Alice by Heart

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Program:

• About the Play
• Cast (listed in order of appearance)
• Production Staff
• Run Crew
• Cast Bios
• Creative Team Bios
   

About the Play

Alice by Heart 

Book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson
Music by Duncan Sheik
Lyrics by Steven Sater

This new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is from Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, the Tony- and Grammy-Award-winning songwriting team behind Spring Awakening. Co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), the show "celebrates the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times." Greg Hellems serves as head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts musical theatre program at Wright State. Wade Russo will provide music direction.

Original production directed by Jessie Nelson and choreographed by Rick and Jeff Kuperman

Alice by Heart Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Orchestrations by Duncan Sheik

Additional Orchestrations by Simon Hale

Vocal Arrangements by Jason Hart

Alice by Heart was first commissioned and produced by National Theatre Connections in 2012.

Developed with the Assistance of Theatre Aspen, Aspen, Colorado.

A workshop production of Alice by Heart was presented by the New York Stage and Film & Vassar at The Powerhouse Theatre, Summer 2018.

New York Premiere at the MCC Theater February 26, 2019

Artistic Directors: Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, & William Cantler

Executive Director: Blake West

Director's Note

In these increasingly troubling times, where freedoms are under siege and dystopian fears loom large, Alice by Heart serves as a flicker of defiance and resilience—a reminder that, even in the darkest of eras, the human spirit can rise above its circumstances through imagination, creativity, and love. Inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, this musical adaptation by Steven Sater, Duncan Sheik, and Jessie Nelson tells the story of Alice, a young girl confronting the harsh realities of war and devastating loss during London’s Blitz.

Amid her grief and confusion, Alice clings to the surreal realm of Wonderland, using its fantastical world to help make sense of a harsh reality she cannot escape. As the city of London faces relentless bombing, Alice and her childhood friend Alfred find solace in the safety of a public shelter. Yet, even within this supposed sanctuary, their childhood innocence is threatened by the collapse of their familiar world—a world which has become as unpredictable and distorted as Wonderland itself.

As we witness displaced people around the globe, seeking escape from their own tragedies, Alice by Heart echoes the struggle of searching for escape from hardship. At its core, it is about the innocence of youth lost too soon, and the transformative power of imagination in the face of adversity. Alice’s journey speaks to the universal experience of confronting grief, and the deep human need for us to create spaces for empathy and belonging in times of crisis. The message is clear: imagination is a tool of resistance, and the stories we tell each other are the threads that bind us together against the forces that seek to divide us.

For Bill.

Regards,

Greg Hellems 

Time and Place: London, 1941, an underground station—a makeshift shelter from the Blitz of World War II. And, one golden afternoon in Wonderland.

Intermission Duration: 15 minutes

Please silence all cell phones, pagers, and any other electronic devices. Texting during productions will result in removal from the theater.

The use of any recording device (photo, sound, or video) by audience members is not permitted.

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Cast (listed in order of appearance)

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Production Staff

Technical Productions Manager: Kevin Nedberg

Student Technical Director: James Hendricks

Assistant Stage Manager: Addie Billups

Production Assistants: Carson Keith, Baylee Simone Mallin

Assistant Lighting Designer: Dylan Serrano

Production Electrician: Levi Fravel

Assistant Production Electrician: Robbie Crissman

Electricians: Jackson Boone, Jennifer Dillard

Sound Engineer/Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Shop Leader: Logan Gregory

Head Carpenter: Maggie Slavenwhite

Carpenters: Elias Baader, Hanna Baker, Addie Billups, Mary Carlson, Keaton Messmer, Adesola Moshood, Kaydence Mullins, Noel Nieczyporowicz, Vex Sargent, Kenna Seng, Dylan Serrano, Megan Todd, Grace Wiseman

Scenic Charge Artist/Supervisor: Brian C. Seckfort

Scenic Artists: Lilly Buck, Mary Carlson, Isa Castillon, Cassie Dranschak, Drew Feller, Callie Lippincott, Kayla Theiss, Juliette Trumbull, Riley Wells

Properties Master: John Lavarnway

Properties Assistant: Ellie Engle

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Kimmins

Costume Shop Assistant: Ori Ranchor

Stitchers: Wrynn Boucher, Charlie Cute, Ona Ford, Gillian Jenkins, Callista Mitchell, Phoenix Perry, Jillian Price-Hall, Kaitlin Teller

Costume Crafts: Lauren Crane, Courtney Michele, Zoe Still

Wigs: Naomi Reisner

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Run Crew

Stage Crew Head/Rail Head: Logan Gregory

Stage Crew: Eli Baranowski, Kaydence Mullins, Heidi Zeller

Sound Board Operator A1: James Dunlap

A2 Mic Technician: Eli Baranowski, Jackson Boone

Light Board Operator: Levi Fravel

Spot Operators: James Hendricks, Elly Sims

Properties Head: Lauren Crane

Properties Assistant: Keaton Messmer

Wardrobe Head: Phoenix Perry

Wardrobe: Charlie Cute, Cassie Dranschak, Gillian Jenkins, Rowan Roseman, Kenna Seng

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Cast Bios

Sylvia Caridad Bordelois (ensemble, U/S Cheshire Cat, Dance Captain) (she/her) is a junior musical theatre major from Cleveland and was most recently seen at Wright State's Festival Playhouse in Carrie: The Musical (Norma/Understudy Chris). Alice in Wonderland is a longtime favorite of hers, and she is so excited to bring this beautiful retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic story to you!

Juno Brosas (Tabatha/Cheshire Cat) is a senior musical theatre major. Select regional credits: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle) and R&H’s Cinderella (Cinderella) both at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Legally Blonde The Musical (Pilar/Elle Woods u/s; Short North Stage) and Footloose (Rusty; Warsaw Federal Incline Theater). Thanks to her loved ones. Enjoy the show!

Jackson Church (Ensemble, U/S Dr. Butridge/Jabberwock/King of Hearts) is a junior musical theatre major at Wright State, and is excited to be retelling this wonderful story. Other credits include Mr. Webb (Our Town), U/S Xavier, Father Willow, Young Dunne (By the Bog of Cats), and U/S Daddy Cane (Brightstar). Jackson would like to thank his family for their unending love and support.

Eoin Collins (Nigel/Dormouse) is a junior musical theatre major. He recently appeared in the ensemble of South Pacific for Wright State’s collaboration with Dayton Opera at the Schuster Center. You may have seen him in The Apple Tree (Flip) or Cabaret (male swing). Special thanks to his family and friends!

Dominic Cullen (Dodgy/Duchess) is a senior musical theater major. His previous roles include Gus/Augustus in Arcadia, Joseph Swane in By the Bog of Cats, and Wally in Our Town. He would like to thank Greg for the opportunity and his family for supporting him.

Aidan Fracker (Alfred/White Rabbit/March Hare) is a senior acting major. Previous Wright State credits include George (Our Town), Carthage (By the Bog of Cats), and Dorante (The Liar), as well as the ensembles of On the Town, Sister Act, and The Gondoliers. Special thanks to Emma, Greg, Mom, Dad, and Kate for making Wright State University so special!

Grace Goodwin (Red Cross Nurse/Queen of Hearts) is a junior musical theatre major and is so excited to make her Wright State performance debut! Recent credits include Kings Island’s Winterfest (Dancer), Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), A Doll’s House Pt. 2 (Nora u/s), and The Liar (Clarice u/s). She likes to thank everyone who’s supported her on her journey. Enjoy the show!

Enoch Graham (Ensemble, U/S Nigel/Dormouse) is a freshman musical theatre major at Wright State. Hailing from Beavercreek, he is thrilled to be part of this production of Alice By Heart!

Toby Hattemer (Harold Pudding/Mad Hatter) a senior musical theatre major is elated to bring you Alice by Heart. Past roles include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Panch), Cabaret (Hans), and Bright Star (Daddy Cane). He deeply thanks the team for the opportunity to be a part of this zany yet moving show.

Cate Lightbody (Alice) is a senior musical theatre major from Walpole, Massachusetts, and she is so excited to be a part of this amazing team. Some of her recent credits include Portia (Something Rotten), Rosie (Cabaret) and Rikki (Kelly the Destroyer). She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support over the last four years and into the next chapter of her life.

Miranda Morrissette (Ensemble, U/S Alice) is a junior musical theater major. This will be her second time working on the festival stage, her last performance being in Carrie The Musical (Frieda). She is so excited to get to work on such a wonderful show with such wonderful people. She wants to thank her family and friends for their support and love. Enjoy the show!

James Robert Newton (Dr. Butridge/King of Hearts/Jabberwock) (he/him) is grateful to be a part of Alice By Heart! A senior musical theatre major, his credits include Spelling Bee (Barfee), Kelly the Destroyer (Shinn), and Our Town (Dr. Gibbs). Many thanks to the cast and team for their work, and family and friends for their support. For Aunt Patty. Enjoy the show!

Gavin O’Meara (Ensemble, U/S Dutchess, U/S Caterpillar) is a junior musical theatre major and marketing minor, and they are so excited to be a part of their first festival musical! Other credits at Wright State include Our Town (Howie Newsome), Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras (Copper), A Doll's House (u/s Krogstad) and Arcadia (u/s Noakes). Thank you so much for coming and enjoy the show!

Eli Peel (Angus/ Caterpillar) (he/they) is a junior musical theatre major. Recent credits include Twelve Angry Men, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Open, Stay. Eli will be directing Ordinary Days in the Jubilee Directing Lab in April. Special thanks to mom, dad, McKaylie, Wade, Ashley, Anna, Juliette, Liquid-IV, BinaxNOW, Sheetz, Pettibone, and Trader Joe's.

Sarah Rowell (Ensemble) (they/them) is so excited to be a part of this magical show. Thanks to Greg, Wade, and all involved. Special thanks to Becky and Jonathan and their mom for all their continuous support and joy.

Jacob Sawtelle (Ensemble, U/S Mad Hatter) is a freshman acting major who is excited to be in his FIRST mainstage show at Wright State! Jacob graduated from Butler Tech School of Arts. He hopes that he is on stage this show, but if not, enjoy the wonderfully talented Toby. "I love my family"

Gage Stice (Swing, U/S Alfred) is a freshman musical theatre major here at Wright State. He is so grateful for the opportunity to learn from his colleagues throughout this process. He would like to send love to his family and friends for supporting him in every avenue of his life. Thank you all for coming!

Sophia Stiles (Queen of Diamonds, Dance Captain) is a junior musical theatre major. You may have recently seen her in South Pacific as a nurse at the Schuster Center. Some of her other favorite credits include Addie in Kelly the Destroyer, Liz (pop) in Chicago, and Cinderella u/s in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Sophia would like to thank her parents, grandparents, and her boyfriend Jake for always supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Julia Walters (Swing, U/S Queen of Diamonds) is a junior musical theatre major and is thrilled to be part of this beautiful cast! Some of her recent credits include Rapunzel (Into the Woods) and Christine (Phantom of the Opera). Many thanks to the cast, crew, creatives, and apartment 2E. Love you, Mom! @juliaewalters

Evette Williamson (Ensemble, U/S Queen of Hearts) is a junior musical theater major. The productions she’s been in at Wright State are Carrie the Musical (Ensemble, Gardner u/s) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney). She is thrilled to be a part of Alice By Heart and is happy to work with such a talented cast. She gives thanks to God and her family for their love and support. She says, “Make sure you silence your cell phone; if not, it’s off with your head!”

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Creative Team Bios

Addie Billups (assistant stage manager) is a freshman stage management major from New Albany. Their first show at Wright State was Carrie as assistant stage manager. They would like to thank their friends and family for their support.

Michael S. Brewer (scenic designer) started working as a scenic artist in regional theaters in Ohio and across the country. He has been designing for the last 30 years. Past designs at Wright State include 9 To 5, Sweat, Arcadia, The Liar, and Cabaret. He is a 1987 Wright State graduate and is proud to be back designing.

James Dunlap (sound designer) is the audio coordinator and resident sound designer for Wright State University Theatre, and has been involved with sound system/sound production design, music composition, and live-event audio for over 25 years. He has worked with hundreds of national touring acts and local productions. Recent sound design credits include By the Bog of Cats, Arcadia, On the Town, Cabaret, Mother Courage and Her Children, Grapes of Wrath, Chicago, Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables, The Magic Fire, Oklahoma!, Spring Awakening, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and Hairspray.

Greg Hellems (director/choreographer) is the head of musical theatre at Wright State, where he also serves as a professor of acting and musical theatre. His directorial and choreographic work at Wright State includes the critically acclaimed Cabaret as well as productions of Sister Act, Mamma Mia, A Little Night Music, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and the world premiere of Miss Mayor. In addition to his university work, Greg has extensive teaching experience, with the Advanced Performance Academy at Columbus Children’s Theatre, the High School Musical Production and Musical Theatre Intensive at Interlochen Arts Camp, and CCM-Prep. Regionally, Greg’s credits include direction for Shipwrecked, The Cake, Sex With Strangers, The Glass Menagerie, and Band Geeks! (also, choreography) at the Human Race Theatre Co., along with movement coordination for Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Carnegie. He collaborations with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra include director/choreographer on Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, The Best of Broadway, and An Evening of Sondheim. Other notable productions include collaborations with Signature Theatre (Washington DC), Mountain Playhouse, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Columbus Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Hot Summer Nights, and projects for Cedar Fair Corporation, Paramount Entertainment, and Kings Entertainment Company. Greg is deeply grateful to Bill for his ongoing inspiration.

James Hendricks (student technical director) is a junior technical direction focus and is excited to bring the set of Alice By Heart to life! James' previous works could be found in previous productions such as Carrie: The Musical and The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as professional work at Music Theatre Wichita, The Glimmerglass Theatre Festival, and The Lexington Theatre Company. James hopes that you enjoy the show and is very thankful for the opportunity.

Carson Keith (production assistant) is a freshman acting major at Wright State and is thrilled to be a part of Alice by Heart as a PA! Other credits include Billy Bigelow (Carousel), Historian (Kodachrome), and Gleb (Anastasia). Carson would like to thank you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!

Baylee Simone Mallin (production assistant) (she/they) is so excited to be PA-ing this production! Baylee is a sophomore musical theatre major from Toledo. Previous credits include The Apple Tree at Wright State (Ensemble, Barbara U/S), The Prom at the Toledo Rep (Dee Dee Allen), and Speech and Debate (Diwata Jones). They would like to thank their family and friends for all of their support!

Claire Northcut (assistant director) is a senior musical theatre major and dance minor. She is very excited to be assistant directing Alice By Heart alongside Greg Hellems. Recently at Wright State she has performed as Carrie in Carrie: The Musical, Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Rosie in Cabaret. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their love and support, and Greg Hellems for the opportunity to work on this show with him and this beautiful cast. Enjoy!

Wade Russo (music director) is a faculty musical director and a voice instructor. He was previously music director of The Apple Tree at Wright State. Recently, he conducted Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Broadway/film/national tour credits include By Jeeves (associate conductor), directed by Sir Alan Ayckbourn and The Boyfriend, directed by Julie Andrews. Regional credits: Goodspeed Musicals (27 productions) Pittsburgh Public Theatre, St. Louis Rep, Huntington Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club, Barrington Stage, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, O’Neill Theatre Center & Interlakes Summer Theatre. He has taught at Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Emerson College, Circle in the Square and the Juillard School

George Sarofeen (costume designer) 

Ellie Sassano (assistant choreographer) is a sophomore musical theatre major and dance minor. Her favorite credits are South Pacific (Nurse) with Dayton Opera, Anastasia (Ensemble/ Dowager Empress u/s) at NTPA Repertory, and Crazy For You (Follies Girl) at Garland Summer Musicals. She would like to thank the Wright State faculty for this opportunity and their support!

Dylan Serrano (assistant lighting designer) is a junior stage management and lighting design major. She has previously designed for various dance concerts at Wright State. At Stivers School for the Arts, she was the lighting designer for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and various dance concerts. Most recently, she was the assistant stage manager for The Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker and the stage manager for Carrie: The Musical at Wright State.

Kaitlin Teller (stage manager) is a senior stage manager. She has recently stage-managed By the Bog of Cats, and assistant-stage-managed Carrie: the Musical and The Liar at Wright State, as well as The Hello Girls at Sinclair. She would like to thank her friends and family. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Zach Wuest (lighting designer) is a senior lighting design major at Wright State and is absolutely thrilled to be designing for Alice By Heart. His previous credits include, as lighting designer at Wright State, Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras, A Doll's House parts 1 & 2 and Our Town. He was also lighting designer for Dayton Playhouse's Is There Life After High School?' and was assistant lighting designer for DPAA's The Nutcracker. He hopes you enjoy the show!

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