Disney's Alice in Wonderland Junior
1 Act Musical
Book adapted and additional lyrics by: David Simpatico:
Music adapted and arranged and additional music and lyrics by: Bryan Louiselle
Music and Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston
Based on the 1951 Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” and the novels “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll
Synopsis
The show has been adapted for young performers-abridged to 60-80 minutes, with music transposed into keys appropiate for young voices. Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters. This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as “I’m Late,” “The Un-birthday Song” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
Story
On a perfect summer day in the park, Alice sees a White Rabbit hurrying by. Curious to know where he is going, Alice follows him into the dark tunnel, thus beginning her adventure. After the Doorknob counsels Alice to drink from a bottle then eat a cookie, Alice shrinks, thus allowing her to fit through a keyhole, beginning her adventures with the Wonderland creatures. The White Rabbit leads Alice into twin jabbering clowns, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, who teach her some manners. Then, she plays a wild game of musical chairs at the Mad Hatter's tea party. Following the advice of the Cheshire Cat, she ends up at the Mad Hatter's tea part along with the evil Queen of Hearts. Waking up, Alice realizes the entire story has been a dream!
Cast of Characters
- Alice, Small Alice and Tall Alice - differently sized versions of the same character. She is a spunky girl who enjoys adventures and is on a journey of self-discovery. She should be charming to the audience and be able to command the stage by herself. Alice has the largest part in the show so you should cast your strongest singer and actor. Small Alice must also be a good singer and actor while being comfortable as a big part of two dance numbers. And while Tall Alice doesn't have any solos, she needs to be a good actor with solid comic timing. When casting the 3 Alices, keep their height in mind, as that is part of the fun of the show. The more "average" sized your Alice is - the easier it will be find someone smaller and taller. Also it is possible to put Tall Alice on painter's stilts or have your actor sit on someone's shoulder to add height.
- The Cheshire Cat - played by three separate actors who play the head, the body, and the tail of the cat. The Cheshire Cat serves as the Narrator for the story and the actors who are cast need to be able to speak clearly and be good storytellers. Strong singing skills are not a must, but comic timing is, as these three comprise a very funny character. Also make sure to cast a trio who will work well as a team.
- The White Rabbit - an energetic, worrisome character that hardly ever stops moving. Even though the White Rabbit has a solo - the singing should come secondary to finding the person who can exude a lot of energy continuously and create rapid-fire change of focus.
- Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee - a pair of goofballs similar to old comedy teams like Abbott & Costello or Laurel & Hardy. They should be good singers and actors who work well as a team. If possible, cast actors who look either exactly alike or completely different for added comic effect.
- Mathilda - Alice's older sister and a non-singing role. She should be a strong actor who can speak loudly and clearly.
- The Flowers (Rose, Petunia, Lily, Violet, Daisy) - the snooty, mean girls who think they are the most important people in the whole world. They need to be good performers and singers who can handle harmonies. There are only five named flowers in the show but it is possible to add as many more as you like.
- Caterpillar, part sensei, part diva, the Caterpillar is comprised of five actors who play the head, body and all those hands, which move in synchronized gestures to help emphasize a point. The Caterpillar is one cool character who needs to be able to sing, dance, and act well. He provides the heart for the story and really convinces Alice to be herself.
- The Mad Hatter is the life of the tea party and should be performed by someone who enjoys acting larger than life. The actor needs to be comfortable being silly and has to sing one song, although it is an easy song to "speak-sing" if necessary.
- The March Hare is the counterpart to the Mad Hatter and also enjoys a good party. A little less crazy than the Mad Hatter, the March Hare is a happy fun character who enjoys playing. The March Hare has solo parts in one song, but a good actor can "speak-sing" them easily.
- The Queen of Hearts is the big, mean, bully of the story. You need a great actor for this role who has a full resonant voice and is able to follow music well. The Queen of Hearts must have a commanding presence and should be a little scary, but funny at the same time.
- The King of Hearts is the often forgotten ruler of Wonderland. You need to have a good actor for this role who can handle some very high-level vocabulary. Casting a small boy in this role will highlight the fact that he is in the shadow of the Queen.
- The Doorknob is a wonderful additional role for a chorus member who is very funny. The character is based somewhat on Jimmy Durante and your actor can have fun playing with that idea.
The Dodo Bird is the Captain of the Queen's Navy and needs to be a good actor and singer. He is in command of the lobsters and other animals and is another of Wonderland's vibrant characters.
- The Chorus (Children Playing in the Park, Rock Lobsters, Talking Fish, Royal Cardsmen, Unbirthday Partiers, etc.) should be comprised of good actors and singers who are featured in all of the production numbers. There are many opportunities for featured moments for many of your ensemble members.
Musical Numbers
- Dodgsonland (Pt. 1) - All
- Dodgsonland (Pt. 2) - Alice, All
- I'm Late! - White Rabbit, Groups, All, Chestire Cat
- Very Good Advice - Alice, Chorus
- Ocean of Tears - Dodo Bird, Rock Lobsters
- The Caucus Race - Dodo Bird, Creatures, Groups, Small Alice, All
- I'm Late! (Reprise) - White Rabbit, Chorus
- How D'ye Do and Shake Hands - Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee, Alice, All
- How D'ye Do (Reprise) - Tweedles
- The Golden Afternoon - Flowers
- Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah - Caterpillar, All, Small Alice
- Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Playoff) - All, Groups
- The Unbirthday Song (Pt. 1) - Mad Hatter, Chorus
- The Unbirthday Song (Pt. 2) - March Hare, Chorus, Alice, Mad Hatter, Groups
- I'm Late! (Reprise) - White Rabbit, Chorus
- Painting the Roses Red - Cardsmen, Groups, Alice
- Painting the Roses Red (Reprise) - Queen of Hearts, Cardsmen
- Simon Says (Pt. 1) - Queen of Hearts
- Simon Says (Pt. 2) - Queen of Hearts, Alice
- The Unbirthday Song (Reprise) - Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, King of Hearts, All, Groups
- Whooooo Are Youuuuu? - Tweedles, Flowers, Tall Alice, Mad Hatter, Small Alice, White Rabbit, Alice
- EPILOGUE
Alice in Wonderland (Finale) - All
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah (Bows) - All, Groups