Original Adaptation Returns to NWCT Stage for a Jazz-Fueled Adventure

Everybody Here is Mad! Tumble down the rabbit hole as Alice’s adventures through Wonderland are transformed into a spectacular jazz odyssey! This original NWCT adaptation is filled with classic characters from the Mad Hatter to the Queen of Hearts and a beautiful original score inspired by jazz greats from Miles to Monk.

When Alice (Kai Tomizawa) follows the White Rabbit (Sophie Mackay) down the rabbit hole to Wonderland she finds a world where both logic and music are unfamiliar to her. Here she meets a host of classic characters, recast to represent the many faces and eras of the jazz movement; from the Miles Davis-inspired trumpet strains of Kevin Michael-Moore’s Caterpillar, to a mad-cap tea party evoking Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman. Rounding out the cast is Portland’s own jazz icon Marilyn Keller, pulling double duty as the Queen of Hearts and the Door Mouse. Alice’s journey is accompanied live by an onstage band of musicians hand-picked by composer Ezra Weiss. They include Thomas Barber (trumpet), Noah Bernstein (saxophone/clarinet), Stan Bock (trombone), Peter LaMalfa (piano), Adam R. Jones (bass), and Tim Paxton (drums).

Alice first premiered on the NWCT stage in 2008, earning praise from children, parents, and critics alike. In 2009 the original soundtrack for Alice in Wonderland was named one of Talkin’ Broadway’s Top 10 Cast Albums of the year. Alice was the first of composer Ezra Weiss’ original NWCT adaptations, followed by 2009’s Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus and 2013’s tap musical hit Cinderella. In it, Weiss has created a fun, fast-paced adventure that serves as both a children’s introduction to jazz and a game of “spot-the-reference” for jazz enthusiasts.

Alice in Wonderland will feature NWCT’s third Sensory Friendly Performance of the 2015-16 season. Featuring shorter run-times, no intermission, reduced or removed lighting and sound cues, and the constant presence of house lights, these performances are specially designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities. These performances are accompanied by a unique Social Story to help guide families through the entire theater experience from parking lot to the final bows. NWCT’s 2015-16 Season features four Sensory Friendly Performances free of charge thanks to generous funding from The Oregon Cultural Trust, Umpqua Bank, and The Jackson Foundation. NWCT will also offer an ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, February 13 at noon.

Alice in Wonderland is produced in part through the support of the Collins Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council and Work for Art, Kafoury & McDougal, Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt, the Oregon Arts Commission, and NWCT Donor Circle Members. More than 5,000 school children will travel through Wonderland during twelve student matinee performances.

ALL SHOWS Noon & 4pm
JAN 30, 31
FEB 6, 7, 13, 14, 15*, 20, 21, 27, 28*
FEB 21: 4pm Sensory Friendly Show
*Noon Show Only

TICKETS & INFORMATION 503-222-4480 • NWCTS.ORG
SEASON SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNTS!

Scroll to Top