Student creativity to bring ‘Wonderland’ to life
Nikki McPheron
Mesa Legend
Mesa Community College Theatre is a constant working machine; they put on award winning performances four times each year. The MCC Theatre will tour the Mesa Public School District, and open “Alice in Wonderland” at the MCC Theatre on Thursday, October 16. The play, written by Lewis C. Carroll and adapted and under the direction of Jordan Deffenbaugh, will highlight the costume and puppet creations of Ms. Mallory Prucha, along with several of her students.
In an interview with Ms. Prucha, she stated, “The design concept is steampunk, as the play will be celebrating the 150th anniversary since its original publication by Lewis C. Carroll; seeing that this approach bridges both the past and present.” Ms. Prucha continued, “Steam punk combines an industrial revolution sense with new elements crafted from old found objects, a wild-west feeling.
Since steam punk contains many dark and sometimes sexy features, the costuming department had to find a way to make this performance more kid friendly. Therefore, they chose to take on the task of having all the mythical and magical creatures be puppets with lighter and brighter colors. The actors and puppeteers will be wearing steam punk outfits. Ms. Prucha decided to go lighter in this aspect so they would blend in with the background while acting alongside the “traditional” people actors.
Ms. Prucha then explained that all of the puppets will operate differently; some are a Bunraku traditional Japanese style, which means they have no articulation and rely completely on the actors physicality to bring them to life. Some of the other puppets are controlled with hands attached to sticks and mouth, while others will be shadow puppets.
Samantha Hanna, one of the actors, stated, “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be working with a puppet on stage. This is my first time, and it’s going to be interesting to take on a puppet and incorporate movement. I cannot wait to take on the life of the character and put physicality in the puppet and also my own body to tell this exciting story. It will be a challenge, but I am very grateful to be able to have the opportunity!”
MCC theatre invites everyone to come to the performance starring Ausette Anderies, Laurence Lilagan, Victoria Strode, Chance Bond, Samantha Hanna, Keith Sparbanie, Dolores Mendoza, Gina Hoyt, Raijene Ayme, Kaidi Phillips, and Xavier Morris. Evening performances will be Oct. 16, 17, 22, and 23 at 7 p.m., while matinee performances will be held Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m.
