Some of the cast members of Rochester High School Tri-Epsilon’s play “Alice@Wonderland” are shown. The production is a modern retelling of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

Text and Photos
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Rochester High School Tri-Epsilon invites the public to experience a modern take on “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

Students are presenting “Alice@Wonderland” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23, in the RHS Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for those age 4 and younger and may be purchased at the door or ahead of time at the school.

One of the play’s directors, Megan Allen, said the adaption by Jonathan Yukich of Lewis Carroll’s classic story was picked due to its “licensing company (allowing) us a bit more artistic freedom.”

“We have a script to follow, but we decide our blocking and what we would like the set to look like,” she said. “Some companies have very detailed plans of how the show should be run.

“We also liked the modern twist with references to technology … It adds a bit more humor,” she added.

Brenda McClain is helping direct the cast of 28, with eight serving on the crew and six on the tech crew.

Among them is Molly Leslie, who’s playing Alice.

She’s been in several previous plays, including fall 2023’s “The Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery.”

“It’s amazing,” Leslie said of having the starring role. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but I’m so excited that I get to do it and glad that the directors are willing to give me this chance.

“The show’s going to be awesome,” she added.

Allen said she hoped students gained “lifelong skills” from being involved with the play.

“Students learn to manage their time, be part of a team and problem solve, all while building bonds and memories with their peers,” she said. “Ultimately, we would like for our students to be proud and to have a sense of accomplishment.”

Allen said she wants people to enjoy “the entire show.”

“However, hopefully ‘Alice@Wonderland’ provides nostalgia for some and fun and laughter for all,” she said.

‘Alice@Wonderland’ Cast List

Alice — Molly Leslie

White Rabbit — Sophie Beehler

Queen of Hearts — Alex Lockhart

Caterpillar — Frankie Wakeland

Frog-Newsie — Brooklyn Baine

Fish-Newsie — Jaylynn Zartman

Cheshire Cat 1 — Seanna Gudas

Cheshire Cat 2 — Karsyn Baker

Mad Hatter — Daniel Yocum

March Hare — Alex Porterfield

Dormouse — Cherokee Wallace

Tweedledum — Rylee Wallace

Tweedledee — Audrey Gard

Humpty Dumpty — Alayna Jones

King of Hearts — Kollin Williams

Door No. 1 — Charlotte Perry

Door No. 2 — Angel Hayes

Door No. 3 — Brody Simons

Tiny Door — Jesse Smith

Chorus Member No. 1 — Cerenity Meisner

Chorus Member No. 2 — Jesse Smith

Chorus Member No. 3 — Myrandace Metz

Chorus Member No. 4 — Aracely Aguilar

Lily — Aracely Aguilar

Rose — Abbygail Lowry

Daisy — Riley Vessels

Violet — Charlotte Perry

Queen’s Guard — David Smith

Queen’s Guard — Brody Simons

Queen’s Guard — Karlee Guzzo

Queen’s Guard — Jasmyn Zartman

Queen’s Guard — Korrina Slocum

Queen’s Guard — Angel Hayes

Queen’s Guard — Jesse Smith

Queen’s Guard — Myrandace Metz

‘Alice@Wonderland’ Crew List

Evelyn Bitterling, Joel Criollo, Grace Fowler, Bradley McCray, Kimberly Soucy, Carsin Tribbey, Jasmyn Zartman and Jalynn Zartman.

‘Alice@Wonderland’ Tech Crew List

Tech Director and Audience Manager Lisa McMillen and students Kadence Bradley, Bruce Clark, Adison Hayes, Sienna King and Chloe Wheadon.