(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Fall in love all over again with the timeless story of Alice in Wonderland Jr., presented by the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy from November 22-24, 2024 at Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel. Experience the adventure, imagination and pure fun along with these unforgettable characters, based on the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll and the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland.
When Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all the iconic characters that families have come to love including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts. Memorable songs include “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song” and “Painting the Roses Red,” along with brand-new numbers, including music from the 2010 live-action film.
Among the performers are Kate Pontoriero as Alice, Portia Rogers as White Rabbit, Jade Trotte as Mad Hatter, Jake Ward as March Hare, Sawyer Liv Massey as Queen of Hearts and Benjamin Cassano as King of Hearts.
“Directing and choreographing this production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. has been a wondrous journey with this amazing group of talented young artists,” said Director Justin Christopher Odon. “Following Alice through her journey in Wonderland is one of self-discovery and loving who you are, no matter how ‘different’ you may be. This show is packed with so many catchy songs, fun scenes and iconic characters, but at the heart of it all is discovering who you are and telling the world that you are you and that's what makes you unique. Jump down the rabbit hole and take a journey with us!”
Alice in Wonderland Jr. is produced by APAA director Mary-Kate Schmidt along with Student Assistant Director Julia Monteleone, Dance Captain Emma Lightbody-McAllan and Teaching Assistants Olivia Grausam and Mark Edelstein.
“The academy is undergoing rapid growth, as we have 35 wonderfully dedicated young performers in our production of Alice in Wonderland, twice the amount of our last show, Moana Jr.!” said Schmidt. “As we grow in size, we deepen our impact, reaching more aspiring artists, expanding our programs and creating even greater opportunities for creativity and expression. Our next musical will be Beetlejuice Jr. in April 2025!”
Performances take place Friday, November 22 at 7:00pm; Saturday, November 23 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday, November 24 at 3:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and are available for purchase online. Bell Theater is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, N.J. (Monmouth County) on the ground level.
APAC is also home to the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy (APAA), which offers unique and comprehensive training in dance and theater arts. APAA emphasizes the importance of performance as an essential part of education, ensuring that students gain both practical experience and a deep understanding of the arts. At APAA, we nurture the next generation of performers, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed on stage and beyond.
Housed at the iconic Bell Works complex in Holmdel, Bell Theater is Central New Jersey’s newest home for the arts. With 300 seats and plenty of free parking, the theater offers an electrifying slate of performances that include professional Broadway musicals and plays, concerts, comedy, jazz, and family entertainment. Bell Theater is curated by the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park, one of New Jersey’s leading nonprofit arts organizations supported by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
