In Focus: Bemidji Community Theater Goes Down the Rabbit Hole with ‘Alice in Wonderland’

The Bemidji Community Theater is set to perform the musical “Alice in Wonderland.” Even if you haven’t read the book by Lewis Carroll or seen the animated or live-action movies, you more than likely know the story. Part of what makes it so memorable is all the iconic characters.

“Everyone’s heard of Alice in Wonderland. You’ve all read the books or some version of the story or watched the movie when you were younger,” said Sophia Hordichok, who plays Alice. “And it’s fun to do that on stage and really bring your little childhood to life.”

“It’s a lot of fun. I mean, it’s an acting stretch,” added Paul Conklin, who plays the Cheshire Cat. “My grin muscles get very well used because Cheshire cats always grin.”

“They’re pretty big shoes to fill,” explained Aria Robertson, who is playing the role of an older Alice. “It’s kind of intimidating almost just because, like, it’s such a well-known show and everyone has their ideas of who Alice is. And so your interpretation of it can be kind of daunting to take on.”

Some people may say those people are all mad for getting on stage in front of a live audience. But the performers would argue differently.

“Sometimes it could be scary,” said Hordichok. “I come out and I’m like, ‘Oh, geez.’ It’s usually the first night where you’re a little, you’re a little freaked out. Once you get on there and you start doing your lines, it really feels natural.”

“I always get a little bit of a little bit of nerves, a little bit of butterflies, but the audience always just energizes you,” stated Conklin. “[They’re] getting all of the jokes and responding to what you’re doing on stage. It just sort of eggs along, it makes you do a better job.”

And having an interactive stage, complete with a working slide, really helps the performers.

“The set really brings everyone in character, I think,” Hordichok elaborated. “They just get better and better and they really, they bring everyone’s character out ’cause it brings the story together. And that’s one of my favorite parts of the community theater, is how well their sets are designed.”

“This is my tree. So that’s the cat’s spot,” said Conklin, referring to a tree branch built into the set. “I have a little den through the hole up there, and it’s always fun to get on the set and have all of these wonderful things to interact with and and make the world really come alive.”

And just because most of the actors are kids doesn’t make them any less experienced.

“I love working with the kids. I love seeing what they come up with,” said vocal director Hannah Fletcher. “You know, they think differently than the adults do. The adults, when they’re developing their characters and when they’re working on their vocals, they’re much more typical about it. But the kids will be all over the place. They’ll be like, ‘Well, what if I do this? Or what if I do this or this?’ So it’s really cool to see their imagination and their creativity.”

Performances are set for April 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and on April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. at the Bemidji Community Theater in downtown Bemidji. More information on the show can be found on their website.