The Story of Alice Reviews
LA Splash- Recommended
"...This is definitely a PG production which is suitable for even the youngest child. Mylette Nora's costumes are show-stopping, and Gary Lee Reed's direction is crisp. Casting is cleverly done to enhance the whimsical quality of the characters; and the talented actor's voices soar in happy song as they dance with abandon. So what's the catch? Lacking Lewis Carroll's subtle undertone of satire and tongue-in-cheek humor, THE STORY OF ALICE is bland but cute. Bring the kids to this production and watch them react with awe to a great fairy tale."
Joe Straw #9- Somewhat Recommended
"...So, so, what am I to make of this show? For the most part, it is a very enjoyable night of entertainment, with wonderful costumes, a live four-piece orchestra. Dwight Rivera: Keys 2, Sam Morgan: Woodwinds/E-Wi, Dave Johnstone: Drums/Percussion highlight the beautiful voices on stage."
Stage Raw- Not Recommended
"...You won't be whistling any of Hiltzik's melodies out the door, or humming any of Cormier's lyrics - like the plot, a mishmash ("Bananas and Cabbage" is the title of one forgettable reprise.) Some of the group vocals sound OK, but Arnstein, who gets the sappy ballads, has trouble carrying a tune."
Accessibly Live Off-Line- Recommended
"...Nevertheless, THE STORY OF ALICE is a story full of imagination, whimsey, along with a place that holds just as much zaniness and it does with its own drawing power."
Discover Hollywood- Highly Recommended
"...The comically talented cast, directed by Gary Lee Reed, dance and sing among clever scenery created with video projections, a multi-use wooden trunk, and moveable set pieces that act as forest foliage and seating as needed. Costumes designed by Mylette Nora are perhaps the best contribution to The Story of Alice with colorful and imaginative costumes for each character. Costume highlights include the Commander having two cardboard soldiers to expand the Queen of hearts gaggle and adding a comedic thrill as well as the Queen's beautiful red dress and enormous hair reminiscent of Tim Burton's own Queen of Heart costume in his 2010 adaption of Alice in Wonderland. Michael Cormier and Scott Hiltzik provide new music and lyrics to accompany Alice as she makes her way through wonderland with fun songs and dance that help move the story along as a live band provides the music and sound throughout the performance. You may not leave the show craving Bananas & Cabbage, but you will definitely be singing that song in your head as you drive home."
Tin Pan LA- Somewhat Recommended
"...The Story of Alice is a "musical de LaLa Land," that is, a new Los Angeles musical with a story with songs inserted throughout, unknowingly abandoning the desiderata of musical theater storytelling that goes back to the Golden Age of Broadway."
Broadway World- Recommended
"...The fairy tale romance element receives a most hilarious camp inter-species treatment from Bradley Cashman as the dashing thief Knave (sometimes pronounced 'navy') and Jolie Adamson as Mock Turtle. Both also play other side-splitting roles - for Cashman, the Mad Hatter and a crazy prince and for Adamson, Duchess, the King's lover on the side. Cassie Crump's creative choreography suitably complement the ensemble numbers. Musical director Nicholas Petrillo proficiently leads his band (Dwight Rivera on keys, Sam Morgan on woodwinds, Dave Johnstone on drums) in performing Scott Hiltzik's compositions, never overshadowing the harmonious or solo vocals."