“Alice By Heart”

With a book by Steven Slater and Jessie Nelson and music by Duncan Sheik with lyrics by Slater, this is a story with several twists. First of all, for those who have yet to visit a Kokandy Production in their home at Chopin Theatre’s Studio located at 1543 West Division Street ( between Ashland and Milwaukee Avenues on Division), this is a very intimate space. The last productions have been done on what one might call a “runway stage” that is in the center of the space with chairs on both sides. The action moves from side to side with actors coming very close to audience members.

Directed by Derek Van Barham and Brittney Brown with Barham doing the choreography, they use the stage quite well, never getting in the way of the audience and also making sight lines as perfect as can be. The music is directed by Heidi Joosten (who also plays the keyboards) and with the band: Craig Buckner (drums), Sophie Creutz (reeds), Rachel Schuldt (cello) and Samuel Stein ( guitar) they never overpower the talented singers on stage.

This version of Alice’s story is quite different. We are in the rubble of the London Blitz during World War II. Because of the bombing, Alice (Caitlyn Cerza is amazing) and her friend Alfred (deftly handled by Joe Giovannetti, who also takes on the character of The White Rabbit) are in the underground “tube station” ( we know this as subway station, in our lingo). Alfred is placed under quarantine, and so, Alice figures that it will take his mind off the problem to open her journal ( her Alice In Wonderland” book) and go down the rabbit hole to visit “Wonderland”. This is when the magic begins!

The creativity of the story and the music is powerful, showing us that no matter what we think we know, there is always something new to learn. The ensemble that they have assembled to tell this amazing story is filled with very talented people: Ezra Borrero ( is a wonderful Doormouse, among others), Elliot Esquvel is a dynamic caterpillar, Niki-Charisse Franco plays several roles but is a wonderful Queen of Hearts, and Darian Goulding plays her king in addition to The Jabberwocky and Doctor. You can’t do anything Alice without The Mad Hatter (Will Lidke is hysterical),and  Patrick O’Keefe is another multi role performer who will have you in stitches as The Duchess as well as his Dodgy. The Cheshire Cat is another important character and Mizha Lee Overn brings her to life with ease. Other ensemble members that move this story along are Alex Stetkevich as The Mock Turtle and Clasrissa along with Peter Stiestra ( young Alfred) and Emily Ling Mei as young Alice.

On the tech side, the costumes were quite clever (Rachel Sypniewski), although I think if they had young Alice and Young Alfred dressed in the same outfits , people would have caught on quicker. Matt Reich’s sound was perfect as was the lighting by G “Max” Maxin IV ( who also did the set design). If you are one that has always loved “Alice” in any form, you should mark your calendar to make sure that this one is on your schedule. Thank you Kokandy Productions for another reason to love theater!