinette. His works include a collaboration with E.B. White to pen the authorized stage version of “Charlotte’s Web,” and in 2006 Robinette received the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America Medallion for his vast body of dramatic works for family audiences.

“The script is cleverly written,” director Debbie Skillman asserts. “Humor abounds with plays on words. The musical numbers move the action of the story forward and represent a variety of styles. Combining characters from two childhood literary classics is brilliant and immediately offers the audience familiarity and novelty. The audience already cares for and about the characters and can emotionally identify with the conflicts that arise.”

Skillman has been involved with Stagestruck Players, the children’s branch of Brunswick Little Theatre, since its inception in 2002. Her love for the performing arts began in junior high school, and Skillman went on to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. She was active in opera theatre during college, and upon graduation became a music teacher for kindergarten through fifth grades. “My bliss is working with youngsters in the theatre, and the process of bringing the show to the stage, because I am a teacher at heart,” she shares.

This production is supported in part with an NC Grassroots Grant administered through the Brunswick Arts Council. Established in 1977 by the NC General Assembly, the NC Arts Council ensures every citizen has access to quality arts experiences. Using a per-capita-based formula, funds are distributed to all 100 counties for just this purpose.

Since 2002, the Players have grown to incorporate children from across the county, not just in Southport. The assistant director and stage manager for “Dorothy Meets Alice,” Beth Strickland, was cast in the very first Stagestruck performance, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” A recent graduate of Appalachian State, Strickland will apply her experiences to the troupe before attending graduate school next year.

Sydney Parker (Wicked Witch of the West), Madison Ward (Dorothy), Sophie Zapf (Tin Man) and Kami Fillman (Alice) are part of the cast for ‘Dorothy Meets Alice.’ Courtesy photo

Bev Venker is the show’s choreographer, and she is a former theatre professor of Western Kentucky University. Many of her students are now working in television, national touring companies, and on Broadway. Lynette Nobles will offer her piano expertise, while Paul Bertelsen and Vic Guarino will cater to the set. Technical director Frank Blackmon will specialize in the sound design, and other adults will assist with the production. Judging from the elaborate costumes and numerous Broadway credentials alone, “Dorothy Meets Alice” is a show with high standards, and Skillman believes her kids will rise to the challenge.

“The cast members have worked hard to develop their characters, and the energy and dedication to this task is inspiring,” she expresses. “I daresay the audience will be so caught up in the characters that they will be unaware of the ages of the performers. These kids are serious about producing a great show and working as an ensemble.”

While procrastination might not be the best trait to learn from “Dorothy Meets Alice” (Skillman suggests the opposite, rather), the show will still offer a lengthy list of takeaways. Morals will range from “treat your siblings with respect” to “tell the truth,” and from “face your fears” to “be willing to help others though it may be easier to walk away.” All in all, the musical will prove to be a fun family affair. As such, the opening night will offer a discount in honor of Stagestruck Players’ 10th anniversary: Each adult ticket purchase will come with one free children’s ticket.

“Stagestruck was created as a performance group for youth, allowing them to develop acting skills by performing major roles,” Skillman declares. “I have tried to produce works that are based on great children’s literature. My greatest desire is to have good audiences for each performance by this outstanding cast.”