Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at Open Space Arts

OWINGS MILLS, M.D., January 13, 2015 — Open Space Arts will present a theatrical adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, adapted by Cory Wilmarth and directed by Elora Maisenhelder. The play will be presented with a cirque themed twist and will run February 13th at 7:30 p.m., and February 14th at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Congregation in Owings Mills.

Open Space Arts will be performing a new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic stories by newcomer, Cory Wilmarth. Wilmarth’s script weaves both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass into a stage adaption that will appeal to audiences of all ages. “This story embodies a child’s imagination, and appeals both to children and to the child in all of us,” states Elora Maisenhelder, one of the co-artistic director at Open Space Arts

Maisenhelder will be directing this cirque inspired production using her talents as a visual artist and costume designer to bring this unique Wonderland to life. “Wonderland is already a place of wonder and whimsy, and by turning it into a Cirque, we’ve created something even more wild and surreal,” Maisenhelder explains. “Our actors tumble and flip and roll, objects grow and shrink, the wordplay is almost verbal acrobatics, and the whole experience is just fantastic.” Chloe Heles, the actor playing Alice and a fourteen year old student at Carver Center says, “I think the audience will also enjoy the theme of cirque de soliel particularly in the costumes. I feel as though with all these components put together this production will be particularly vibrant and enjoyable…”

This will be Open Space’s third annual winter production. Last year, the company brought the classic play Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie to life with the use of shadow puppets. In the summer, Open Space produces a Summer Playwright’s Festival that showcases original short plays by local playwrights. “Open Space strives to produce thought provoking art that is affordable to everyone,” says Katie Ganem, former artistic director of the company. “We believe that art is the best way to connect people and we are excited to share this new show with the community.” And since it is performing on Valentine’s Day, there will even be deals for those that bring a date, including reduced ticket prices and a raffle. “It’s the perfect thing to do for Valentine’s Day!” says Ganem.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will feature a cast of seventeen actors, ranging from age from 14 to 50. The production is sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council and Steven H. Reamer CPA, PA. Maisenhelder hopes that those who know and love the story will love this new production as much as those who are unfamiliar with Alice’s exploits. “I look forward to taking the audience along for this journey down the rabbit hole, to a colorful world of fun and fantasy, a place where anything goes and nothing is quite as it seems, and where for just a little while the rules don’t matter.”

Tickets

$15 general, $12 seniors (60+), $10 students/ children (with an ID), $20 for two on Valentine’s Day

Tickets can be bought at the door or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2490103

About Open Space Arts

Founded in 1989 by Beth and Alden Phelps, Open Space Arts is a community arts organization based in Reisterstown, MD. Committed to the philosophy that art is for everyone, Open Space offers a diverse list of classes, shows, events and workshops that promote just that. Open Space is committed to producing original and high quality art that functions to build self-esteem for the participants, be genuinely thought-provoking for the audience, and strengthens the community through the arts. For more information go to http://www.osarts.org.