Rowe middle schoolers stage original spin on ‘Alice in Wonderland’

R. Roger Rowe Middle School’s Advanced Drama classes and technical theater crew recently finished a successful four-show run of their original adaptation of  Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” on Dec.10-11. A total of 50 sixth through eighth graders contributed to the hit show both on stage and behind the scenes,”truly a labor of love, creativity, and collaboration,” according to Rowe Middle School Principal Lindsey Conley.

Drama teacher Heidi Moreno and her Advanced Drama students studied the author and classic story, looking for ways to modernize the story. They brought in adaptations like Alice’s dependency on a cell phone, with a line from her sister Margaret, who asked, “Do you even know who you are without your phone?”

The students performed four shows over two days, with daytime performances for K-8 students and staff evening shows for  families and community members. According to Moreno, there were two different casts, made up of Advanced Drama students, while the set design and building was all made possible by Moreno’s new Stagecraft elective. For months, 19 Stagecraft seventh and eighth graders built each intricate set wall, the caterpillar platform, the Queen of Heart’s staircase, jumbo mushrooms on wheels, and even an 11-foot tree with a large rabbit hole inside of it.

“This play is more than just a performance—it’s a showcase of the extraordinary talents of our students, both on stage and behind the scenes,” Conley told the audiences. “Every remarkable set piece on stage has been designed and crafted by our Stagecraft elective students, ensuring that our Wonderland is utterly unique and curiouser and curiouser!”

“Our student tech and crew team have been expertly trained to bring the magic to life with special effects,” she continued. “From the lighting, sound, and music to video projections, the entire show is run by our incredible students, proving their dedication and professionalism. They are the true Kings and Queens of our stage.”

Conley also thanked and acknowledged Moreno, the “amazing teacher” who dedicated countless hours of her time, energy, and effort to bring the imaginative “Alice” to life.

Up next: The students’ musical production of “Shrek” will debut in the spring.