Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC), will present the capstone production of its 45th season, the world premiere musical “Alice, Formerly of Wonderland,” written by seven-time Emmy Award winning writer Mark Saltzman and directed by Jim Fall, with musical arrangements by Jack Lipson.
The musical will be performed Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 16 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St.
The play tells the true story of the secret romance between the real-life Alice, and Prince Leopold, son of Queen Victoria and great-granduncle of Prince Harry.
As a child, Alice was Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for the girl who fell down the rabbit hole, but now Alice is falling in love, despite the furious objections of the Queen.
To honor the a cappella traditions at Oxford, the music of “Alice, Formerly of Wonderland,” is performed without accompaniment.
“The creation of unique pieces of living art is at the heart of what we do every day at ETC,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “Every production at ETC is original from the costumes we create to the scenery we build and the casting decisions we make.
“That process is never more exciting, dynamic or engaging as when we are working on a world premiere production. The ability to partner with a playwright in developing the script, and presenting the production to an audience for the very first time anywhere, is a special experience with an energy unlike anything else.”
“I’m deeply delighted to see this long-gestating project of mine come to life at the Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara,” said Saltzman.
“The relationship of Alice Liddell and Prince Leopold first appeared on my radar when commentators began analyzing the Harry-Meghan love match and mentioned that Harry’s great-granduncle Leopold was similarly in love with a celebrity,” Saltzman said. “I endeavored to bring a 21st century sensibility to this story of 1872 Oxford, and folded in references to the racism, sexism and colonialism of society of that time.
“I’m also pleased to present on stage, with historical accuracy, a character with a disability as a romantic lead.
The ETC features Matthew Greenwood as Caterpillar and Alfred Rowston; Margie Mays as Alice Liddell; Bree Murphy as Queen Victoria, Mrs. Pettigrew and Victor; Sam O’Byrne as Prince Leopold; Sawyer Patterson as Edward Brockett; and Brent Schindele as Dean Henry Liddell.
The production’s design team includes scenic designer Harry Feiner, lighting designer Michael Rathbun, sound designer Kate Wecker and costume designer Michael Mullen.
Producers are Gwen and Henry Baker and Dana White; associate producer is Joan Davidson; and supporting producers are Paul Longanbach and Donald Polk.
Ticket prices range are $40-$86. All Patrons 35 and under are always 35. Student tickets are $25. Single tickets are available through the ETC box office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.