TRURO - Local youth will bring the characters of Alice in Wonderland to life next week with a production through the Truro Theatre Society.
"This is the first real production by the Truro Theatre Society, which was started by our MLA (Truro-Bible Hill MLA Lenore Zann)," said 13-year-old Eamon McCarron, who plays the caterpillar in the production.
"It's kind of cool to be a part of it because it is the first one and for all we know the Truro Theatre Society could be really big in 20 years and we could say we were a part of it when."
The production, which runs Sept. 15 and 16 at the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro, is an adaptation based on the 19th century classic novel by Lewis Carroll.
"I've been in a lot of productions - The Wiz, Cinderella at my school and Babes in Arms," said Emily Dennis, 11, who plays both the Queen and Tweedle Dee. "My mom told me about this one so I wanted to be in it. I wasn't expecting to be the Queen."
For both Eamon and Hailey Roberts, acting gives them a chance to be someone they're not.
"I really wanted to gain acting experience," said Eamon. "I've been in many plays and thought this would be a good one to have under my belt. I like acting because I can become someone else. I can turn into someone else and express myself differently. It's a great experience and helps you grow as a person."
Hailey, who plays Little Alice, was a little hesitant at first.
"I didn't know anyone here but I've met a lot of nice people," said the 11-year-old from Debert. "I wanted to be a part of it because I like to get up on stage in front of people."
Originally Hailey wanted to be cast as the Queen, however she's happy she got the part she did.
"I really like being Little Alice," she said.
While the production gives 18 youth and one adult a chance to do what they love, it's also giving Darlene Blair and Stephanie MacNeil an opportunity to try their hand at directing.
The two are sharing the duties and are making it a collaboration with the children.
"We want to make that sort of our mission statement," said Blair. "We are doing this in collaboration with the kids. They're creative and we have used so many of their suggestions and ideas. It's a remarkable experience not just for us, but for them."
By working with the kids, the women said it expands the theatre society's concept.
"For anyone that is even interested in theatre, this is for them because it's a chance for them to learn - whether they want to act or they want to direct," said MacNeil.
Along with their ideas, the two directors told the actors they could choose their own costumes.
"That's why, for example, our walrus has the costume they do - because they would feel comfortable playing a walrus in that costume rather than us dictate what they would wear," said Blair.
Tickets for Alice in Wonderland are $15 and can be purchased at the Marigold Cultural Centre.
rtetanish@trurodaily.com
If you go
WHAT: Alice in Wonderland, an adaptation based on the book by Lewis Carroll
WHO: Truro Theatre Society
WHEN: Sept. 15 and 16, 7 p.m. both nights and 2 p.m. on Sept. 15
WHERE: Marigold Cultural Centre, Prince Street, Truro
HOW MUCH: $15 - tickets are available at the Marigold
