Lookingglass Alice

Lookingglass Alice
Denver Center Theater Company
Stage Theater
Denver, CO 
September 11 - October 11, 2015

The story of Alice in Wonderland is a familiar one. While most are familiar with the Disney movies, many different versions exist. Some add lesser known characters or scenes that are rarely used, but none is able to pass the overwhelming confusion of Alice on to the audience. Lookingglass Alice manages to accomplish just that.

From the first few minutes, the audience is off balance. The show incorporates many surprises and special effects that are unexpected and shocking. Just when you feel comfortable, your consciousness is changed once again.

Lookingglass Alice is performed by five actors – four of which portray constantly changing characters. The talents of this group are immense. Several characters like the three-person caterpillar and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum demand  detailed physical and vocal coordination. It was all timed perfectly.

The special effects were dazzling. Alice’s “river of tears” were two blue screens which flowed like water and moved smoothly up and down, then magically disappeared. The Queen of Hearts and White Queen grew younger as the show progressed and their appearances changed in ingenious ways. Humpty Dumpty’s great fall has never been more shocking.

Alice’s adventures are overwhelming for her and the audience. One never knows what is coming at them or how it’s coming. She is showered by shoes, blinded by bright lights and covered with falling papers and none of it makes any sense. Her guide, Lewis Carroll himself, appears with a calm voice but no useful information.

Finally, Alice is presented with a rope to pull herself out. While falling and twisting herself into knots, she ultimately pulls herself to the top and finds enjoyment in her journey.

Lookingglass Alice is unlike any theatrical experience I’ve had before.  It is an accomplishment in itself to put a new spin on a classic story. However, to take a classic story and allow an audience to experience it is a new way that is not detrimental to the original, is a special event indeed.