Modern Classic: Little Theatre presents outdoor production of 'Alice in Wonderland'

In reviving outdoor theater in the city, Wallace said he chose “Alice in Wonderland” because of its broad appeal to both children and adults.
“We wanted to do a family-oriented production. I think it’s a good choice to get started,” he said.
The play offers an overall theme of living a life of adventure, but the magic and mystery within the story also challenges the audience to open their minds and think about things in a unique way. “Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out he makes you rethink everything,” said Wallace. “That’s part of the appeal of Alice in Wonderland: If you’re a thinking person you can find hidden messages and in a subtle way it also teaches kids.”
The play, which runs about an hour and half is true to Lewis Carroll’s classic storyline, but Wallace said he modernized the caucus race scene, which is prominent in the book but not in the Disney version, to reflect current day politics and he added another brief scene to “put things in perspective.”
As head of the R.I. Shakespeare Company (formally known at the Classical Players) performing the bard’s plays outdoors at area vineyards, Wallace is all too familiar with the challenges of working outside.
“Our stage is the grass: We built background scenery and painted blocks and props. The idea is to keep it as simple as possible,” said Wallace.
“We can set it up and take it down in a very short time.”
There’s also the possibility of strong winds which means weighting down all the scenery props and what Wallace deemed the obvious challenges: people in the audience tend to talk more at outdoor productions, cars drive by with stereos blaring and rain. He said if there’s a slight drizzle the show will go on. But a rain date for any performance that may be cancelled is planned on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7 at noon.
Though there may be a few challenges, Wallace said he likes the intimacy of working up close with the audience in an outdoor setting.
“It’s a much more intimate – we’re there as part of their group. When you’re that close to people it’s much more playful,” he said.
Working in conjunction with the city’s nonprofit arts group Arts United, Little Theater obtained a grant though the state Cultural Council’s Adams Arts Program to stage the free production. Wallace said it also represents the work of numerous community volunteers, including all the actors. “It’s the right fit for the economic times,” said Wallace. “A lot of people would love to see a production, but they can’t afford it. A grant like this gives us the opportunity to do a production that everyone can see.”
The play features a large cast of about 23 adults and children from area communities with Wallace taking on the role of the White Rabbit and two teenagers, Alyson Duarte and Courtney Grubbs-Donovan staring as Alice.
“It’s a community event. I’m hoping people come out and have fun. A lot of people from the community volunteered to give them an enjoyable afternoon,” said Wallace.