Today@Sam Article

Nicolay Dance Works Presents ‘A Wynne Home Alice’

April 29, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Haney

Alice

"A Wynne Home Alice" has been relocated to the Gaertner Performance Art Center due to inclement weather.  

The historic Wynne Home Arts Center will transform into the wistful world of Wonderland, May 8-11 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the premiere of “A Wynne Home Alice,” presented and choreographed by Dana Nicolay of Nicolay Dance Works.

Alice 3.jpg2The production features 21 Sam Houston State University dancers whose movements across the Wynne Home grounds, will convey Lewis Carroll’s 1865 dreamlike story of a girl named Alice who fell down a rabbit hole into a world populated by many peculiar characters. 

“My goal is to explore the classic character of the Wynne Home setting to bring the story of Alice in Wonderland to life,” Nicolay said. “I hope that parents and children will come to see the story up close from the inside and that they will enjoy a new, deeper, experience of this classic tale.”

The production promises an immersive experience that allows the audience to move around the grounds and even participate in some of the dancing, as the story carries them to different areas of the yard for various episodes, including 'Advice from a Caterpillar,' 'the Cheshire Cat,' 'Talking Flowers,' 'Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum,' 'the Jabberwock,' 'the Mock Turtle and the Gryphon,' 'A Mad Tea Party' and 'Queen's Croquet Grounds.’

To portray the spectacular nature of the characters, Costume Designer Barry Doss from the department of Dance explored many different theatrical design elements.

Alice Mad Hatter.Square1“Because Nicolay’s production is immersive, and will happen outdoors in the gardens of the Wynne Home, I took my fabrics a step further and decided to use some theatrical textiles such as sequined, lurex crushed panne velvet, and metallic goods so the sunlight will bring a magical effect to the surfaces of the more fantastical characters,” Doss said. “There are also a lot of tiny details that I incorporated specifically for the intimate nature of the immersion experience. Audience members will view the costumes at close range, and I want them to always be surprised at the ‘little discoveries’ they can find in its details, making it fantastical in small, unexpected ways.”

Alice, the White Rabbit, Red Queen, Mad Hatter, March Hare, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum among others, will be represented in the production.

All tickets are $10 at the door or at nicolaydanceworks.com

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu