Being the first high school to ever put on a production of a show is no easy feat, but Enloe’s theater department steps up to the challenge: this spring, Enloe will perform Wonderland, a musical based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” The show is a modern retelling of the classic tale, following the main character Alice as she navigates the strange and mysterious world of Wonderland as she attempts to reconcile with her daughter and rediscover her imagination as a children’s book author.

The musical will be the fifth production of the show in the world, offering lots of creative freedom to the actors. The writers have given Enloe the opportunity to make changes to the script, combine aspects from the different versions of the show, and even write in a new scene for a special song they’ve provided. It will be a production that, literally, has never been done before. Enloe gets to create this show, and that’s something both the actors and audience can enjoy and appreciate. 

The show encompasses a wide range of musical styles, from the jazzy “Advice from a Caterpillar” to the classic musical theatre style song “Together”. One thing all the musical numbers have in common is that they’re insanely catchy!

The creative liberty that comes with being the first high school to perform this show means that Enloe’s theater department can adapt the show to best fit their ensemble. They’ve been combining pieces of the songs from the Broadway, Tampa, and UK versions. They’re also adding a song that originally debuted in the UK Tour of the show, and writing a scene to go with it. On top of that, in addition to an already intricate set, lighting, and paint design, they will be creating full stage projections for various parts of the show. Enloe is shaping the show for their ensemble and high schoolers as a whole. 

With a show so complicated, there’s no doubt that the cast is working very hard to bring this show to fruition. Wonderland will show March 18-21 at 7pm, with Chloe Calhoun, Malcolm Vaughn, and Liyana Falvey in the lead roles. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased here. For updates on the show, be sure to follow @wonderlandenloe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.