Join ABC Players Jr. for a whimsical journey down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland JR. at the historic Stuart’s Opera House from Dec. 6-8. The Friday, Dec. 6 performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. There will be two performances on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m.

Alice in Wonderland JR. follows the journey of young Alice who finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down and where she must find her way home, as well as find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.

Adapted from the classic Disney animated film and the Lewis Carroll stories, the show features Disney favorites such as I’m Late, The Unbirthday Song, and Painting the Roses Red along with brand-new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film.

Although the story and production are of fantastical feats, one might argue that the true fantastical feat is the growth ABC Players Jr. has seen over the course of 10 years.

Each year, the number of young actors auditioning and wanting to be part of the productions has grown, with this year having 57 kids in total on stage. In addition to attracting new performers, the retention of kids who have been with the organization since they first started producing Jr. shows has been incredible, with seven seniors performing in their last Jr. show before graduating.

“Being a part of ABC Players has been such an important part of my life for so many years,” said Eden Radcliff, who plays Alice and has been part of the Jr. productions for the past 10 years. “It feels weird to think that I’m graduating but this show feels like a perfect show to end this chapter. I’m so grateful for all the memories, friendships and lessons I’ve gained here, and I’ll carry them with me wherever I go next.”

The abundance of participation is a testament to the welcoming, fun and educational environment that directors Jodi MacNeal and Jenn Fritchley bring into the theater. Their focus on creativity, hard work, community and education is at the center of each show and continues to not only bring the kids back, but also the copious number of parents and community volunteers involved.

“Doing a show like this with a cast this size is a lot of work but super rewarding,” said MacNeal, co-director and music director. “It provides an opportunity to mentor 57 young lives and feels amazing to watch each child grow in their skills both on and off stage. We are fortunate to be able to produce shows that allow the kids to be creative and perfect their craft through storytelling, music and creative design. We have an amazing group of kids with so much talent and I am proud of them and what we are doing.”

“The youth in our community is incredible. They are so talented and are such a complete joy to work with,” said Fritchley, co-director and choreographer. “Watching them grow up on and off the stage is a complete honor. Jodi and I started this youth program over 10 years ago and it has grown tremendously over the years, and we could not be any happier about that. You will be blown away. Come out and support these amazing kids.”

The talented cast includes Eden Radcliff, Lili Ray, Greer Tullett, Kate Legar, Harmony Radcliff, Jay Manley, Charlotte Crawford, Evie Valentine, Natalie Preston, Leo Grose March, Amelia Johnston, Addie McGarry, Leah Swatzel, Jozlyn Bew, Eli Dantas-Biot, Lucy Dodd, Briella Shay, Lillian Morar, Jordyn Higgins, Anna Brandeberry, Charlie Schwallie-d’Tar, Mikaela Higgins, Eliza Kopenski, Piper Smeck, Delaney Cochran, Leah Drogula, Sadie Boreman, Lina Berger, Jojo Bew, Audrey Morar, Millie Tullett, Evelyn Powers, Layla Wymer, Rosalie Remnant, Katya Dobrynin, Regan James, Daisy Gartin, Lucia Carver Daniels, Hadley Bell, Alice Riggins, Aubrey Callahan, Stella Bell, Calvin Epley, Quinn Duquette, Jude Haviland Colagiovanni, Lochlin Hue Seurkamp, Nate Hockman, Luke Hashman, Nora Butler, Marie Seurkamp, Eden Andrews, Isabelle Dellinger, Clement Liu, Winston Schwallie-d’Tar, Edwin Young-Ihling, Virginia Valentine and Violet Carver Daniels.

Assisting MacNeal and Fritchley in bringing this show to life include Heather Harmon, Diana Ray, Tara Legar, Bette Morar, Megan Cochran, Jason Morosko, Celeste Parsons, Jim Parsons, Melissa Maccabee, Brittan Posey, Andrea Hashman-Thompson, Adeline Remnant, Zach Hockman, Gabrielle Johnston, Alexis Parsons, Jan McGarry, Sam Pelham, Kevin Kunz, William Morosko, Mike Gimmer, Sean Johnson and Todd Coogan, among many others.

“We could not do a show of this size without teams of people,” MacNeal added. “ABC Players is a volunteer organization with many talented folks helping in every area to make theater magic. We ask for help and the volunteers and parents are there to help. We are also grateful for the technical support at Stuart’s Opera House and a theater to call home.”

The beloved production has music and lyrics by Danny Elfman, Sammy Fain, Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace, Cy Coben, Michael Abbott, Sarah Weeks, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston. Music was adapted and arranged, with additional music and lyrics by Bryan Louiselle. Additional arrangements and orchestrations are by Patrick Sulken, with the book and additional lyrics by David Simpatico.

Tickets are $15 for an adult and $11 for a child and are available online here or at the door prior to the show.

Alice in Wonderland JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

For more information about the ABC Players and upcoming productions, visit http://abcplayers.org/.