HODGDON, Maine — The stage of Mill Pond School came alive Friday and Saturday as the SAD 70 After-School Program presented “Alice in Wonderland.”
The play marked the first middle school production in SAD 70 in a number of years and featured a large ensemble cast of more than 40 students giving a rousing production of the popular tale by Lewis Carroll.
Hayden Crowley, left, and Lydie Carter played the King and Queen of Hearts.
(Joseph Cyr)
Organized by Meg York and Sharyn Walker, the play served as a fundraiser for both the After-School Program and the district’s drama club, a total of $1,919 was generated from ticket sales. The drama club hopes to make productions a yearly event. The middle/high school program also earned money from a concession stand and the Mill Pond program earned money from a bake sale.
Walker praised the hard work of the students in tackling not only their first play, but doing a difficult musical as well. She also expressed her gratitude to the SAD 29 music department for sharing the script with the school.
York added while the play may contain some strange dialogue, it was important to note the reasons for the play’s random nature. The story of “Alice in Wonderland” is based on Alice’s dream, explained York. “If it seems very random and bizarre, it’s because it is a dream,” she said.”
Sabra Scott and Emma Drew shared the title role, with Scott taking the lead on Friday evening and Drew filling the shoes on Saturday. Cassidy Desrochers played “Tall Alice,” while Katie McQuarrie and Samantha Shank shared the role of “Small Alice.”
Performing as the “Cheshire Cat” was the trio of Mikyla Howland, Erin Peters and Aidynn Woods; Jersie Valiente played “Mathilda,” the narrator;
Meghan Peters was a scene-stealer throughout the production for her comical take on the “White Rabbit” character and Lydie Carter gave a dramatic turn as “Queen of Hearts.”
Rounding out the main cast were: Hayden Crowley (King of Hearts), Oisin Gardiner (doorknob), Reiley Wright (dodo bird), Monique Polchies (Tweedle Dum), Madison Schools (Tweedle Dee), Jade Akins (Rose), Hannah North (Lily), Serena Lufkin (Daisy), Symphony Dwyer (Violet), Justus Scott (caterpillar), Jeremiah Goff (Mad Hatter) and Logan Merritt (March Hare).
Performing as “rock lobsters” were: Alaina Campbell, Alexis Ganzel, Faith Howland, Hope Howland, Addison LaPointe, Jordis Sawyer, Amelia Scott, Joseph Scott, Valiente and Ava Wells.
Members of the “Royal Cardsmen” were: Kaelyn Lawlor, Gardiner, Delaney Little, Amelia McAttee, Natalee McNally, Hope Parker, Jonathan Walker, Ava Wells, Brooke Wheeler and Mallory Williams.
Performing as “Unbirthday guests” were Emma Folsom, Skyler Larson, Gracie Little, Kaelynn Little, Sofia McNally, Kayleigh McQuade, Sydney Rockwell, Molly Suitter and Emma Taylor.
Pioneer Times photos/Joseph Cyr
