Pushcart Players, Verona’s award-winning theater for young audiences, announces its newest touring production, “Alice in Wonderland.” Cleverly adapted from Lewis Carroll’s classic books, this musical is now being scheduled for performances in schools, theaters, production houses and community centers throughout the United States.
“’Alice in Wonderland’ is perhaps one of the best-known stories for children,” said Paul Whelihan, who directs the production. “People often view it as a ‘girl’s story’ and appropriate for ‘little kids.’ But it’s so much more than that, especially with Pushcart’s dynamic spin. Ours is about adolescent discovery. It crosses gender and age lines, and is funny and thought-provoking all at once.”
Pushcart has been stirring up serious fun for 40 years. Since 1974, the company has traveled over 2 million miles nationally and abroad to serve more than 8 million children and their families with meaningful theater. From the White House in the nation’s capital to the little red schoolhouse in the nation’s rural sprawl, Pushcart’ Emmy-nominated performances are noted for excellence and innovation. A cast of professional Equity actors and stage managers perform.
Ruth Fost, co-founder and executive director of Pushcart Players writes the play’s book and lyrics. Fost creates the scripts, designs the sets, builds the costumes and inspires the company to dream and discover new frontiers in educational theater. She has done so for all forty years of Pushcart’s history.
Music for “Alice in Wonderland” is by Pushcart co-founder Carole Wechter, and orchestrations are by Larry Hochman. Hochman won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his co-orchestration of “The Book of Mormon.” His orchestrations include Broadway’s “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “The Addams Family” and “Jane Eyre.”
Pushcart Players provides innovative scenery, complete lighting and sound systems, making performances adaptable to any location. Study guides and other supplemental materials enhance the educational benefits. An illustrated book of “Pushcart’s Alice in Wonderland” highlights the production’s significant moments and offers further arts related activities.
For further information on this or any of Pushcart’s programs and services, contact Pushcart Players at 973.857.1115, or visit www.pushcartplayers.org. For national booking, contact The Roots Agency (717.227.0060). LIKE Pushcart Players on Facebook to get up to date information and follow on Twitter @PushcartPlayers.
