Story originally printed in the Holmen Courier or online at www.holmencourier.com

Published - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Heider to host dance version of 'Alice in Wonderland'

By MICHAEL MARTIN | Staff writer

This Saturday’s Wausau Dance Theatre production of “Alice in Wonderland” might be the most elaborate ever to grace West Salem’s Heider Theater stage.

Of the 44 people involved in putting on the play, at least a dozen will be working hard backstage on the technical aspects of creating the alternative universe that Alice discovers down the rabbit hole.

The surreal world of "Alice in Wonderland" will enthrall audiences at the Heider Center this Saturday. The performance features bizarre and beautiful costumes and sets. Contributed photo

And, according to Annaluna Karkar, Wausau Dance Theatre’s executive director, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the production values are as close to a Broadway play as one can get outside New York.

“The costumes and sets are incredible,” Karkar said.

“They are the best money can buy. Integrity Designworks and Capital Scenic (both of New York) designed them. They are the same people who work on Broadway and do the sets for Cirque du Soleil — you really have to see it to believe it. They’ve done a fantastic job. There’s probably a quarter-million dollars worth of sets for our show.”

The surreal world of “Alice in Wonderful” lends itself to imaginative designs, especially in the masks its characters wear.

“The masks are truly incredible as well,” Karkar said.

All that imagination is one of the reasons the production has become the company’s all-time favorite. And while this is the second time they’re performing it, it is also one of the most popular shows they’ve ever done.

“We gear it for everybody — maybe someone who saw a ballet and didn’t think they liked it to those who’ve never seen a ballet,” Karkar said. “I’ve heard boys say ‘I won’t like it’ because it’s a ballet, but this play has a way of changing minds. Kids are on the edge of their seats the whole time — there’s so much to look at.”

A former student at the Joffrey Ballet in New York who worked in Los Angeles as a production coordinator for Warner Bros. and Universal Studios, Karkar says she tries to give it all a Broadway spin.

“I’m like a kid myself — I want to be riveted,” she explained.

But with the average price of a Broadway ticket somewhere between $75 and $125 today, the $6 cost to see the Heider’s “Alice” just might be the bargain of the season.

In addition to the play, a ballet master class will be offered in the Heider Center Dance Studio at 1 p.m. The cost is $10 for a 90-minute master class. For tickets call the box office at 786-1220, ext. 4.

AT A GLANCE