Cappies Review: D.C. International School, “Alice By Heart” | Communities

What do you do when reality becomes too heavy to bear? If you’re Alice, you reopen a beloved book and tumble headfirst into a world where imagination offers refuge from the unthinkable. In “Alice By Heart,” D.C. International School brings this fragile journey to the stage with haunting beauty and irresistible charm.

Originally premiering Off-Broadway in 2019, “Alice By Heart” is a collaboration between Steven Sater, Jessie Nelson and composer Duncan Sheik, the Tony winning team of “Sheik and Sater” already known for reshaping modern musical theatre with “Spring Awakening.” Their signature blend of lyrical storytelling and contemporary rock gives the story a dreamy, aching quality that perfectly suits the show’s surreal world. The story follows Alice Spencer, a teenager sheltering in an underground bunker during the blitz, who turns to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” as a way to comfort her ailing friend Alfred. As she retells the story, the boundaries between war-torn reality and Wonderland fantasy begin to blur, illuminating a journey defined by grief, imagination and the stubborn hope that stories can save us.

In the role of Alfred, Caroline Hutchins delivered a performance that was both wistful and heart-rending. Their voice, clear and ethereal, carried a haunting beauty that lingered long after each note. Beyond their vocals, Hutchins skillfully captured Alfred’s emotional journey, portraying his vulnerability, hope, and quiet strength with subtlety and depth that made every scene resonate.

In the dual role as the Queen of Hearts and the Nurse, Winnie Centofanti was a tour de force of contrast and precision. She perfectly embodied the Nurse’s clipped, professional tones before seamlessly transforming into the Queen’s eccentric, larger-than-life persona. Her commanding stage presence, combined with powerful vocal growls and playful exaggeration, brought a thrilling unpredictability to the character that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Guiding Alice through Wonderland with gentle authority and mystique, Edlyn Becton’s Cheshire Cat was a delight to watch. Their soothing, velvety voice and enigmatic presence created an air of calm wisdom amidst the chaos of Wonderland. The performance balanced charm and mystery, making the Cheshire Cat both a comforting guide and fascinating enigma.

The production’s costumes and choreography were equally striking, enhancing both the story and the show’s visual impact. The costumes (Chloe Moore, Isis Isobella Jarvis, Axl Moonsammy-Gray and Taylor Bandera) skillfully bridged the stark reality of the bunker with the whimsy of Wonderland, incorporating a clever patchwork of WWII-era fabrics while still honoring iconic character looks. The classic Alice dress beautifully captured her innocence and youth, while the Queen of Hearts’ strikingly large red skirt, adorned with card markings and paired with the familiar nurse’s top, visually conveyed the character’s mix of order and chaos. The choreography (Caroline Hutchins and Charlotte Williams) was inventive and perfectly tailored to each song, adding energy and texture to the performances. Well-executed lifts brought the journey “down the rabbit hole” to life, and a standout moment came during Chillin’ the Regrets, where intricate ripple effects perfectly evoked the many arms of a caterpillar.

D.C. International School’s “Alice By Heart” reminds us that even in the darkest times, imagination and storytelling can provide comfort and hope. This production beautifully captures the power of a story to guide, heal and inspire both its characters and audience.