Alice in Wonderland
WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 11 AM
WHERE: Wilkins Theatre, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, on the main campus of Kean University
TICKETS: $15 and can be purchased at the Kean Stage Box Office in Wilkins Theatre, by phone at 908-737-7469 or online at www.keanstage.com
Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s tale, Alice in Wonderland, will be presented in a sensory-inclusive performance that is suitable for all audiences.
Faithful to the madness and lively humor of the original piece, this performance has a unique twist: the setting is no longer a garden but a library full of pop-up books! Each book is then a discovery and a door to the next adventure.
The show is presented by Tout á Trac, a Montreal-based company that believes in theater as a springboard to the imagination. Tout á Trac invites the spectator to rediscover the very simple thing that we find, as a child, in front of a red curtain of theater, around a fire or in the arms of our parents—the bewitching magic of being told a story.
Prepare to be amazed by the ingenious set, which is an homage to reading. In this story, Alice refuses to do her homework. She prefers to play and daydream in her father’s study, where she stumbles across a strange rabbit that nibbles on books. Wanting to stop him from eating the books, she follows him into his rabbit hole. That’s where she discovers Wonderland, a world inhabited by many strange characters: an egg sitting on a wall who is afraid to fall, a philosopher caterpillar, a mad hatter and the queen of a castle of cards who loves to cut off heads. It’s an intriguing universe where the rabbits are always late and where arguments lead to friendship.
This adaptation is filled with surprises that bring the colorful characters to life. Alice rejects her boring reality and invites us to question the world around us, leading us into a universe where anything is possible, a world of our own imagination.
Guests are invited to come early for pre-show crafts in the lobby, where they can create a crown to wear, just like the Queen of Hearts and also decorate a tea cup that they can bring home for their own tea party.
At this performance, Kean Stage will provide a comfortable setting for guests with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Patrons are encouraged to get up and walk, jump, sing and dance; lights will be kept on, although dimmed, throughout the show. The sound levels will be consistent and at a lower volume and a quiet room will be available for those who become overwhelmed or need a break.
“Kean Stage has designed a program of sensory-friendly performances that are inclusive, sensitive to individuals with special needs and truly unique,” said Ellen Hedden, clinical development coordinator for Kean University’s School of Communication Disorders and Deafness. “By providing a truly ‘no judgment’ atmosphere, families can expect that shows labeled sensory-friendly will accommodate those with sensitivity to light, sound and crowded theater seating. Collaboration with speech/language pathologists at Kean’s Nathan Weiss Graduate School, as well as hard work, research and dedication, have all combined to make Kean Stage a welcoming place for all.”
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six undergraduate colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic subjects. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers six doctoral degree programs and more than 80 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
ABOUT KEAN STAGE
Kean Stage at Kean University educates, entertains and challenges audiences by presenting high-quality programs that reflect the diversity of the region and of the arts. These cultural offerings complement the intellectual life of the classroom for our students, increase opportunities for community engagement, and provide affordable access to the arts for New Jersey residents. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy a wide range of professional theatre, Broadway tours, dance performances, concerts, international films and family-friendly shows. In addition, Kean Stage encourages University students to attend events, and provides several opportunities to explore the performing arts through master classes, workshops, lectures, and employment opportunities as ushers, backstage technicians and box office staff. Visit www.keanstage.com.
