Annually, the upper Middle School grades put on the seventh- and eighth-grade play at MICDS. This year being no exception, the late winter production of The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland by Kristen Doherty was performed on March 1, 2, and 4 to a delighted audience in Freeman Theatre.
If you’re familiar with Alice in Wonderland, this play offered quite the twist! The audience was invited to join characters Pip and Squeak on an adventure as they battled it out to determine which version of the classic Alice in Wonderland story is the “real story.” From the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts to Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat, the familiar characters set the stage for a dynamic, colorful, and expressive performance—filled with dramatic debate. Was Alice really that sweet and nice? Or is there perhaps another side to her story? Only those who attended this year’s performances have the answer!
The seventh and eighth-grade play was overseen by Middle School Drama Teachers Debra Mein and Tim Storey. “The students really rose to the challenge with this script,” Mein shared. “This group worked diligently to get the timing just right and really found the humor in the piece. I’m super impressed with how supportive they are of one another.”
Storey added, “The style of this production was called ‘Presentational Theater’ which was a new style for the Middle Schoolers to learn. In Presentational Theater, everything is BIG. Motions are BIG, movements are BIG, and they specifically face toward the audience. Our actors and actresses really enjoyed that aspect, especially since most other times, they are told NOT to look at the audience.”
Bringing the seventh and eighth grades together to collaborate on this play facilitated a lot of opportunities for friendship, teamwork, and community. “During the play, I had the opportunity to play three different roles: the Duck, the Carpenter, and the Card Painter Ace,” said Yash Bellam ’28. “Being onstage with my classmates and experimenting with different ways to deliver my lines was a thrilling experience. Collaborating with seventh graders, whom I met for the first time, was also a great opportunity to make some new friends. Participating in the play taught me how to work in a team and overcome challenges. The highlight of the experience was undoubtedly the first show, where we were all very stressed, but with teamwork, we managed to pull it off.”
Students participating in the play also practiced their flexibility and problem-solving skills. “I was an assistant director. I worked in sound and in makeup,” said Maia Grant ’29. “Something that I learned working in the theatre is that you need to learn to accommodate everyone and change your plans if they do not work out. For example, I had to change the makeup for the White Rabbit after the feedback she gave me. When I am doing makeup, I am performing under the pressure of the actors.” The Middle Schoolers loved seeing their hard work and ability to adapt pay off. “When I got to show all of the actors their concept design for their characters, they were all so excited; it made me happy to see that people liked my art,” Grant added.
Overall, the play experience was a lot of fun for students and audience members alike. “I was Mean Alice, and I loved that character so much! It was the best role I have ever played!” said Brooke Dunaway ’28. “I learned a lot from this play. I learned more about acting, myself, and about the others around me! I loved every part of the play, but some of my favorite parts were hanging with friends at rehearsal and trying on my costume for the first time. The performances were so much fun!” For future seventh and eighth-grade Rams, Dunaway has this advice: “Personally, [I think] everyone should do the play. I have never had so much fun in a theater in the 11 years I have been acting. I loved starring in this production and the play last year!”
This year’s program was designed by Dunaway. Check out the program from the play here!
A standing ovation goes to the cast, stage crew, and teachers who made The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland come to life! Off with their heads APPLAUSE!