Columbia to present ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’
MADISON – After months of rehearsals, the Drama Club at Columbia Elementary School will present Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” on Feb. 2-3 in Zompa Auditorium at Bob Jones High School.
“Travel down the rabbit hole with Columbia elementary and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures,” Columbia Drama Producer Karyn Murphree said. The show features updated songs from the Disney movie.
During her journey, Alice chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, interacts with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with bubble-blowing Caterpillar and challenges the Queen of Hearts, Murphree said.
From Columbia’s seven grades, 90 students are in the production. The cast has 47 students, while the chorus has 43 members. The entire cast auditioned for roles last August.
Almost 100 children tried out. Any student who committed to weekly rehearsals was welcome to join the chorus. Cast members have a more stringent rehearsal schedule.
Parent volunteers manage Columbia Drama Club, with support from Principal Jamie Hill and staff. This year, kindergarten teacher Heather Tucker is sponsor. Hannah Taylor and Misty Merschat are co-directing.
Karyn Murphree is producer. Sonja Eames is acting as music director. Set director Stephanie Thompson has worked with James Clemens Theatre Department to construct set pieces.
All these volunteers have children involved in the current and past plays. Many other parents make costumes, paint props and transport children to/from rehearsals.
“We’re thankful for support our local high school drama departments lend and grateful for our administration’s unwavering support,” Taylor said. Show proceeds will defray production expenses for next year. “As soon as this show ends, parents will scramble to start work on next year’s production.”
To promote “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” Columbia Drama Club marched in Madison Christmas Parade. Drama boosters sold Chick-fil-A calendars. Cast members previewed the show to Madison Board of Education.
In its seventh production, Columbia Drama Club has performed five shows at a high school venue: “Willy Wonka Jr.” and “Peter Pan Jr.,” James Clemens, 2014-2015; “Wizard of Oz, Bob Jones, 2016; and “Mulan Jr.,” James Clemens, 2017.
Show times for ‘Alice’ are Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. To buy tickets online, visit showtix4u.com and search for “CES Drama.” Tickets, if available, will be sold at the event.
