Theater crew talks about how musicals like ‘Alice by Heart’ come alive, step by step

“Alice By Heart” is a musical set during the London Blitz in World War II. It follows two main characters, Alice Spencer and Alfred Hallam, who are sheltering in a tunnel while bombs are being dropped overhead. They are very close childhood friends who appear to be in love, and Alfred is slowly dying from tuberculosis. 

Alice uses her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll, to help them escape their reality, until a nurse takes her book away. However, she relies on knowing it “by heart,” as she takes Alfred with her on an imaginary adventure through the book aimed at coping with their difficult situation.

I spoke to students from every part of the theater production team to learn what motivated them to join and what brings theater at ARHS to life. Senior Sophie Michel, who played the lead Alice, said she has been doing theatre formally since she was eight years old. Senior Leyeti Ward, who played the Cheshire Cat, has participated in the school musical all four years of high school. Junior Quynh Ly, who was the stage manager for this production, talked about her job.

Senior Eden Polak, who was a choreographer and dancer for the musical, has also been involved in theatre for all four years of high school and began dancing in productions in her sophomore year. Senior Rio Grant-Giraud, who was a student tech director, said they have been helping with the building of the sets, also for all four of their high school years. Senior Mason Cianfrani-Shin, who played the cello in the pit, said that this was his second year playing in the pit in an ARHS production.

Polak said she was very excited about this musical. “It is my senior year, meaning this was my last time getting to work with these people and my last time being on the stage in my high school career,” she said. She also said that she was very excited for the school to do “Alice by Heart” as it is a “very fun and weird plotline.” 

Ward talked about how her excitement for this production stemmed from her love for the role of the Cheshire Cat. “The costume was very fun to wear and had such pretty colors,” she said. She was also excited about working with Michel. 

Michel, meanwhile, loved the whole show. “I love how it gives way to more serious themes and higher stakes in the second act,” she said.

When asked about her job as the stage manager, Ly said she takes attendance during every rehearsal, staying on book in case actors forgot their lines. “Backstage, we have headsets on so that we can communicate with each other from across the stage,” she said. 

Grant-Giraud talked about their role as the student tech director, which included checking if the construction on the set was safe for all of the crew and performers. “I’m typically at school for thirteen hours a day [during productions],” they said.

When asked about her highlights of the show, Michel stated she thought that the production was incredible throughout. She said she liked the first act for its joyful and magical themes, while she also liked the second act for its serious themes combined with the high stakes.

Ward’s highlights of the show were the trial scene and any scene with the Duchess. “And most of all, when Alfred dies,” she said. Polak’s highlight of the show was the choreographing of Brillig Braelig with Mylar Petlier. “It is a super fun and creative scene where we could include a lot of really cool choreography. I also loved how beautiful it was in the end.”

When asked what he learned, Cianfrani-Shin said he learned a lot about flexibility and being spontaneous. “Every show is different, and for this show, I tried to adjust my timing to go with the performers on stage,” he said.

Ly said that she learned a lot, as she does with every show she participates in, and most of all, the importance of promoting the show. “We can put so much work into an amazing musical, but it’s much more fulfilling if people actually come to see it,” she said.

Michel said that her role was an incredible experience. “I’ve learned from it that after you’ve put in all the work at rehearsals and such, the best thing you can do is just surrender to the present moment, have fun, and stop worrying so much,” she said.