BVHS brings children's tale, 'Adventures in Wonderland' to PAC stage this week
Brandon Valley High School’s theatre department is bringing a familiar children’s story to the Performing Arts Center stage this week, but they’re doing it in a new way.
Fall play director Mel Sittig adapted “Adventures in Wonderland” from Lewis Carroll’s books, most commonly recognized as “Alice in Wonderland,” and she’s bringing in puppets to tell the story.
Sittig’s adaptation follows Alice’s story as most know. After spotting an agitated white rabbit (played by Isaac Fode) in a waistcoat, Alice, played by Emily Outland, chases after him and tumbles down a rabbit hole into a surreal wonderland of talking animals.
“This show is very similar in style to Sesame Street – live actors working with puppeted characters,” Sittig explains. “Working with puppets is a unique experience for actors – just a new way of delivering lines and blocking.”
Sittig encourages the show’s audiences to focus on the puppet as the character, not the actor, which she said is a completely different acting challenge.
“It is also unique experience for the character actors, as well. They have to interact with the puppet as their scene partners – not the puppeteer, so, new experiences all around,” Sittig said.
“Adventures in Wonderland” is the second show Sittig has adapted for BVHS's fall show. Her first was “A Christmas Carol,” which BVHS theatre department produces every three years, and is on tap for 2022.
“Adapting from a book is extremely time-consuming, but also a fun challenge,” Sittig said. “I am blessed with awesome kids who roll with my edits as the show goes on. What seems to work in my head as I’m cutting doesn’t always work once it is put into action, and they are fantastic at adjusting and offering suggestions.”
Sitting also heavily relies on her crew of student directors. She describes their work as “indispensable.”
“I honestly wouldn't be able to work as effectively without them. They do so many things to keep practices and shows running smoothly and keep us all focused,” she said.
The student directors are Kate Bebensee, MacKenzie Griffith, Nichole Hansen and Laura Jupiter.
Sittig has also surrounded herself with a group of talented students who work behind the scenes on the tech crew. The crew includes Elizabeth Aaseng, Mazzi Moore, Katherine Watkins, Gavin Klapperich, Keith Travis and Kaidan Ilchuk.
“I have a number of kids who have really stepped up to get things done this year. As a teacher/coach, I have been delighted to see so many new people assume roles of leadership,” Sitting said, assuring, “It will be a great show. Everyone has worked so hard to get so many things rolling and done.”
Adventures Through Wonderland Cast List
Alice: Emily Outland
White Rabbit: Isaac Fode
Cheshire Cat: Emma Niessink
Caterpillar: Tyr Crapser
Humpty Dumpty: Ben Livingston
Tweedledum: Matthew Beck
Tweedledee: Nick Tofteland
Duchess: Tara Rolph
Cook: Anna Risty
Gryphon: Hannah Hageman
Mock Turtle: Avery Kautz
Mad Hatter: Ty Stephany
March Hare: Ryan Presler
Dormouse: Zariah Sittig
Queen of Hearts: Ellie Erickson
King of Hearts: Ethan Braucht
Knave of Hearts: Sam Dixon
White Queen: Ellen Joseph
White King: Isaiah Barton
White Knight: Ian Candy
Fish Footman: Jaci Stemwedel
Frog Footman: Kalli Reese
Two: Katherine Keough
Five: Ella Forman
Seven: Christine Mailloux
Tigerlily: Meredith Guggenmos
Rose: Katie Wentzy
Violet: Lexie Johnson
Larkspur: Tabitha Choate
Daisies: Reagan Morrel, Kaylee Willard
IF YOU GO
What: BVHS Fall Play – “Adventures Through Wonderland”
When: Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 11-13 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. *Saturday’s show will move to 1 p.m. if BV plays for the 11AAA State championship.
Cost: $5 or free with activity pass. Tickets available at BVHS office or call (605) 582-8235.