Kirk Players to perform 'Alice in Wonderland'

Kirk Players presents "Alice in Wonderland" in four performances in April at the Mundelein High School Theatre.

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at the school, 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein.

"One of the really fun treats about working with Lewis Carroll's masterpiece, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' is how the story opens itself up to so many different approaches. All you need to do is look at the 1951 Walt Disney show, then turn to the Tim Burton 2010 film to appreciate the opportunities for unique interpretations," said Jon Matousek, director for Kirk Players' spring children's show.

"We're pretty sure our audience will enjoy our interpretation and have as much fun with it as we've had putting it all together."

The play, written by Anne Coulter Martens, is about the curious Alice, played by Kotryna Jukneviciute, who follows the White Rabbit, played by Sarah Joy Pechtl, and winds up in wacky and wild Wonderland full of all the popular characters.

The nonsensical dialogue and antics abound with the likes of: Cheshire Cat, played by Rebecca Van Sickel; Caterpillar, played by Patrick Blake; Humpty Dumpty, played by Jennie Tomlin; the Mad Hatter, played by Terry O'Brien; March Hare, played by Marilee CC Wald; the Queen of Hearts, played by Sara Gunther; Tweedle Dee, played by Max Basso; and Tweedle Dum, played by Zach Scott.

"We have been fortunate to attract students from a very broad community. Our cast of 35 is made up of adults, as well as students representing 18 different schools," Matousek said. "They're so bright, and come each night with terrific energy. It's truly a pleasure to work with them."

Joining Matousek as assistant director is Gretchen Grassl, Meghan Lane as stage manager, Lisa Soare as assistant stage manager and Gary Gunther as technical/special effects director.

Brenda Sparks is set designer, Fred Vipond is costume master, Anna Lieberman is props mistress, Sara Gunther is lighting designer, Marilee CC Wald is makeup director and Janet Walker is sound design.

"It's a good thing we have such a talented cast and crew. We have imagined ourselves into an extraordinary Wonderland full of surprises, song and dance, and, high-spirited comedy. This is an interpretation that will appeal to our youngest and oldest patrons, alike," Matousek said.

For information and tickets, visit www.kirkplayers.org or call (847) 521-6192.