Beltway Bambinos

What: Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

When: June 21-August 13, 2017

Where: 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Why: Alice follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland where all of the familiar characters have been transformed into live guitar-toting Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians! She takes advice from a Zen Caterpillar and a wise Cheshire Cat. She has tea with the unwelcoming Mad Hatter, and argues with the childish Tweedledee and Tweedledum. When the vicious diva Red Queen tries to destroy her, Alice fights back only to find herself in a battle of the bands with the Jabberwocky, a many-headed monster who embodies all her fears and insecurities. Alice ultimately outperforms him on keyboard and drums; she is crowned at last, and returns home, a stronger and happier girl. The writers have successfully translated Carroll’s irrational Wonderland to our own times and added lyrics and a beat that will make you want to twist and shout!

You won’t stop smiling and tapping your feet while you follow Alice through the rabbit hole that is quite literally a rock and roll stage. The characters are amazing and so talented when it comes to acting and being musicians. Each one plays multiple instruments while also having a speaking part in the play– at times it feels like we were at a concert. It’s truly an avant-garde twist on the classic everyone adores. The costumes of the characters are creative and captivating with a bit of edge. Our favorite part which left us laughing out loud was when the Red Queen makes her appearance. The instruments used in this rock and roll musical were endless. Best for Ages 5+. 90 minutes with no intermission.

Book and lyrics by Rachel Rockwell. Music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. Based on the classics by Lewis Carroll. Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer.

Tickets: $20-$35

Learn more about theatre productions, classes, and weekend workshops at Imagination Stage.