Author: Greg Lloyd

Facing another bump in the road to Wonderland, Albatross Musical Theatre company have sadly had to postpone next weekend’s performances of Alice in Wonderland due to the recent government health advices and seating restrictions.

Not to be deterred, or to disappoint the 70 children who have their songs, lines and cues well memorised and rehearsed, or the 60 or so adults who are involved in the behind-the-scenes side of the production, the show must go on.

Producer Julie Fraser has been in discussions with the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre and is hoping to secure dates for later in July.

“We were pleased with the number of bookings that we had secured for our shows on 2 and 3 July and the Saturday matinee was close to being sold out.  We hope that by rescheduling that people will still be able to support us and come and see this wonderful show.”

“Rescheduling a show isn’t as easy as just changing the dates.  Venue hire contracts, timetables for rehearsals, engaging technical specialists, budgets, advertising and promotions all have to be revised and communicated to those involved.  It’s almost like starting again.”

“All the sets, costumes and props are ready to go and our children are very resilient and are excited still in the hope of bringing the show to the Shoalhaven.  AMTC will continue with a COVID safe rehearsal this week to help keep the momentum alive.”

The Alice in Wonderland production team will advise the public as soon as possible as to the new confirmed dates.  Those who have already bought tickets will be contacted by the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in due course to either have the money refunded or transferred to the new dates. 

A white rabbit who is always late, a tea party that never ends, a caucus race to nowhere, a cat that grins, a game of flamingo croquet and… who did steal the Queen’s tarts?  Such madness could only mean one thing, Alice is in Wonderland.

The much-loved tale by Lewis Carroll is being retold in an amazing new musical set to thrill school holiday audiences this July at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

Alice in Wonderland is being performed by the cast of Junior Albatross Musicals, the AMTC junior program and features 70 talented children from local schools in the Shoalhaven aged between 10-15 years.

The show, with new music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, literally takes you down the rabbit hole (with use of special green screen effects) and you will see Alice and all your favourite Wonderland characters come to life.

Director Julia Armstrong, recent recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to Performing Arts in the Shoalhaven, is thrilled with the dedication of the 2021 cast and crew.  “Alice in Wonderland is the first JAM production since Aladdin Jr in October 2019.  Everyone has been working continuously to bring this production together and promises to be a fantastic show.  I am extremely proud of the children for their dedication, talent and hard work.”

At one stage the show almost didn’t go on with the loss of the AMTC workshop earlier in the year.  Julia said “We appealed to the community to help find a new space – the Shoalhaven City Council granted us use of the Youth Hall at the Nowra Showground in April. This allowed us to continue with building the complex sets required and we are thankful for those in the community that assisted including Councillors and Council staff.”

The elaborate sets include an enormous tree hiding the illusive Cheshire cat, and many more beautiful and oversized Wonderland-ish pieces. The sets, costumes and props have been designed and made by our talented Production Team with the assistance of AMTC supporters including parents and kids – all affectionately known as our JAMfam!

Julia went on to say “As well as set construction, the use of the Youth Hall has also allowed the children to rehearse in a larger space which has been marked out to replicate the area of the stage and wings of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.  Many of the cast performing have never been on stage before, so the Youth Hall is ideal for giving them an idea of what it will be like before we get to the performance venue.”

For a wonderful school holiday treat, book now as Alice in Wonderland tickets are selling fast.  There are 3 shows only including Friday 2^nd July at 7pm, Saturday 3^rd July at 1pm and also Saturday 3^rd July at 7pm.  (No interval, all fun, and finished by 8:30 pm!)

Tickets are available through the Box Office at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre or phone 4429 5757 or online at shoalhavenentertainment.com.au.  You can also use your Dine & Discover vouchers when you purchase tickets.

The production team and cast of AMTC’s upcoming junior production of Alice in Wonderland are working very hard as showtime is fast approaching, with 3 shows to be presented at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in July.  In preparation, there are a LOT of sets and props that need to be prepared.  A working bee will be held this Saturday 22nd May, at the old gymnastics building in the Nowra Showground.  Anyone and everyone who would like to lend a hand, even for an hour or two, please come along.  The working bee starts at 10am, and will continue throughout the day.  Ask for Julie or Julia when you arrive, and they will find something for you to do! 

Tickets for Alice in Wonderland are on sale at through the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, with 3 shows in total presented on Friday 2nd July and Saturday 3rd July.