“I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then,” says Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Colleen Furlan, who is returning to the role of Alice in Bad Hats Theatre’s captivating contemporary adaptation of this literary classic, echoes this sentiment. To her, it’s not about repetition – it’s about rediscovery. “Most actors don’t have the opportunity to reprise former roles, so it is very special to be returning to the stage as Alice,” she shares. “She is a physically and mentally demanding role, but it’s a challenge I love. Wonderland is like this giant playground, and Alice allows me, as Colleen the actor, to abandon . . . and make playful choices.”
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is the well-known tale of a curious young girl named Alice who tumbles down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world. There, she encounters peculiar creatures, riddles, and nonsensical rules – all while trying to make sense of who she is and how to get back home. The story is an endlessly rich, enduring exploration of identity, logic, and the challenges of growing up.
Presented by Capitol Theatre Port Hope from May 16 to June 1, Bad Hats’ all-ages musical adaptation reimagines Carroll’s classic story. Alice in Wonderland is directed by Sue Miner with musical direction by Jonathan Corkal-Astorga, and features a book by Fiona Sauder, music by Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko, and development by Matt Pilipiak. In this version of the story, Alice is an inquisitive and imaginative student. Frustrated by a restrictive “All About Me” assignment, she falls down a rabbit hole and into a world where logic is turned upside down. Her journey through Wonderland closely mirrors her real-world dilemmas, leading her to confront questions of identity, authority, and self-worth – even as she learns to embrace her individuality and the value of curiosity.
Instant connections
Originally developed by Bad Hats and presented by Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, and since presented in other locations, Alice in Wonderland has been lauded for its clever framing, dynamic physicality, and emotional depth. (Read Scott Sneddon’s review on sesayarts.com.) This new staging at the Capitol Port Hope features some fresh ensemble members and continues the tradition of high-energy, instrument-forward storytelling that Bad Hats is known for.
For Furlan, placing the story in a modern Canadian school creates an instant connection with young audiences: “Having a modern setting in a familiar environment like a classroom, with students who have their own quirky personalities, really draws in younger audiences by allowing them to relate to the characters and situation,” she says. “Themes from the classroom are layered in throughout the entire journey in Wonderland, so even though the world gets turned upside-down, audiences can still find familiarity within.”
While this spark of recognition also holds true for Furlan – who has previously played Alice with Manitoba Theatre for Young People, as well as at Soulpepper – she has also found the role evolving in real time: “I learn new things about her every time we are reunited. I also find that since Winnipeg, more and more parts of my own personality come through in her character. Her silliness and quirkiness are traits stemming directly from me, and I don’t always have the opportunity to let those shine with other characters I’ve played. It’s so much fun!”
Discoveries aplenty
That sense of discovery extends into the play’s central themes, particularly time, identity, and the challenge of self-acceptance. “Like Mr Rabbit, I am constantly worried about time. I feel like most adults are,” Furlan reflects. “Life just never seems to slow down, and there are so many things I want to accomplish!” In fact, she adds, “When I stepped into Alice, I learned invaluable lessons about myself. She was seeing the world in ways that inspired me to take a step back in my own life and start to question.”
She describes Alice as a “perfectionist who is always searching for the right answers, just like me. We learn that sometimes, there is no right answer and it’s also okay for that answer to change. We are constantly growing and evolving on the unknown path of our lives, which can be scary but also full of fun discoveries.” For her, the show has too many standout “meaningful” moments to single out any – though in the best kind of Wonderland contradiction, she pinpoints a powerful exchange between Alice and the Caterpillar near the end of the show as especially pivotal: “Although this scene is extremely stark compared to the rest of the show, the dialogue between the two characters carries massive weight. Alice is challenged to reflect on her journey and eventually makes a discovery about herself with help from the Caterpillar. The song, ‘Growing,’ is a stunning duet they sing together and is most definitely a tear jerker for audiences, and even the cast and crew backstage!”
Ultimately, Furlan is firm that this adaptation shines precisely because it speaks to all ages. “Bad Hats have adapted this classic story like no one else. This version Fiona, Victor, Landon and Matt have created is beyond brilliant,” she enthuses. “The clarity of Alice’s journey to understand herself and others always remains the focal point, with the audience rooting for her the entire time. And the parallels between the characters from the classroom and in Wonderland are incredibly clever. They allow the audience to constantly make their own discoveries about underlying themes and the lessons to be learned.”
Compassion, appreciation . . . and laughter
Her wish for the show is that it inspires compassion: “I hope audiences give themselves patience and grace as they continue to change and grow throughout their lives. No matter what age we are, the world is constantly challenging us to adapt to new people, new environments, and new versions of ourselves. I hope they find the beauty of what that means on their own personal adventures.”
And before we wrap up our conversation, Furlan takes a moment to show compassion and deep appreciation for the efforts of her many collaborators: “It was such a pleasure to reflect on the show and answer these wonderfully crafted questions,” she grants, adding, “I must give a shoutout to the fabulous cast and crew, who make this production all that it is.” She also recognizes the dynamic co-stars who form the ensemble: Dave Ball, Rosie Callaghan, Eden Chiam, Christopher Fulton, Ben Kopp, Matt Pilipiak, Chelsea Preston, Fiona Sauder, Emry Tupper, and Anika Venkatesh. “The cast is jam-packed with actors who not only dance and sing, but also play a plethora of different instruments. Their talent is beyond triple threat – and I am so honoured to share the stage with them. They’re also some of the kindest and most genuine people to be around when we’re behind the scenes, too.”
Alice in Wonderland, she promises, “will have you busting a gut from laughing, but also have you tugging at your heartstrings a moment later. It is truly one of the greatest shows I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone needs to see it!”
You can’t go back to yesterday . . . so see Bad Hats Theatre’s irresistible Alice in Wonderland at Capitol Theatre Port Hope while you can — from May 16 to June 1, 2025. After that, the show continues its Ontario tour to Tweed and Bancroft.
For tickets, visit capitoltheatre.com.
Arpita Ghosal, Sesaya Arts Magazine 2025
