'Alice in Wonderland' staged by children for children

Travel down the rabbit hole with Wild Horse Children's Theater for "Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr.", which will create family magic the next three weekends at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

The colorful play, condensed and adapted for children by Music Theater International, features a cast of about 82 young thespians from the community. It is a celebration of Lewis Carol's book, originally published 175 years ago, and includes elements of both the familiar Disney animated film as well as the more modern off-kilter movie by Tim Burton.

The goal of Wild Horse productions is to "bring theater arts and education together with having fun and learning in he show," said Director Carol Scott. Students often go on to bigger parts in later productions. "We just make sure that it's a show that we can utilize all the talent we have. We don't turn anyone away."

"Alice in Wonderland, Jr." especially fits the goals of the company.

"Almost all the roles are feature roles," Scott said. "There are so many wonderful characters in the show - the unbirthday party with the Mad Hatter and March Hare is fantastic. We have some special effects that we're using. Like when Alice falls down the rabbit hole, we have special effects that look like she's falling down the rabbit hole. ... Every scene is a highlight in this show."

And the costumes, created by Lynn Libby, are "fantastical," she added.

Adding to the magic is audience participation.

Scott said that three children from the audience will be selected to participate in the "Unbirthday Party" scene.

"We'll pick them at intermission and coach them on what to do in the scene. So even kids who aren't in our show get to be part of it."

Show dates for "Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr." are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 10, 11, 17; and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 11, 12, 18.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $ 5 ages 4-12. Children 3 and under are free if accompanied by and adult and do not occupy a seat. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.wildhorsetheater.com or call the Wild Horse office at 775-887-0438.