Stepping into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland has never felt more real than at New City Theatre’s latest production. With tea and cupcakes served upon arrival, the audience was immediately immersed in the delightful atmosphere of the Mad Hatter’s tea party, setting the tone for an evening of charm, creativity, and community spirit.
What made this production truly special was its original music. With beautiful, meaningful lyrics written by the young and talented Hannah, the songs added a fresh and emotional depth to the classic tale. A remarkable feat for such a young composer, the music elevated the production and should be an inspiration for young and old theatre makers alike.
Hannah-Jade Keppler’s performance of one of these original songs was a standout—her voice, clear and emotive and captured the emotional core of the story. Equally impressive was the choreography by Tamara Wolf, whose staging brought a dynamic energy to the production and I love how the fourth wall was crossed with the cast venturing into the audience so we could get up close and personal with them!
Among a 16-strong, cohesive cast, it was evident that age was no barrier and I loved how inclusive this theatre company is.
Danielle Ritchie shone in her debut lead role as Alice, delivering her lines with poise and singing her solo with confidence—a significant achievement for any first-time lead. Kayla Short’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter was another highlight, brimming with charisma and comic flair. Her performance of the Mad Hatter’s song was particularly memorable and confidently delivered.
The Queen of Hearts, played with razor-sharp comedic timing by Eloise Keppler was outstanding and when improvisation was required by a mishap on stage – she handled it like a pro, with grace and compassion. Another special mention goes to Summer who played Dinah the cat with incredibly believable physicality and vocality – the level of commitment to character was impressive.
Adding a heartwarming element to the production were the youngest cast members—Yusra, Bisma, and Rayne—whose presence on stage melted the hearts of everyone in the room.
New City Theatre, which has been active since 2013, continues to nurture young talent and foster community. The fact that three founding members are still performing is a testament to the lasting impact this group has had. I’d also like to acknowledge the invaluable work of the many helpers who served food and drinks and supported behind the scenes—a true community effort in every sense.
Perhaps the most remarkable takeaway from Alice in Wonderland was what it says about the capabilities of young people. Given the space, trust, and encouragement, they created something wholly their own—original, ambitious, and utterly delightful. This show wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement: young people are more creative, intelligent, and capable than we often give them credit for.
A resounding success and a beautiful reminder of the power of youth, imagination, and community.
To book tickets to Alice In Wonderland, please visit https://www.taztix.com.au/event/nct/.
