Steampunk in Wonderland

Alice was just falling down the hole when I finally found my way to Desert Rose Theatre, which performs in the Power Square Mall in Mesa. A pair of gentlemen dressed in long black coats and bowler hats held Alice’s outstretched arms as she made her imaginary descent, landing on the floor that quickly gave rise to Wonderland.

Audience members were scattered throughout ten rows of folding chairs, each with a red pad to cushion back or bottomside, in a space that’d conjure images of the one-time Chyro Arts venue in Scottsdale if couches filled the room instead. Next time I’m opting for a front row seat so I can enjoy a completely unobstructed view.

Kelly Turner rocks the role of Alice in her Desert Rose Theatre debut. Turner’s command of character and dialogue are the linchpin of this show, and I’d have been rapt throughout had other characters never graced the stage. Musical takes on the “Alice in Wonderland” tale sometimes lose the story amidst all the song and dance. But Desert Rose Theatre puts story front and center.

Desert Rose Theatre performs “Alice in Wonderland” in Mesa through Nov. 3

Their “Alice in Wonderland” is a Katherine Stewart adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s  famous work about the little girl whose world gets turned upside down during a dream that features time with animals who talk and sip tea. At every turn, Alice hears someone asking, “Who are you?” Potions and powerful mushrooms give her the chance to become lesser or greater, but she’s not entirely sure which choice to make.

Carroll’s musings on identity and human nature are aptly captured and conveyed in this 90-minute play directed by Stewart. Set design by Jennifer Shoemaker features everything from tinsel, mirrors and gears to accordian-style tubing with a vaccum cleaner vibe. Costume design by Stewart nails steampunk style with goggles, feathers, antlers, fingerless gloves, fur collars and a nifty assortment of headgear.

Despite confessing a disdain for cats, Kellen Garner imbues The Cheshire Cat with polished playfulness — complete with furballs. Carson Saline’s The White Rabbit is equally delightful. Richard Wells does The Caterpillar proud wearing a bright red Shriners hat, and the Tweedle twins are outrageously funny armed with matching umbrellas. Tess Jenkins is Tweedledee and Ryan Janko is Tweedledum.

The cast also includes Dave Edmunds (The March Hare), Christopher Ellis (The King of Hearts), Joshua Scott Hunt (The Hatter), Diane Senffner (Queen of Hearts), Faith Willman (Kitty, Knave of Hearts) and Brittany Woodbury The Dormouse). Sound design is by Stewart. Rosa Cluff Gates is stage manager, and Christina Tibbetts is assistant stage manager. Jon Hoose is house manager.

Together they’ve created a production of “Alice in Wonderland” that leaves room to really reflect on Carroll’s observations. If you don’t think, you shouldn’t talk. We’re all torn between adventure and familiarity. You always have more than nothing. We’d all be queens if bossiness conveyed royalty.

Throw in a hookha, laser pointer and hot pink flamingos, and you’ve got a steampunk show that’s oddly electrifying.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to enjoy an introduction to steampunk art, music and theater from the PBS Arts “Off Book” series. And stay tuned for “Alice” photos…

Coming up: A daughter living with doubt

Comicon meets creativity

A quick review of “signature events” for this year’s Phoenix Comicon reveals the creative underpinnings of folks who do the geek. Think “Bleeding Cool Fan Awards” (Fri, May 25), “Brain Eating Contest” (Sat, May 26) and “Dr. Who Party Like a Time Lord” (Fri, May 25). I’m told that middle one involves JELL-O®, so not to worry that someone might be bent on sucking your brains out.

I’m most smitten with Comicon activities that draw on arts and culture, like the “Charity Art Auction” featuring chances to bid on original art, comic pages and sketches from Comicon artists. This baby supports “Kids Need to Read” and takes place at 6pm on Sat, May 26.

“Kids Need to Read” has another friend in the “Geek Prom” charity event sponsored by Bookmans, scheduled for 8pm that same evening in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. Tickets are $20 onsite, and all proceeds to go “Kids Need to Read” — a nonprofit offering “unique and engaging literacy programs.”

More creativity inspired by Bookmans and Phoenix Comicon 2012.

Last year’s prom, also generously supported by Bookmans, earned $11,560 for the organization, and additional fundraisers held at Comicon Phoenix 2011 raised another $6,595. This is the third year Phoenix Comicon has welcomed “Kids Need to Read” as its featured charity.

“Kids Need to Read” seeks to increase literacy skills and reduce dropout rates among “disadvantaged adolescents” with diverse tools including e-books, multimedia games, literature circles and “curricula linking English language arts classes to science, math and social studies classes.”

Turns out there’s another little something for geeks who dance — a “Steampunk Ball” scheduled for 6pm on Fri, May 25. If you’re mystified by all things steampunk, just talk with the nearest theater kid. Or spend some time online with a PBS piece called “Off Book: Steampunk.”

If you’re a first-timer not sure what to expect at Comicon, I’ve got a quick rundown. Think poker tournament, fashion show, anime tea party, concert, comedy roast, bananas, sci-fi party, geek speed dating, costumes and zombies. Lots and lots of zombies. Also several “sketch-offs” featuring artists drawing works inspired by audience suggestions. Think you yell it, they draw it. Don’t try this at home.

Click here for more information on Phoenix Comicon 2012.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to read J. Frater’s “Top Ten Museums for Geeks” — and save the date (Oct. 11-14) for New York Comic Con 2012.

Coming up: Mischief with metal, Graphic novel tells Anne Frank story