Theater Review: 'Alice by Heart' by Wilbur Cross Lights Up Drama Club

Review by Naugatuck Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Lights Up Drama Club at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven has produced an awe-inspiring production of “Alice By Heart,” a musical. The show is the group’s first collaboration with New Haven Musical Theatre Alliance, with sponsorship from the generous Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation. The students were directed by Heather Bazinet and Salvatore DeLucia.

This unique show has a dreamlike book written by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson. It soon becomes apparent that the music was written by the team that gave us “Spring Awakening,” with Duncan Sheik composing the music and Sater writing the lyrics.

Written in 2012, “Alice By Heart’ is a spell binding adaptation of Lewis Carroll's “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.” The show is set in the underground shelters of London during the Blitz of World War II. The teenaged Alice Spencer clings to a well-worn copy of Carroll’s work, using its pages to escape the terrifying devastation of war that rages above the heads of the citizens.

Co-director DeLucia writes that at its core, this is a story of resilience –”of daring to dream, even in the darkest of times.” Alice’s story blurs reality and fantasy, as she is “forced to confront change, grief, and the inevitability of growing up in a world where everything familiar has crumbled. Ultimately, her journey is one of loss, love, and transformation–a poignant reminder of the power of imagination and the courage it takes to step into the unknown.”

The production team has discussed the possibility of including students from the greater New Haven community for years, and three students from other programs are part of this cast. Co-director Bazinet notes that they understood the risk of launching “not only a lesser-known show, but one that is quirky and very different” from their previous productions. She is now convinced that “this was the right show at the right time with the right students,” adding that the arts have the power to teach, heal and open minds and hearts.

“We invite you to remember…”

The script is full of the nonsense of Wonderland, and is coordinated well with the angst of the wartime characters. It is fun to see which of the residents of the shelter will transform into the iconic characters “Down the Hole” in Wonderland. It isn’t necessary to catch every detail to appreciate the imagination in this story.

Wilbur Cross senior Zara Baden Eversman tackles the character of Alice Spencer and Alice in Wonderland and does outstanding work with both. Jack Vann gives a strong performance in the role of Alfred Hallam, as well as the important White Rabbit and the March Hare in Wonderland. Vann is a junior at Lyman Hall High School/ACES Education Center for the Arts and is a talented young performer.

Senior Erin Palmer slays the role of the Red Cross Nurse in the shelter and the Queen of Hearts (“Isn’t It A Trial?”) in a great costume. Freshman Iris Baden Eversman plays Harold Pudding, as well as the Mad Hatter and the Mock Mock Turtle. Senior Javieliz Matos does well as Clarissa, the Queen of Diamonds, and Mock Mock Mock Turtle. Journey Rosa, a student at Sound School, plays Nigel, the Dormouse, and Knave of Clubs and a Turtle.

Nitzamir Negron, a sophomore, shines as Tabitha and the striped, pink Cheshire Cat (“Some Things Fall Away.”) Wilbur Cross junior Salem Jones, who has performed with Elm Shakespeare Teen Troupe, makes her mark as Dodgy and the Duchess (“Manage Your Flamingo.”) Junior Aniya DeBerry, a Halo Award winner, plays Argus, half of the Caterpillar and the Knave of Hearts, and sophomore Gia Dupuis plays Margaret and Caterpillar 2. Junior Daniel Cardenas plays Dr. Butridge, as well as the King of Hearts and the Jabberwocky. The featured dancer and dance captain is Samantha Bello Avila, a junior at James HillHouse High School.

In the well-used ensemble are Mykeal Jobity, Talia Bostic, Anne Martinez-Aguilar, Vanessa Lopez, Destiny Page-Macklin, Andrea Ramirez, Giselle Pernia.

The wonderful scenic design that moves between a fallout shelter and parts of Wonderland is by senior Soraima Roman, who works as head stage manager. Kudos to the sound design of sophomore Sabdiel Vazquez, with scary air raid sirens, and the lighting design of senior Benjamin Greensphun, with effective red lights. Also impressive is the artistic design and promotion art done by senior Cecilia Castelan, who is also a student at ACES ECA.

Jennifer Sciglibaglio serves as musical director/vocal coach/conductor. She is a voice teacher, musical director and theater director for students of all ages, who works as the drama teacher and librarian at St. Thomas Day School in New Haven. The musicians in the orchestra bring to life the beautiful and quirky score that moves the story along.

The students fully embrace the choreography by Jennifer Kaye, some of which is performed while seated. Kaye is currently a Literacy Coach in the New Haven Public Schools and has worked as a choreographer at the Downtown Cabaret. Bazinet, a Speech and Language Pathologist at both Wilbur Cross and Lincoln Bassett who performs in many community theater productions, is in her eighth year as co-director of the Lights Up Drama Club spring musical. DeLucia is also in his eighth year as director/lead teacher for Wilbur Cross Dramatic Arts Program.

Thank you to Wilbur Cross principal Matt Brown for his support of the drama department and for welcoming the audience on opening night. Performances continue through March 8 at the very easy to find Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven.