By Jeff Murphy,
June 10, 2022
ŷƵ students Jace Nielsen, left, and Katie Marshall entertain
a local audience during the presentation of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland,"
the summer touring children's play presented by Central Missouri Repertory Theatre.
(Photo by Jack McClain Circle M Films, LLC)
WARRENSBURG, MO – Central Missouri Repertory Theatre received a Missouri Arts Council
Express Grant for its recent production of “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
and adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller. The annual children’s tour recently wrapped
up its season after performing free public performances at several sites in Central
Missouri.
“Alice in Wonderland” was directed by Mary Trotter, assistant professor of theatre
in the Division of Theatre and Dance at the ŷƵ. In late
may and early June, the production was presented at the Farris Theatre in Richmond;
James L. Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus in Warrensburg; Camp Wonderland at Rocky
Mount; Legacy Park Amphitheater in Lee’s Summit; Carrollton Elementary School in Carrollton;
Lexington Middle School in Lexington; and Henry Elementary School in Clinton. An
estimated 1,000 children and adults got to see the play throughout its seven-performance
run.
Central Missouri Repertory Theatre’s mission is to provide applicable professional
experiences for university students while serving area communities by creating accessible
and inclusive theatrical productions for all. By enabling youth to experience the
joys of theatre early in their lives, it is the hope that children will establish
a lifelong relationship with theatre and creative arts as they discover the power
of both to transform, entertain, inspire, and create positive change in the world.
The recent Central Missouri Repertory production included: Katie Marshall as Alice
and Jace Nielsen as Lewis Carroll/The White Rabbit/Caterpillar/Pigeon/Cheshire Cat/Mad
Hatter/Gardener/Queen of Hearts. Ashley Miller-Scully served as the production manager/producer;
Ansley Walker, stage manager; Seth Holt, scenic/props designer/technical director;
Hollie Neumann, costume/hair/makeup designer; and Mallory Griffin, public relations/social
media manager.
“Alice in Wonderland” was made possible through financial support from the Missouri
Arts Council; the Gus and Susie Wetzel Family Foundation; Patricia Burton; Jerry W.
Franklin, CCIM;, Carroll County Arts Council; and various community school districts.
Central Missouri Repertory Theatre wishes to thank these sponsors for their support
in providing the opportunity to continue its 38th year of bringing children’s theatre
productions to the youth of West-Central Missouri.