Dancing through Wonderland
The Washington Ballet's forthcoming ''Alice'' is both a massive production and a massive hit
”It’s a big one,” says Septime Webre, ”a really loud, wild dream.”
The artistic director of the Washington Ballet isn’t joking about the brand-new production Alice (in Wonderland), which is his original conception, featuring his choreography. Webre has enlisted the Washington Ballet’s full ensemble of 40 adult dancers, as well as 100 children starring in two mixed repertory programs.
Alice
(Photo by Steve Vaccariello)
But to make it even bigger and wilder, Webre tapped designer Liz Vandal, who’s most recently worked for Cirque du Soleil, to create costumes both chic and fantastical. Designer Eric Van Wyk has also heightened the experience with a puppet with a 24-foot wingspan operated by seven puppeteers. And composer Matthew Pierce has developed a slightly whimsical chamber orchestra score for nine string players and two percussionists.
The response has been big and wild, as well. ”There’s almost not a ticket to be had,” Webre says. ”It’s already broken all records of all box office sales of any ballet the Washington Ballet has ever produced except for The Nutcracker.”
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
