Monthly Archives: June 2015

We attended our third Encore Stage & Studio show on Sunday and like the previous two performances, we were thoroughly entertained. But before the performance of Alice in Wonderland began, we first attended the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This was a special event held only before the final performance.

To enter the party, we had to go through the rabbit hole, just like how the story begins. This was such a cute idea and Clara got a kick out of crawling through the tunnel.

Then we had the chance to meet Alice along with other characters and join them at the table for tea.

The hat making station was Clara’s favorite part. There were various types of hats to decorate with stickers, feathers, jewels, pom-poms, and ribbon.

There was a curious version of croquet being played by the children, with flamingo mallets and hedgehogs as the balls. We also enjoyed tea treats and drinks appropriately labeled “Eat Me” and “Drink Me”. The tea party was a really fun event and got us in the spirit of wonder before the show started.

We took our seats in the theater and before the show started I read the storyline to Clara:

When curious Alice falls down, down, down the rabbit hole, she discovers the magical world of Wonderland where cats can talk and cards play croquet. But, Alice is sure to miss her birthday party if she can’t convince the Queen of Hearts to let her go! With the help of the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and a whole cast of wacky companions, Alice must unleash the full power of her imagination to find her way home.

The stage was transformed into a bright and fanciful wonderland with cut-outs of flowers, stuffed toadstools, and a house of cards.

courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons

The cast included over thirty young actors and there was so much talent in this group! You can tell they have a passion for acting. My daughter especially loves watching other children perform. She has really enjoyed the act-it-out classes at her preschool and watching Encore’s performances is inspiring her to want to perform on stage.

courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons

courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons

Encore’s performance of Alice in Wonderland has come to an end but I highly recommend attending one of their upcoming shows; you will not be disappointed! Up next is Shrek, showing July 17-26.

Good to Know:

•Ticket prices: $12 adults ($15 for Shrek), $10 children, students, seniors, and military ($12 for Shrek).
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.