Through the looking glass and into the spotlight

Palmer High Theatre is tumbling down the rabbit hole with a magical revival of Alice in Wonderland, bringing color, laughter, and imagination back to the cozy stage for the first time in years.

Shows run April 11, 17, and 24 at 5 p.m., with a double performance on April 25 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and the students hope to fill every seat. Admission is free, but donations at the door are welcome to support the rebirth of Palmer High’s theatre program.

“Mr. (Zachary) Hardy and the students have been working since first semester, cleaning, painting, and sprucing up the theatre,” said Anna Folsom, Palmer High’s art teacher and co-producer. “We wanted something fun and whimsical, with colorful costumes and spring vibes.”

Palmer High is reclaiming its theatrical legacy, one costume, one laugh, one painted backdrop at a time.

“We have a great opportunity to create experiences for kids, and also for the community. I want people to come see [Alice in Wonderland] so they can see the awesome kids we have here.” said director Zachary Hardy.

There are only two seniors in the cast, the future of the program rests largely in the hands of the freshman; a prospect Hardy finds energizing as he watches the new theater program take shape.

Zora Whipple-Zizka, a ninth-grader, takes on a uniquely layered role as Alice and “Second Alice.” In this interpretation, Alice exists in the “real” world while the other Alice moves through a dreamscape until their paths cross and they switch places.

Rehearsals have come with their share of memorable moments. Zora laughs recalling one in particular: “The first time we did the Jabberwocky scene, Mr. Hardy had this mask on and he couldn’t see where he was going, and he fell down the stairs like three times. He is fine, but it was very funny... “

For Zora, acting is all about authenticity; “Just express yourself when you are around people you are comfortable with,” she says. “When you're at home with family or friends, just be as wild as you want to.”

For Linnaea Trimble, another ninth-grader, unexpected moments are part of what makes live theatre so alive. “Every time you come to the play it is going to be a little different,” she says. “Something a little unexpected happens, and all the actors are going to have to roll with it.” That unpredictability has taught her an important lesson: “It teaches you not to be so rigid in your thinking... things do happen in life and you have to be flexible and keep going even after mistakes happen.”

Becca Davis, a ninth-grader playing the Queen of Hearts said, “I learned that we really need to be able to work together,” she says, reflecting on the demands of a show this size. Along the way, she’s discovered something even more meaningful, “It is nice making friends in places you wouldn’t normally make friends.”

“I really love fashion, I draw a lot of dresses,” Davis shares. Becca’s creativity extended to the caterpillar’s costume: “I loved making the tail... we had to attach so many little hands.” A small touch that adds to the play’s charm.

Camille Rice, another ninth-grader, steps into the offbeat role of the caterpillar, bringing the character to life with a sense of playful absurdity. Describing the experience, she says, “It’s a fever dream... You are going to walk in and be like this is really awesome, and walk out and be like what did I just watch? I don’t remember; but it was hilarious.”

At the heart of it for Rice is the joy of making others laugh. “Being someone who makes people laugh... makes me happy,” Rice says. And with a grin, she adds, “Definitely come to the play, it’s going to be amazing...I want to be remembered as the caterpillar who sat on a mushroom and smoked a bubble pipe.”

“ [Alice in Wonderland] is intended to make you feel like you’re trying to explain a dream after you’ve woken up,” Hardy explains. “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense... The show is a bunch of little stories pieced together to make Alice’s journey. It’s fun, sad, scary, whimsical—it’s everything all at once.”

Through it all, Folsom has been the common connecting thread throughout the production.

Hardy gushes, “Anna Folsom is the most talented person ever, so sweet, and the best person I’ve ever worked with. I would never have been able to do this without her...I want a dragon, and she makes it.”

“We have a super large group of excited underclassmen,” Folsom says, “so we’re really looking forward to growing this program.”

Together Hardy and Folsom rekindled a spark that will hopefully light Palmer High’s stage for years to come. It is their hope that you make the time to come to the play.

“I think it’s really important to support the arts, especially in this community,” said Linnaea Trimble, one of the two Alices in the play.