review-Alice in One-Hit Wonderland

Review

CRITIC'S PICK

Alice in One-Hit Wonderland 2,

Through the Looking Glass

Falcon Theatre

directed by Matt Walker

through October 12

A guaranteed gift: the Troubies always lift my spirits, regardless of whether the object of their rambunctious satire is Shakespeare or in this case Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. They're part circus, part theatre, part TV, part concert, part gymnastics - there's something for everyone. The music here consists of supposed one hit wonders made famous by a variety of artists, and the plot of Alice involves Alice Nelson of The Brady Bunch fame, bored with her domestic life, plunging through the looking glass in search of a brand new existence. Who better to play Alice than the brilliant, rubber-faced comic actress Beth Kennedy! She has such fun in this role and playing opposite Matt Walker (director, co-conspirator and fellow thespian). Their chemistry together is electric: akin to the fireworks of Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman.

This play, like all of the Troubies' work simply ROCKS and, for me, at least, will remain one of their best. I love them all, but there is something special about this one: all the ingredients come together perfectly, like a scrumptious soufle! The Wonderland set is extra colorful, as well as all those funky characters; in fact, no acid trip could produce a more jubilant ride. Loved the Red Queen (terrific Lisa Valenzuela with the belting voice), Jabberwocky, Humpty Dumpty (especially the gross aftermath of his fall) and the flying Nat Funicello, among others.

This is Part 2 of Alice. The plot of the first with a diverse mix of fairy tale characters opens the show. Walker serves as narrator Lewis Carroll, observing and making changes in the book as the story unfolds, and jumps in to play Mike Brady and others. Pretentious, of course! Silly, you got it! Is everybody happy onstage and off? That's a unanimous whoopeeee!

Five stars.