Down a Rabbit Hole: Students Perform Alice in Wonderland

Chuckles of laughter erupts throughout the audience as the white rabbit scurries on stage trembling with fright at the fear of being late. On April 24, the CVHS intermediate drama department performed “Alice In Wonderland,” the beloved children’s tale. As the curtains closed concluding their final night, the actors rushed out to celebrate with their loved ones and each other.

“It was so much and it was so nice to see all our hard work pay off. It was also cool because the audience was very interactive,” commented junior Elena Robuchon, who played Humpty Dumpty and Tweedle Dum.

Throughout the week, the students performed three shows. Additionally, two of those shows were during the fifth period, when students came in during lunch to get ready and prepare. Hundreds of elementary school students arrived from schools all over Castro Valley to watch the drama students perform. They witnessed Alice as she explored the various oddities of Wonderland. Laughter was heavy as the duchess rapped a song with her pet pig, Humpty Dumpty tumbled off the wall, and the ginormous figures of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum bumbled on the stage.

Furthermore, this show was heavily student-run. Costumes ranged from items bought online to numerous props from either student’s homes or the school’s costume closet.

Additionally, students all gathered to discuss the interpretation and almost everyone contributed. Students put their own spin and flourish onto each of their characters. Student teacher Amber Gee was a coordinator, but unfortunately had to leave a week before the final show. She entrusted a couple of students with the role of student director. Despite the time crunch, everyone worked together to pull it off.

“It was challenging learning the ropes since it was my first time directing but it was really rewarding to hear the kids laughing and seeing them enjoying the production!” commented junior Rose Davis, who was one of the student directors.