Linz: “WONDERLAND” – Premiere in the Music Theatre of the Landestheater Linz, Great Hall, 08. 09.2924
Musicals by Jack Murphy, music by Frank Wildhorn, Book by Jennifer Paulson-Lee & Gabriel Barre based on the original book by Gregory Boyd & Jack Murphy based on the novel “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground/in Wonderland”, also with elements from “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll
German by Wolfgang Adenberg (German and English subtitles)
European and German-language premiere
Queen of hearts (Caroll). Foto: Wikipedia
The 1865 published (by far not only) children’s book by the mathematics teacher, photographer and theologian Charles Lutwidge Dodgsonwho is committed to Lewis Carroll is a cultural-historical monument: on Wikipedia, in addition to a wide variety of other influences on literature and other arts, 41 film adaptations (from 1903) and numerous other films with quotes or paraphrases are listed; in addition, as far as can be seen, there are 14 musicals, 13 operas and dance pieces and many computer games. There is even a psychiatric syndrome named after the story. The book, which was probably conceived on a boat trip on the upper section of the Thames known as “Isis” on July 14, 1862, was a huge success from the start and has been in print around the world ever since. Early admirers ranged from Oscar Wilde to Queen Victoria.
Valerie Luksch, E. Winkelhofer, Max Niemeyer. Photo: Reinhard Winkler/Landestheater
WONDERLAND The musical shown today began its journey in late fall 2009 in Tampa FL, came to Houston TX and, after repeated test runs and revisions, had its Broadway premiere in the Marquis Theater on April 27, 2011. It was not a great success: after 31 previews and 33 official performances, it was closed, with mostly negative reviews and the lack of any award nominations – something that rarely happens with new works. A 2017 tour in the United Kingdom also soon came to an end.
The main idea behind the plot and the connection to the “modern world” is a dream that the (adult) title character has in order to deal with her problems with work and family. In the premiere version, Alice is a writer; here in Linz she works for a computer game company called Everheart, with a demanding boss and a colorful, not always likeable group of colleagues. Otherwise, the plot follows the novel, simplified but psychoanalytically revised, with the heroine being sent in search of her former child self. Characters and episodes from the first Alice book are also omitted and replaced by those from the second; so we do get to know Tweedledee, Tweedledum and Humpty-Dumpty, but unfortunately not Jabberwock, Jubjub-Bird and the fruminous Bandersnatch. But what is left is still good enough to cause a stir! In the end, Alice puts her life and her family back on track with the experiences and lessons she has learned in Wonderland, with lots of love and nonsense – a somewhat “soft” finale after the cheeky and fast-paced plot.
The music is varied, with a certain dose of musical poetry (especially at the end, otherwise only rarely interspersed), a spirited cha-cha-cha for “El Gato” (the Cheshire Cat’s relative who is active here), rock, funk and soul. But two large-scale swing numbers in the style of 1960s film and TV theme songs for Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts stand out. The 16 ladies and gentlemen of the Club-Wonderland-Band under Tom Bitterlich provides the brilliant foundation for this.
Ensemble. Photo: Reinhard Winkler/Landestheater
The staging of Christoph Drewitz cannot iron out all the logical potholes of the piece, but it does provide sharply drawn characters, precisely staged whirlwinds (choreography David Hartland) and an overall colorful picture. However, the pre-final duel between Mad Hatterin and Alice remains somewhat nebulous, despite the highly effective sequence of events. Dramaturgical support, with a program booklet worth reading: Arne Beeker.
Andrew D. Edwards has created a venue that is ideally suited for rapid scene changes and a variety of effects, which makes particularly effective use of the revolving stage, with appropriate lighting design by Michael Grundner. However, a wonderland has not been created, but rather a rather technical terrain. A fairytale land only appears at the beginning on the edge (video design Leo Flint)when Alice reads to her daughter. The end is also framed in a rather flowery way by projection – but this is not enough to cast the sticky finale in an ironic light and thus make it easier to digest.
Great effort was required Adam Nee with the costumes, and it was worth it: quite a few of the characters get a laugh as soon as they appear, they are so colorful and crazy (appropriate to the plot!). Our favorites were the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar and the Queen and their entourage.
Valerie Luksch and ensemble. Photo: Reinhard Winkler/ Landestheater
Valerie Luksch has a lot to do as Alice: she is on stage almost all the time, has a lot to sing and say and does it all, including expression and choreography, excellently. Her daughter in the real world and young self in Wonderland were precise and expressive Rosa Gruber (will alternate with Helena Unger and Eva and Greta Winklhofer).
As Ms. Maddie Quizzle (frame) and Mad Hatter shines Sanne Mieloo with a great voice, great body control and great emotions – she alone is worth seeing the production! Mrs. Everheart, the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland, is Daniela Dett with wicked humor and witty malice, which at one point in the second act can also grow into a threat.
Valerie Luksch, Enrico Treuse. Photo: Reinhard Winkler/Landestheater
Alice’s husband Jack or White Knight: Max Niemeyer with clean, fine representation, even in the kitschy passages. It is not surprising that Mr. Hopper in the company then becomes the White Rabbit in Wonderland, nor that Christian Froehlich brings out the best in both roles with his skills and experience for the audience. The nerdy Tyrell Leggett (Karsten Kenzel) becomes a diaphragmatic caterpillar in Alice’s dream, Lukas Sandmann mutates from a Jose Purrez from West Side Story into a Gato who is extremely agile in both dancing and singing. Enrico Treuse is, among other things, a crazy mad scientist at the side of the Hatter.
Other ensemble members who have been used in a variety of ways (including breathtaking acrobatics) are Alexandra-Yoana Alexandrova (also as alternative Alice), Lynsey Thurgar, Astrid Nowak, Sophia Aregger, Kenya Bernal Gonzalez, Katharina Theil, Luke Hartog, Matteo Vigna, Romeo Salazar, Evan Livesey, Danilo Aiello, Davide Venier and Jan Ungar.
Standing ovation for the stage and production staff as well as the band and thus for a colorful, mostly entertaining show, which should actually sell the 20 or so performances still planned well.
Petra and Helmut Huber
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title “Linz: ‘WONDERLAND’ – A Musical Adventure in the Music Theatre of the Landestheater Linz”:
- 2 Here is a PAA (People Also Ask) related question for the title “Linz: ‘WONDERLAND’ – A European Premiere at the Landestheater Linz’s Great Hall”:
Linz: “WONDERLAND” – A Musical Adventure in the Music Theatre of the Landestheater Linz
On September 8, 2024, the Music Theatre of the Landestheater Linz will premiere the musical “WONDERLAND,” a European and German-language premiere. This musical, with music by Frank Wildhorn, book by Jennifer Paulson-Lee & Gabriel Barre, and based on the original book by Gregory Boyd & Jack Murphy, takes inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel ”Alice’s Adventures Under Ground/in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.”
A Cultural-Historical Monument
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 published children’s book has become a cultural-historical monument, with a wide range of influences on literature and other arts. With 41 film adaptations, 14 musicals, 13 operas and dance pieces, and numerous computer games, it’s no wonder that this story has stood the test of time. Early admirers of the book included Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria.
The Musical’s Journey
The musical “WONDERLAND” began its journey in late fall 2009 in Tampa, Florida, and later premiered on Broadway in 2011. Although it wasn’t a great success, with mostly negative reviews and no award nominations, it has been revised and is now ready to enchant audiences in Linz.
The Plot
The main idea behind the plot is a dream that the adult title character, Alice, has in order to deal with her problems with work and family. In this version, Alice works for a computer game company called Everheart, with a demanding boss and a colorful group of colleagues. The plot follows the novel, simplified but psychoanalytically revised, with the heroine being sent in search of her former child self.
The Music
The music in “WONDERLAND” is varied, with a certain dose of musical poetry, especially at the end. A spirited cha-cha-cha for “El Gato” (the Cheshire Cat’s relative) and two large-scale swing numbers in the style of 1960s film and TV theme songs for Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts stand out.
A Must-See Production
With its grand premiere in Linz, “WONDERLAND” is a must-see production for musical theatre enthusiasts. The Landestheater Linz has a reputation for delivering high-quality productions, and this one is sure to be no exception.
Get Your Tickets Now
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “WONDERLAND” in Linz. Tickets are available now, and you can secure your spot at the Music Theatre of the Landestheater Linz. [[1]] [[2]] [[3]]
“WONDERLAND” is a musical adventure that will transport you to a world of fantasy and wonder. With its rich music, engaging plot, and talented cast, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience in Linz!
Linz: “WONDERLAND” – A European Premiere at the Landestheater Linz’s Great Hall
On September 8, 2024, the Landestheater Linz’s Great Hall proudly presented the European and German-language premiere of “WONDERLAND,” a musical production based on Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground/in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass.” The musical, featuring music by Frank Wildhorn, book by Jennifer Paulson-Lee & Gabriel Barre, and German translation by Wolfgang Adenberg, promises to delight audiences with its captivating storyline, stunning visuals, and enchanting music.
A Cultural-Historical Monument
Lewis Carroll’s 1865 publication of “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground/in Wonderland” has become a cultural-historical monument, inspiring numerous adaptations in literature, film, opera, dance, and computer games. The book’s enduring popularity stems from its unique blend of nonsense and logic, which has captivated readers of all ages. Carroll’s influence extends beyond