Down the Rabbit Hole

Matthew Bowersox as the Cheshire Cat and Shea Sailors as Alice.

By Bobbie Helland

The Theater Department at Ramona High School will present "Alice in Wonderland" March 23, 24, 30 and 31.

Featuring Shea Sailors as "Alice," Matthew Bowersox as the "Cheshire Cat," Tricia Bowen as the "Queen of Hearts" and Chase Smit as the "Hatter," all of the classic storybook characters come to life in this light and lively adaptation of Lewis Carroll's timeless masterpiece.

Students from the Art Department at Ramona High are creating the set, showcasing the art of John Tenniel, the book's original illustrator, along with their own whimsical designs.

The story began in 1862 when 7-year-old Alice Liddell asked the Rev. Charles L. Dodgson to "tell a story...with a lot of nonsense," while Dodgson and a friend were rowing young Alice and her sisters on the river.

Improvising on the spot, Dodgson created a magical story that revolved around a little girl named Alice, with fanciful creatures who challenged the Victorian mores and manners of the time.

Chase Smit as the Hatter rehearses for Ramona High's upcoming performance of 'Alice in Wonderland.'

In response to Alice's request that he write the story down, Dodgson embellished his characters and added others, sending the manuscript to be published in 1865 under his pen name Lewis Carroll.

"Alice in Wonderland" was an instant sensation, and generations of children since have followed Alice down the Rabbit Hole where she continuously tries to impose her "above-ground" rules and order on the chaotic inhabitants of Wonderland, with no success. Time will not behave, words mean whatever the characters want them to mean, grins appear without cats, and playing cards send other playing cards off to be beheaded.

The Ramona High production also features Jackie Ninnich as "Humpty Dumpty," Sarah Feigh as the "White Rabbit," Kate Cordova as the "March Hare" and Lindsey Speer as the "Dormouse."

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Wing at Ramona High School. Ticket sales are under way. For tickets and information, call Connie Claxton at 760-787-4015.

The cast and crew of 'Alice in Wonderland.' Photos by Bobbie Helland