The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Academy of the Arts will present “Alice in Wonderland JR” at 7 p.m. May 20 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 21 in the Breedlove Auditorium on UAFS campus as part of the Academy’s On Stage Series.

 

This Academy Playerz production follows the wild adventures of the young heroine as she tries to find her way back home after falling through a rabbit hole to a world filled with a cast of odd characters. The show features classic songs such as "I'm Late," "The Un-Birthday Song" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!"

 

The musical was adapted to stage by David Simpatico, with additional lyrics and music provided by Bryan Louiselle.

 

Director Shannon Stoddard lauded the show and the work of her students.

 

“‘Alice in Wonderland’ is one of my absolute favorite shows,” Stoddard said. “It gives us so many opportunities for our talented students to be featured on stage, not to mention you can’t help but fall in love with the music. There’s never a dull moment in Wonderland.”

 

Dr. Rosilee Russell, Academy executive director, said attendees will enjoy the concert.

 

“I’m so excited for the Academy children to perform ‘Alice in Wonderland,’” Russell said. “This cast is so professional, and our audiences are going to be amazed.”

 

The cast includes:

 

Barling: Brianna Martin.

 

Fort Smith: Maggie Allen, Georgia Beasley, Lydia Bickerton, Lilly Bottoms, Sydney Brockett, Mylee Brown, Emma Conley, Aden Grady, Brayden Graham, Ethne Hester, Thess Holloway, Sharon Howard, Levi Keyton, Kenzie Kilgore, Carsyn Lincks, William Newman, Izabelle Simonian, Leo Simonian, Pierre Simonian, Carter Tecmire, Turner Tecmire, Caroline Turner, Riley Waganer, Jasmine Washington and Mason Williams.

 

Greenwood: Brenden Chick, Ryder Mack and Reece McDaniel.

 

Van Buren: Madeline Partain.

 

Roland, Okla.: Maddox Osburn.

 

Faculty assisting the production are Stoddard; Sheila Mann, musical director; and Adrein Parmenter, choreographer.

 

The performance is part of the Academy’s On Stage Series, a yearlong variety of choral, orchestral and theatrical productions performed by Academy students and professional artists. Summer registration is now open, with opportunities to participate in summer theatre camps and more.

 

The Academy of the Arts serves more than 700 students in the greater Fort Smith region and offers preschool, youth symphony, art, choral and theatre programs and private lessons on subjects including music, theatre, dance, conducting, composition, music theory and music history.

 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under, and tickets purchased in bulk of 20 or more are available at special pricing. For tickets, contact the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300. For more information on the Academy, contact Russell at 479-788-7546 or rosilee.walker@uafs.edu.