Whimsical characters take centre stage during coming-of-age story at Scared Heart Catholic School

Students at Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary school dazzled audiences with their recent Alice In Wonderland Jr production last week. The well-organized production included flashy costumes and some powerful acting performances from students. Pictured are the Flowers of the Golden Afternoon, left to right, Tarami Olugbenjo, Sophie Salitra, Sierra Weaver, Alyssa Monteiro and Hayley Weaver.

By Rubyyy Jones

Cultural Correspondent

Staff and students opened the doors to Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary for a magical opening night performance of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. Co-ordinated and spearheaded by director/teacher Melissa Fellows, the May 13th performance was one of the best organized theatre events I’ve seen in a while. Mrs Mackinnon and members of the students’ council helped with set-up, clear-up and managed front of house which included the box office, a booth for buying and gifting flowers, selling refreshments from Original Gourmet Popcorn, helping audience members with their tickets and seats and more. 

Before the show, I spoke with members of the buzzing audience. Sacred Heart student, Grace, was there to see and support two friends who were in the show. I asked about her preshow feelings, which she said she was really excited about because her friends told her about all the hard work and fun they’ve put into practicing for the show. When I asked her advice to provide to those reading the review, she responded, "this is gunna be the best show and everyone should really watch it."

Just as our interview wrapped up, the lights flickered, the audience hushed and atmospheric blue light bathed room as the production made their pre-show announcements, leading us into the theatre fun. This was a fantastic production, with an amazing level of professionalism and it included so many resources came together to create this slick show! Mike Slater and UTM lent the production some stage lights which enhanced the drama. The set design, created by Alexis McDonell, was fanciful and flexible, taking the audience on an adventure through different worlds on the sea, in the Queen of Hearts Garden, down rabbit holes and beyond. 

Kudos on the costumes too, they were effective, clear and lent a special sense of humour. The audience especially loved the house dress, the Flowers of the Golden Afternoon and the lovely and many limbs of the Caterpillar. Everyone also enjoyed the playful and dynamic choreography. Personally, I loved the spinning umbrella number, the cheeky crustacean’s scene, the snazzy flowers and the acrobatic Tweedledum and Tweedledee. 

During the intermission I spoke with Jillian, whose child, Tristan, was portraying caterpillar. She admitted she was really impressed. “The school has done amazingly, and of course I have a soft spot for the caterpillar; it's been very impressive! The school has done a phenomenal job!”

During act two, I was really struck by the delightful direction of the whole show. The staging was very focused, whimsical and miraculous considering the large number of cast members. I enjoyed the playfulness with different sizes of Alice being portrayed by different actors. There were so many great choices around staging, characters and design; it made for a dazzling and inspiring evening.

After the show I spoke to Jim Young, father of Evie, who played Little Alice. “It was very evident that Mrs. Fellows put on a production that was the definition of excellent. Clearly, those kids worked amazingly hard to craft such a wondrous show,” he said. Jediah Odueyungbo, who played the King of Hearts, said he was feeling ‘really good’ after the opening night, and was ‘very excited’ for the rest of the shows. Dance assistant Sarah MacKinnon said she was feeling fantastic, that “the cast brought their energy tonight, full force, they did a great job!”  

It was great to hear from one of the students in the backstage crew as these kids were as pro as the come and made the show so seamless and special. Crew member, Avery Van Stowski said “this production was the most magical experience for any cast or crew member.” Since not everyone gets a look behind the curtains, let me tell you about it, she added. “You’ll find some members dancing, playing games, helping each other with costumes, and getting ready. It’s way more than ‘just a play.’ There is most definitely a community backstage, and this was a way for them to make new friends. “So, for anyone wondering, I am proud to be a part of this and hope to see more like it here!”

Last but not least, I checked in with director and head organiser, Melissa Fellows about her feels about the first show. She shared, “All I can say is that I’m so blessed to work with such an incredible cast and crew. They absolutely lit it up and I am so very proud of them. All their hard work has paid off.”  And it did so in spades, or hearts I guess, everyone in this production on stage, backstage and helping the stage shine should be so proud for creating such a charming and colourful show for us all to enjoy. Bravo!