A magical, creatively invigorating trip ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’
How long have we been saying we’re living in crazy times? (Too long.)
Well, a visit to somewhere even crazier might be just what we need to put things in perspective. Lewis Carroll’s topsy-turvy Wonderland, where “we’re all mad here,” fits the bill perfectly — especially as envisioned by Creative City Project in its magical “Down the Rabbit Hole,” a whimsical and sometimes bonkers romp through Carroll’s novel.
Bonkers, by the way, is a compliment. Alice’s journey is all about how off-kilter she felt, and that’s the spirit captured in Creative City Project’s entertaining production, staged as a walking tour in Winter Park’s Mead Botanical Garden.
So when the Queen of Hearts (an imposing Jen Whitmire), her King (limber Adonus Mabry) and a couple of humanized playing cards break into a techno dance-fashion parade, well, that’s not from the book — but true to the tale’s zany spirit. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun to watch.
My grin throughout a media preview was as wide as that of the Cheshire Cat — who, by the way, performs aerial artistry.
That’s a fine example of the creativity employed by director Donald Spencer and his team in their adaptation. The tree branches in which the novel’s Alice encounters the funny feline become an aerial lyra.
And while the book’s cat appeared and disappeared, leaving only his smile behind, performer Taylor Sexton’s dizzying rotations had a similar effect, her costume’s painted-on grin shining in the darkness as her body spun into a blur.
The costumes provide their own visual thrill. As designed by Spencer with Steve Weinmann, they dazzle with towering wigs, gaudy hats, vibrant colors and rich fabrics.
The adventure starts with a rabbit hole simulation, an effect that pales in comparison with the delights to follow. Key moments in the story are then presented in a series of tableaux that are lighted so beautifully — vibrant oranges, pinks, blues and reds — the glowing garden backdrops become a show in and of themselves.
There’s a touch of drag show in the proceedings — with lip-syncing that works better in some spots than others. But overall, Spencer has delightfully gone for a Vaudevillian sensibility: A singing flower (brightly funny Kristen Sheola) is a musical comedian spouting (or is that sprouting?) punny one-liners. The battling Tweedles (Cockney-esque Joel Swanson and Kellie Schreiber) are an old-timey double act as they comically recount “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”
There’s a star turn by the Mad Hatter (daffy Nick Nelson) who’s supported by enthusiastic sidekick Alan Pagán as the March Hare (complete with Dormouse puppet, whom they affectionately call “Dormy.”)
Caitlin Young played Alice at my performance, and, if a bit too soft-spoken, had the mix of curiosity and impetuousness with just a touch of entitled brattiness that Alice should have. Note that because of physical distancing, those in the back of a traveling group probably won’t hear Alice’s offhand comments while moving between scenes, but they are not essential to the show.
One modern piece of business slightly interrupts the vibe — stops for selfie photo opportunities — but only a fuddy-duddy like me is going to object to that. And they do let the performers’ share more comic ad-libs.
After a year where travel for pleasure was not in the cards, this visit to Wonderland is all the sweeter — and sillier.