COLUMBIA — Missouri Contemporary Ballet presents a modern adaptation of the story “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” With an original score and choreography, the show gives Columbia a chance to see the classic tale told through dance.
The show features new live music written by composer Tom Andes. Rather than a traditional orchestra, the show relies on a band consisting of piano, keyboard, saxophone, bass, flute, drums and trumpet.
The ballet company has been preparing and rehearsing the show throughout the spring and is finally bringing it to the stage this weekend. The performers and dancers hope audiences enjoy the experience and come out of the show with a deeper appreciation for how ballet can give new meaning to old stories.
“During and after my performance, I hope the audience is excited, inspired, and taken away from their daily work,” said Joel Hathaway, Missouri Contemporary Ballet dancer playing the role of Caterpillar.
Under the direction of Karen Grundy, the ballet presents a new version of a famous story since its publication in novel form by Lewis Carroll in 1865. Opening night was Saturday at Jesse Auditorium, and a second performance will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday hours.
The show will feature a first for the ballet company: child dancers. While most hail from Columbia and Jefferson City, some of the young performers traveled from as far away as Mexico to Missouri to dance in the show.
“We started this whole ballet from scratch,” said Caroline Millikin, the dancer playing Alice. “It’s a completely new production. We have brand new music, new custom sets and everything.
