On April 12 and 13, 2025, The Wayne Theatre presents Alice By Heart, with performances on April 12 at 7:00 PM and April 13 at 2:00 PM.

This creative reimagining of the classic Wonderland tale unfolds in the midst of the World War II London Blitz, where two friends, Alice and Alfred, discover how imagination can help them cope with hardship, loss, and the uncertainty of the future.

The entire production features the talented Studio Wayne students, whose energy and dedication bring this moving story to life.

A Glimpse of the Show

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As the Wayne Theatre’s official synopsis describes:

“When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.”

Insight from Director Corey Holmes

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Corey Holmes, Alice By Heart Director, sees a unique resonance between the show’s wartime setting and the challenges young people face today. “The characters in this story are living in the London underground, unsure what the future holds. That’s a universal feeling…especially for younger generations. They connected with the show’s themes so naturally.”

Holmes reveals that, at its core, Alice By Heart also deals with learning to grieve.

“The characters are teaching Alice how to process the impending loss of her dear friend. It’s a central piece of the story.”

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The Studio Wayne Experience

The musical’s cast, drawn entirely from Studio Wayne, couldn’t be more committed. “These kids are deeply invested,” Holmes says. “They’re empathetic, intuitive, and unafraid to experiment. The culture we’ve built encourages them to jump into these quirky, imaginative roles without worrying about looking silly.”

Holmes appreciates the cast’s professionalism both on and off the stage. “They’re polite and kind, and then the moment the music starts, they transform into these ‘Wonderland’ characters with no hesitation. It’s been a joy to direct them.”

Don’t Miss the Magic

Alice By Heart highlights the power of imagination in adversity and invites us to celebrate love, loss, and resilience. For more information on showtimes and to purchase tickets, visit:
www.waynetheatre.org/events/alice-by-heart

To learn more about upcoming events at the Wayne Theatre, visit:
 www.waynetheatre.org

PHOTO CREDIT: Joshua Donohue