Cappies Review Oakcrest School's 'Through the Looking Glass'

From the Cappies: Checkmate! The cast of Oakcrest School's most recent production won a Wonderland-style game of chess (and the hearts of the audience) with their performance of "Through the Looking Glass." "Through the Looking Glass" is a musical based on Lewis Carroll's novel of the same name.

It is considered a sequel to the famous Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Written by Chris Blackwood, this show is centered on Alice and her adventure through Wonderland accompanied by the mysterious White Knight. Although her ultimate goal is to traverse the chessboard and find her way home, Alice ultimately learns that she is no longer small, but a powerful young woman that can do anything she sets her mind to.

Along the way, she meets a wild assortment of characters, including Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Humpty Dumpty, and even a goat, while putting an end to the Red Queen's reign of terror.Alice (Kiley Hatch) captured youthful exuberance in her performance. She addressed every curiosity she came across with eagerness and enthusiasm.

Her relationship with the White Knight (Patricia Cuenca) had a layer of authenticity that strengthened both of their characters. Cuenca enthralled the audience with her deep and melodic voice in "Yonder" while using her trusty 'steed' Chequers to add an element of humor to her scenes.

Therese Goyette as Humpty Dumpty had a little egg-stra sparkle in her scenes as she paraded around as guardian of the wall. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Isabela Wilson and Katie Svoboda) were two peas in a pod in their number "Two Sides to Every Argument." Their constant contradicting and effortless synchronization was adorably convincing.

The Red Queen (Clare Kolasch) dominated the stage with her exquisite presence. As she grew more enraged, she showed palpable tension throughout her entire body. One hand was always contorting, a physical manifestation of her scheming.

It was clear that Kolasch had complete control over her voice. She found dynamics in her words, softly uttering threats and gradually building to a climatic explosion of rage. She sprawled on her throne like she belonged there, making it clear that no one would dare take it away from her. She provided immense contrast to the White Queen (Anna Diederich) who, although meek, also had an impressive stage presence. On the other hand, the White King (Brigid Kilner) delivered comedy with short quips and one-liners.

The ensemble as a whole used their voices to give every song an ethereal feel, reminding the audience that this world is nothing but a dream. They were engaged and coordinated during songs, making numbers like "The Claws that Catch" particularly impactful. The use of periaktoi as a backdrop proved effective in setting the various scenes that took place throughout Wonderland. The makeup was consistent throughout, and the decision to give White Knight a beard differentiated her from the other citizens of Wonderland and made her character seem weathered and wise.A piece unlike any other, this production of "Through the Looking Glass" was a journey chock full of whimsy, imagination, and one curious little girl.

by Aubrey Winger of Loudoun Valley High School

Photo courtesy of the Cappies (From left to right: Bela Wilson, Kiley Hatch, Katie Svoboda. Photo by John Paul Pluta Photography)