Tumbling down the rabbit hole

When I was younger, one of my favourite books, and later films, was Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland (or, to give it its full title: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).

Oh, how many hours I would spend in my parent’s garden hoping against hope that I would meet a white rabbit carrying a watch!

“I’m sure that had it happened, I would have had no hesitation in following him to Alice’s magical land to meet characters such as the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts.

For its first production this year, Maleth is presenting Alice the Musical by Mike Smith and Vernon Mound.

Artistic director Ray Mamo tells me that the idea started off with a discussion with Maleth producer Frank Tanti last year: “I was immediately intrigued with the idea as Alice in Wonderland has always been one of my favourite stories. It is a fairy tale with a difference because it strikes the attention of an adult audience in the way language is used – rather confusing at times yet makes it rather attractive.

Alice is the child who dreams. So children feel they can walk with her and explore the realms of fantasy which is the children’s world.

A child is alive when he/she is dreaming, playing make-believe. Alice encourages the child within her to explore the story itself and creates a fantastic imagery. Watching this musical will take the audience to places where they can still dream and find the child within and smile.”

According to Mr Mamo the production is full of catchy tunes and wonderful music played by a full orchestra directed by Maestro David Sammut who, he says, has a fine feeling for detail.

“We have been blessed with not only a good orchestra but also with a lively cast who have worked hard to bring the tale to life,” he says.

The choreographer is Janice Spiteri de Giovanni, while Abigail Brown is the vocal coach.

The cast is made up of Larissa Bonaci who plays Alice, Neville Refalo who is the White Rabbit, Narcy Calamatta as the Caterpillar, Kris Spiteri as Rev. Dodgson and Renato Dimech as the Mad Hatter, as well as Jane Pillow, Tiziana Calleja, Kate de Cesare, Marvic Cordina, Eire Stewart, Christine Briffa and Sean Briffa.

Ms Bonaci says that she is really excited to get on stage to continue her exploration of this wonderful character.

The rehearsals for Alice, the Musical coincided with Ms Bonaci’s University exams, which made coping with learning her lines and studying for her exams at the same time a little difficult.

Added to this, was the “pressure” at having to portray a timeless character such as Alice, who has captured the hearts of the young and old. However, she says, she has had a great time playing this “witty and outspoken” character. The best part of this production for her was working with the cast who are making the story come alive.

The show is intended to a great extent for the family but it is entertaining for young and old alike.

• Alice the Musical is being staged at the Manoel Theatre on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.