UWF Theatre presents “Alice in Wonderland”

The University of West Florida Department of Theatre will present “Alice in Wonderland,” adapted by Anne Coulter Martens, based on the book by Lewis Carroll and produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. The production will open Friday, Oct. 2, and will close Sunday, Oct. 11. For specific dates and times, please visit uwf.edu/cfpa. All performances will take place in the Mainstage Theatre of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, on the Pensacola campus.

The play will follow the classic tale of Alice and her adventures in a strange new world. After tumbling down the rabbit hole, Alice will meet all the characters fans of the story have come to adore, including the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, and Cheshire Cat. Seeking help from Wonderland’s residents will prove challenging, but Alice is determined to find her way home.

Events are planned especially for children. A 10 a.m. matinee will be added on Saturday, Oct. 10, to accommodate young audiences. Please note that there will be no 7:30 p.m. performance on Oct. 10. Audiences will be invited to come in costume as their favorite character and stay after the performance on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 to meet and take pictures with characters onstage.

Bringing this production to life will be director Marci Duncan, head of the BFA acting program. She says, “Our Alice in Wonderland is bold, vibrant and full of surprises, but at its heart is a young person trying to find her voice in a world that keeps telling her who to be. We’re inviting audiences to lean into the unexpected, let their imaginations lead, and rediscover the joy of wondering, ‘What if?’”

UWF Professor of Lighting and Scenic Design Connie Smith will design the set and lights, with Sarah Liffick as Technical Director. Student costume designer junior Aubrey Leger will design the costumes. “Diving into the world of Alice in Wonderland was such a joy,” says Leger. “I have loved incorporating fun whimsical styles with a glimpse of reality, and I can’t wait for everyone to see my costume designs.” Student sound designer senior Sean Travis will also compose original music for the production.

General admission ticket prices will be $22 per person for adults, $18 per person for senior citizens and active military, $16 per person for non-UWF students and UWF faculty and staff, and $9 for children and high school students. UWF students will be admitted free with their ArgoCard. You can buy tickets at the CFPA Box Office (Building 82) by calling 850.857.6285 or online at uwf.edu/cfpa.