The Holy Redeemer Drama Department’s main stage productions became an annual ‘not-to-miss’ event featuring some outstanding acting and technical work from the very talented cast and crews. Then the COVID pandemic came and turned things upside down. The Drama Program was able to pull off two productions last year with one being virtual and the other being outside. And now, they are set to return to the Red Brick for the first time since 2019 this December with a brand new production.
“The show is Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There,” says Drama Teacher Peter Taylor. “It is actually a sequel to Alice in Wonderland, a show we performed in 2004. That said, no knowledge of that show is needed to enjoy this one. And trust me, audiences are in for a treat!”
The play is based on the Lewis Carroll novel and tells the story of young Alice (played by grade 12 student Cassie Pilon) who inadvertently travels through a mirror into the world of Wonderland. This time, she must play a game of chess in order to return home. Along the way, she meets the most curious of characters including the Red Queen (Shaelynn Dozorec), White Queen (Aisha Bartolay), Humpty Dumpty (Delaney Kuilboer), and Tweedledum (Zac Greiner) and Tweedledee (Hayden Greiner).
“I’ve been a part of this program since grade 7,” says Pilon who is excited to be taking on her first lead role. “I know this part will be a lot of work, but I’m ready for it. And for it to happen in my grade 12 year is even better.”
The show is currently in rehearsals and will perform from November 30th to December 3rd at the Red Brick. “All of our productions have performed at the Red Brick from 2003 to 2019,” says Taylor. “It’s kind of like a home-away-from-home for our Drama Family, and we are excited to be going back.” Tickets will go on sale in early November.
Over 40 grade 7 to 12 students will be taking part in the play, which is a considerable portion of the 300 students enrolled at HRH. Eleven of those students will be making their HRH theatrical debuts. “We’re always excited when we have newcomers join our program,” says Taylor. “Each year, we always say goodbye to our grade 12’s and people ask, how will you replace them? Well, the next big actors have arrived!”
For now, the cast and crew continue their preparations and are excited to have a live audience see what they can do. And they all want to say, “We look forward to seeing you at the show!”