Alice tumbling into Wonderland at Sacred Heart School

The cast, ranging in age, bring talent, tenacity and lots of energy through solo numbers, smaller scenes and big group songs with great harmonies, strong moves, lots of complexity and all the effort that goes into making musicals. 

By Rubyyy Jones

Entertainment Correspondent 

Sacred Heart School has been buzzy and busy with preparations for their very first, full scale, theatrical production opening in a few weeks. A magical production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. features a fabulous cast of talented young folks, and it was wonderful to attend one of their rehearsals to see the dedication of everyone involved, and to get a little sneak peek at what people can expect from their May performances. 

I had the opportunity to see their dynamic opening number and a few of the other Act One scenes, and it was amazing to see such a big and bright cast; I don’t care who you are, kids singing their hearts out is such a beautiful thing! The cast, ranging in age, bring talent, tenacity and lots of energy through solo numbers, smaller scenes and big group songs with great harmonies, strong moves, lots of complexity and all the effort that goes into making musicals. 

Tweedledee and Tweedledum, played by Hannah Shoots and Olivia Grupstra, are both in Grade 5 and they’re excited to be a part of this production. As competitive dancers at Paris’ C.O.R.E. Dance Project, they’re thrilled to show off their dancing skills, and to impress with their acro tricks too. When asked them about the audition process, they both agreed that auditioning was “scary but cool” and learned of the production through their involvement in the choir. Grupstra also said: “It’s been really interesting to work on this show and I love to work with my friends too! And it has been really cool to see it all come together!”

There are two actors playing Alice, each doing three performances in the role. Winnie Vervaecke and Adelaide Velez are both looking forward to the production’s launch. When asked to summarise their feelings, about debuting as Alice, in one word Velez said, “excited!” Winnie replied, “joyful!” As for what they want potential audience members to know about the show, Velez said, “If you’re watching the show, think about everything that went into it, it’s magical!” Vervaecke added, “it’s our first school play, and everyone is really great!”

When I asked what advice these young performers would give for others who might want to audition for future shows at Sacred Heart School, Grupstra said, “Go for it, and try your best,” her fellow castmate, Shoots, agreed. Vervaecke had some sound advice, “If the character speaks to you, just give it a shot.” Velez urged others to, “take the risk, you never know; characters help you step into confidence!” It's all great advice because I’m sure there will be many more productions to come with so much expertise, enthusiasm and a whole community engaged in this delightful, debut production. 

During a conversation with faculty member and accomplished theatre creator, Melissa Fellows, about the process of bringing this production to fruition, Fellows revealed she put together the proposal to the school board, which secured the funding that has made the event possible. There was also huge support from the Parent’s Council and several others. So, what can the audience expect? Fellows answered, “They can expect quirky characters, to laugh and to be transported to the whimsical world of Wonderland!”

Fellows wanted to thank Larissa Robertson and Audrey Gommier who helped with rehearsals, Alexis McDonell who provided huge support with the administrative/cast and parent communications, Hope Magnus and Rachael Dudley who worked with the sensational stage crew, Sarah MacKinnon for expertly fine tuning the choreography, Daniel Glowala for the vital work on the music, Rachael Deska who helped with programs and posters, Ashley Cebulak who lead ticket sales, Sarah McDonnell who sorted cast and crew t-shirts, Danielle Dunbar for delivering rehearsal snacks, our awesome administrators Jennifer McLaren Gibbons and Rachel DeDominicus for being so supportive of the whole process, Kaitlyn Donnelly the marketing liaison and last, but not least, the school custodian Ashley Stapledon who helps with the rehearsal spaces, storage and building access, and so much more. 

Alice and crew will be tumbling into Wonderland at Sacred Heart School on Tuesday, May 13th, Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th at 7 pm, doors will open at 6:15 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $10 cash, first come, first serve for seats!