Treasured classic opens this weekend

Simma Lefcourt, playing Alice, and Jill Dieser, playing the Mad Hatter, in Whitefish Theatre Co.’s production of “Alice In Wonderland.” (Photo courtesy WTC)

Simma Lefcourt plays Alice in Whitefish Theatre Co.’s production of "Alice In Wonderland." ( Photo courtesy of WTC)

| April 9, 2019 10:17 AM

Simma Lefcourt plays Alice in Whitefish Theatre Co.s production of "Alice In Wonderland." ( Photo courtesy of WTC)

Based on the timeless classic by Lewis Carroll, the story of “Alice In Wonderland” follows one of literature’s most treasured heroines as she travels down the rabbit hole in her madcap adventure.

The Whitefish Theatre Company will take audiences on this adventure as it presents the family-friendly production. The play opens with a sneak preview night on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Performances continue on April 12-13 and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is on April 14 at 4 p.m.

In a place where everyone and everything keep getting “curiouser and curiouser,” Alice meets a mad March Hare, sees a cat disappear, and even takes advice from a caterpillar. Will Alice ever be able to solve the Mad Hatter’s riddles or will it be ‘Off with her head!’ at the Queen of Hearts’ command? With a fantastic set and over-the-top costumes that are sure to enchant audiences of all ages, this enduring tale celebrates the pluck and intelligence of a young girl, as well as the powerful wonder of stories and the imagination.

“Isn’t it wonderful that this cherished book, penned over 150 years ago, remains a favorite today?” says Director Rebecca Spear. “When I think of how this story has been lovingly shared from generation to generation, I can’t help but stand in admiration of its continuing gifts of inspiration and joy to countless fans.”

“It’s magical to watch on stage how this classic story celebrates ingenuity, play, dreams and the delight of childhood,” she adds.

The cast of “Alice In Wonderland” is comprised of 32 talented adult and young actors from all over the Flathead Valley, including Simma Lefcourt who plays Alice, Scarlett Schindler who plays the Cheshire Cat, Badge Busse who plays the White Rabbit, Jill Dieser who plays the Mad Hatter and Rachel Hunnicutt who plays the Queen of Hearts.

“Having a cast of both adults and children is a special kind of collaboration — a true community,” Spear says. “I feel so lucky to be a part of it all. Many thanks to all who have brought Lewis Carroll’s world to life at WTC.”

Tickets for the sneak preview on April 11 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door with general seating. Tickets for other performances are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 862-5371. Box Office Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by Sue and Hank Ricklefs and NxGEN. American Bank is sponsoring the education outreach for this show.