Every school year, students audition to be a part of the fall play, and this year’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” is no different. Many tried out for their favorite roles in the beloved story. However, this year’s show is distinctive from those of past years – it is director Mrs. Kate Costello’s own adaptation.

“Alice in Wonderland” is the story of a girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole and discovers a fantasy world where she encounters strange characters and has fascinating adventures. The story originated with the fantasy novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” written by Lewis Carroll in 1865. It has since been adapted multiple times, and most people are familiar with the story. While there are several versions of the classic tale, Mrs. Costello did not consider any of them ideal for the Saint Viator production.

“I read multiple scripts and did not like them as much as what I could do from the original text,” said Mrs. Costello. Faced with a lack of suitable adaptations, she created her own unique retelling of the tale using Carroll’s original books.

“I took most of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ characters and then I added two characters from the ‘Through the Looking Glass’ book, Humpty Dumpty and Tweedledee & Tweedledum.”

The variety of characters are part of what makes this show so special.

“Everyone does different accents, so it’s funny to see all the different accents and personalities and how they all fit together,” said sophomore Alex DiMarco, who plays the role of the March Hare. She said that she likes the different characterizations and how they complement each other.

“I’m looking forward to when it all gets pulled together and we see this amazing show with so many different characters and personalities.”

One of the most popular parts being in the production is the friendly atmosphere and sense of community among the cast, crew, and production staff. The friendships formed are part of what the actors and actresses say makes the production a fun and memorable experience and draw many students to try out each year.

“This was my first time in the fall play, but so far the best part is just being with a great group of people” said junior Clare Camblin, who plays the role of the Cheshire Cat.

“My favorite part is getting to become someone else, and getting to have fun with your friends and the character you’re playing,” said DiMarco.

Mrs. Costello said her favorite part is working with the students. While coming back to school after the end of summer vacation can be rough, she said working with the students makes it all worthwhile.

“Alice in Wonderland” contains not only a colorful variety of characters, but also complex sets, lighting, and special effects. Tech crew gathers on Thursdays and Saturdays to build sets and plan lighting, sounds, props, and other important technical aspects. They also work behind the scenes during the shows. This year, they plan to build an artistic set for the production.

“This year’s set is more lighting and sound based and more visually stunning, while the set from last year’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You” was more physically there,” said junior MeiRose Jedziniak, a member of tech crew. She said that building sets and working backstage requires cooperation with other crew members.

“It’s a collaborative effort. You’re a team to make the show run smoothly,” said Jedziniak.

She said while it can be stressful at times, being backstage with friends makes tech crew a fun and rewarding experience, and the community is one of her favorite parts about being involved in school productions.

“We tell a lot of jokes backstage. We keep ourselves entertained. We also talk with the actors and connect with them. Everyone is involved.”

“You have quality friendships with people. Not to be cliché, but we are a family” said Jedziniak. Since tech crew consists of a small group of people, they bond backstage and easily become close with one another.

“You spend your Thursdays and Saturdays together, and it makes you connect with each other.” It is these connections and friendships that both cast and crew say they love about participating in the show.

“Alice in Wonderland” runs from October 26 through 29, with a grade school benefit performance on October 25.