CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — You may have seen Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" in movie theaters this year. If you are a fan of falling down the rabbit hole with Alice, then you will want to check out Matthews Playhouse's production of "Alice in Wonderland" on July 23 and July 24.
The production involves puppets and abstract stage set-ups, and Director Robbie Jaeger insists that these added elements set the show apart from others.
Matthews Playhouse, the community theatre in Matthews, N.C., puts on numerous productions and offers performance classes during the school year. Director Robbie Jaeger created the Summer Stage Series this year, and the season includes productions of "Aladdin" and "Alice in Wonderland".
SLIDESHOW: Fall Down The Rabbit Hole with Matthews Playhouse
In the Summer Stage series, performers rehearse during a 2 week summer camp and put on productions. Admission to these summer shows is $5, and camp members have a chance to perform for the community.
It is only the fourth day of rehearsal for the young actors in "Alice in Wonderland", and lines and songs are already memorized. With a cast of 20 people, the actors rehearse scenes and songs daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The first week of rehearsals is dedicated to lines and choreography, and actors quickly become acclimated to props, lights, costumes and puppets during the second week of camp.
Puppeteer Abby Felder is working with Jaeger on the design elements of the show, and feels the puppetry will help the audience comprehend Alice's dreamlike state and imagination.
Some camp members also get a glimpse into the craft of puppetry and stage design. Two camp members work daily with Felder in the build shop to paint and construct pieces of the Cheshire Cat, bread and butterflies, a talking door knob and objects in the rabbit hole.
Felder believes that incorporating puppets into "Alice in Wonderland" is a way for kids to grow as actors.
"When they have objects in their hands it sort of gives them a new kind of confidence… especially for children that are typically more shy. When they work with objects and they're no longer the center of attention it helps them to really blossom," she said.
Tickets for Matthews Playhouse's "Alice in Wonderland" are $5 for Thursday, July 23 at 7 p.m. and Friday, July 24 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.