I can’t say enough good things about Alice in Wonderland, the latest musical showing through May 18th at The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. So I’ll just start with three: Boisterous! Engaging! Just plain fun!
I’m no theatre critic, I’m just a mother of two preschoolers, but I know when a show scores a home run with the family. Even my grumpy “I-don’t-want-to-spend-my-Saturday-going-to-the-theatre” husband found several reasons not only to smile but literally laugh out loud.
Marc Robin’s musical adaptation of the Lewis Carroll book follows a young girl with an incredible imagination to an off-kilter world where fantasy and wordplay are the order of the day. Alice meets up with a chatty caterpillar, a punctual rabbit, and a short-tempered Queen in this imaginative musical adaptation of the beloved story. Every step in this enchanting new world becomes more and more curious. From the antics of Tweedledee and Tweedledum to the oddest tea party you’ve seen with the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse, your family will be whisked away on an unexpected adventure!
Consider all the worries you may have harbored about taking young children to the theatre erased. The Marriott Theatre knows how to entertain the little ones and keep them glued to their seats (unless, of course, your child is one of the lucky few to be invited on stage.) Alice in Wonderland is brisk and enthralling, moving from one lively scene to another. The costumes alone are enough to mesmerize, but the goofy antics and rambunctious songs make for an uproariously good time. I dare you not to clap along.
Speaking of songs, the Cheshire Cat solo performed by Holly Stauder gets my official stamp of approval for the best vocal performance. You expect a set of pipes like that on Broadway, but we are lucky enough to hear them in Lincolnshire. Stauder also takes a turn as Tweedle Dum, and you’ll find many actors in the production playing dual roles. In the end, see if your child can guess who is who. If not, they can always ask the actors themselves as every Marriott children’s production ends with a fun Q&A.
Children’s productions at The Marriott Theatre are known for inviting audience participation, but I found these characters upped it a notch. The Mad Hatter, absurdly played by Scott Calcagno, particularly engaged with the kids making him seem all the more insane. Based on the laughter, he stood out as a clear crowd favorite.
Performances run through May 18th, and you’ll never have a bad seat at this theater-in-the-round. Wherever you park yourself, you will be guaranteed a great view and may even find a cast member or two scuttlings between your seats, searching for a white rabbit or fleeing from a homicidal Queen of Hearts.
Parents with especially sensitive children should know that there are no scary scenes, although violence is implied. The Queen of Hearts is deliciously bratty thanks to Johanna McKenzie Miller, but her ear-piercing shrieks of “Off with his head!” might have the potential to frighten the more tender-hearted. There’s lots of ax-wielding in one scene, but it proves to be very slapstick. My four and 2-year old thought it was all hilarious! The 4-year old told me it was his favorite part; then again, he has a particular fondness for axes…
ALICE IN WONDERLAND runs most Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. There are no performances March 31-April 10. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for the exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $15 per person. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(847) 634-0200
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By Loralie
Hainesville
When Loralie isn’t out exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers you’ll often find her in front of her computer plotting to take over the world (or at least Lake County.) She appreciates good friends, good food, expensive shoes and parents who make two lanes in the drop-off/pick-up line at school. Her spirit animal is The Hobbit. She invites you to join her on her quest for unique distractions, diversions and deliciousness in this county we call home.
Disclosure: The writer received tickets to the press opening of the show to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received, and all thoughts and opinions are their own.
I see that your two year old enjoyed it. Would a 16 or 17 month old? He is my first child and I just have no idea what is appropriate for him when it comes to theater, if anything. Thanks.
The short easy answer is “Sure! Why Not?” I personally wouldn’t hesitate; however, it really depends on your child. How does he do in the dark? Or in large crowds? How does he respond to loud noises? Does he do well in restaurants or other public places? Most shows are at 10 am and run for an hour – will that coincide with nap time? Can he sit through a full DVD at home? After asking yourself these questions and deciding he can handle it then keep yourself flexible. If you see that he is uneasy or experiencing anxiety then for his sake (and of your fellow theatre-goers) be prepared to take him out of the theatre. I recommend getting aisle seats! The ushers are accustomed to children and will help you exit quickly if need be. Of course, this also depends on your willingness to eat the cost of tickets if your child isn’t able to settle down and enjoy the show. Good luck and thanks for reading and commenting! ~ Loralie