by Mary Ellen Graybill  

A few sprinkles of rain didn’t stop Janet Wood’s adapted production of Alice in Wonderland in the park this past weekend! A charming and colorful parade of famed characters portrayed by talented Columbia High students, under the direction of costumer, Janet Wood, created a magical show.

Photographs by Mary Ellen Graybill

The classic children’s production, universally recognized as a whimsical Walt Disney musical animation film, captured the audience in the park, on the green grass with the towering trees providing an umbrella for the audience sitting on lawn chairs and blankets. Lewis Carroll’s story ofAlice, played perfectly by Gabrielle Kashner, portrayed the adventures of Alice who has fallen down a rabbit hole. The rabbit, played by Micah Kreider, leads Alice through the many escapades with the various characters, and finally a meeting with the Queen of Hearts (played by Amanda Shenberger).  

The poetry of the Walrus and the Carpenter recited by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (played by Jessica and Laura Reesor) was a highlight. Everyone enjoyed the performances of the Mad Hatter, and all the enthusiastic performers who shared their gifts with citizens and visitors to the town park in historic Columbia, Pennsylvania.  

Funding for the production was made possible thanks to the contributions of area businesses such as Kleen Rite, Old Columbia Public Grounds Company, the Columbia/Wrightsville Lions Club, St.John’sEvangelicalChurch and Regalia Costumers.  

Crew included Kim Dolly, Stage Manager; Vocal Coach, Mitch Cooper; Movement Coach, Laura Deets, and many props, sets and wardrobe members. Alice understudy, Laura Deets performed as Mouse and also Rose.  

In addition to those already mentioned above, the following cast should take a bow:

Dodo, played by Gabriella Veneziano; Lory, played by Faleisha Veneziano; Alice’s Sister, Gryphon, played by Megan Fehr; Mock Turtle played by  Tyler Garrison; Red Queen played by Jazz Preston; Duchess and Queen of Hearts played by Amanda Shenberger; Caterpillar, Humpty Dumpty played by Mitch Cooper; Fish Footman, Three of Hearts, played by KaBrinna Splain; Fish Footman played by Janette Musser; Frog Footman, Lily played by Jess Kuhns; Cook, Violet, played by Donna Manual; Cheshire Cat, Six of Hearts played by Kelsey Ulrich; Mad Hatter played by Sara Burke; March Hare played by Patrick Manuel; Dormouse played by Haley Lutz; Daisy, Lamb played by Krystal Fritz; Daisy, Monkey played by Darren Brandt; Knave of Hearts played by Phil Brandt; King of Hearts played by Dave Kreiser; White Queen played by Jeanne Cooper, and last but not least, Eagle, Six of Hearts, and the Red Knight, played by Kyle Fritz.