Maltz Jupiter Theatre to Premiere THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, 10/12

Described as "a new spin on the children’s classic Alice in Wonderland, the all-new contemporary musical Through the Looking Glass will premiere on October 12 and bring to life eye-popping sets, costumes, black light theatre, magic and puppets."

Join many of the beloved traditional Lewis Carroll characters – the Queen of Hearts, Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and more – as they take you a whole new journey to an enchanting land where animals talk and characters entertain. Follow 12-year-old Alice as she learns to “look in the mirror” and see the truly special person she is. With an exciting original pop score, this adventure is fun for all ages and filled with magical twists for entire family!

The original musical is the fifth collaboration between two local industry professionals and longtime friends: North Palm Beach writer and composer John Mercurio, and Jupiter resident Andrew Kato, the Theatre’s producing artistic director, who conceived and is directing the piece.

“If you bring your family to one show this October, this is it,” Kato said. “It’s highly imaginative, and John Mercurio has written a pastiche pop score that is witty, smart and reflective of the youthful issues that kids are going through. I guarantee that this high-energy musical will have our audiences dancing in their seats to the score’s uptempo, catchy tunes.”

Through the Looking Glass follows a modern-day Alice who is having trouble fitting in with her peers at school. To learn how to face her rivals, she works through her feelings in her dreams – and literally steps through a ‘looking glass’ to transport herself into an enchanting land.

“Alice learns real-life lessons from the kooky characters along her journey,” Mercurio said. “This production will appeal to all ages because everyone can identify with Alice. Everyone has gone through that difficult time of their life when they’re coming to terms with ‘fitting in.’”

The musical stars 28 local children and teens, ages 8-17, who will all sing, dance and act throughout the production, otherwise known as “triple threat” performers. They were discovered through the Theatre’s popular First Step to Stardom auditions this past spring.

The performers are: Riley Anthony, 15, of Lake Worth; Alexandra Beltran, 11, of Jupiter; Althea Celey, 11, of Palm Beach Gardens; Keagan Cerny, 17, of Lake Worth; Skye Friedman, 10, of Jupiter; Carmen Garcia, 12, of West Palm Beach; Eva Gluck, 13, of Delray Beach; Emily Gough, 12, of Palm Beach Gardens; Laura Guley, 14, of Jupiter; Tamara Hoffenden, 12, of Fort Pierce; Charlotte Krieger, 10, of Palm Beach Gardens; Emily Levasseur, 11, of Jupiter; Abbie Levasseur, 13, of Jupiter; Sophia Liano, 8, of Stuart; Caiti Marlowe, 16, of Lake Worth; Claire Oberlin, 12, of Jupiter; Lauren O’Keefe, 15, of Jupiter; Kiel Peterson, 15, of Jupiter; Sophie Phillips, 13, of Port St. Lucie; Alina Pinmentel, 12, of Jupiter; Solana Rudintsky, 9, of Stuart; Emily Rynasko, 14, of Hobe Sound; Olivia Schiappa, 13, of Palm Beach Gardens; Emily Sima, 17, of Jupiter; Molli Sramowicz, 11, of Jupiter; Emily Winkler, 12, of West Palm Beach; and Nicky Wood, 17, of Port St. Lucie.

The show also features original choreography by West Palm Beach choreographer, performer and dance teacher Ricky Nahas and original costumes by Lake Worth resident Leslye Menshouse.

“Through the Looking Glass is incredibly visual, entertaining and funny,” Kato said. “It’s a sophisticated, fun piece, so certain jokes will resonate with parents and certain scenarios will appeal to children – but the story will resonate with both.”

Sponsored by the Elmore Family Foundation, Muriel and Ralph Saltzman and John Osher, Through the Looking Glass will kick off the Theatre’s 10th Anniversary Season, featuring a fall and spring filled with Amadeus, The Music Man, Singin’ In the Rain, Doubt, Thoroughly Modern Millie and ten of the Theatre’s top-selling limited engagements. Visit www.jupitertheatre.org for more information about the season.
Through the Looking Glass will take place on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children. Call (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org for tickets.