Characters of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ dance through story in ballet performance

Marking its 44th year, the Northwest Ballet Company brings “Alice in Wonderland” to the stage of the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts. 

Characters include the White Rabbit, Smoking Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Sleepy Dormouse, Playing Cards, King and Queen of Hearts, the Tweedles, and of course, Alice herself. Performances are May 11 and 12.

Northwest Ballet Company Director Marisa Roth is excited to bring such a fun, colorful, entertaining show to the theater for Mother's Day weekend.  

"It's been such an energetic couple of months of rehearsals at our Dance Art Center studio in Kalispell,” she said. “This is an amazing show that is so fun to dance with all its merry choreography, bright costumes, wacky props, colorful sets, and an eclectic soundtrack. I'm sure the audience will enjoy their time with us just as much as we will as we dance for them."

England's Charles Lutwidge Dodgson first penned "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" as per Alice Liddell's request, unveiling the manuscript to her in November of 1864.  In November of 1865 the first book came out in print, by that author now known as Lewis Carroll, and the story has been thriving ever since. Familiar lines like the Caterpillar's, "Who are you?", the Hatter's, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?", the Queen's "Off with their heads!" are familiar to most.

Glacier High School Senior and Northwest Ballet Company soloist Anastazia Loveless will dance her final show with the company in the role of the Caterpillar. 

"The Northwest Ballet Company has given me so many opportunities throughout the years,” she said. “Not only that, but it has also provided me with such a good community, and I have so many great memories and have met so many amazing people."

Reserved seating tickets for the Northwest Ballet Company's event are available online at www.northwestballet.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NWB.Co. 

Performances are Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, at 4:00 p.m.  Alice's Parade will follow the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Ticket prices are $23 for adults, and $15 for children (12 and under). On show days, tickets will be available at the Bigfork Center's box office, 526 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, one hour before the performances start. 

For more information, call the Northwest Ballet at (406)755-0760, e-mail info@northwestballet.com, or visit www.northwestballet.com.

    Northwest Ballet Company principal Savanah Brewer as the Queen of Hearts and Northwest Ballet Company guest Malachi Bennetts as the King of Hearts. (Photo courtesy of Digital Montana Photography)
  

    Northwest Ballet Company soloist Anastazia Loveless as the Caterpillar. (Photo courtesy of Digital Montana Photography)
  

    Northwest Ballet Company demi soloist Marygrace Knuffke as the Cheshire Cat. (Photo courtesy of Digital Montana Photography)