‘I can’t go back to yesterday, because I was a different person then’

Plummet down the rabbit hole into a wacky world of wonder with the Orcas Dance Collective’s most ambitious production.

“We had such a successful run when performing the Sea Island Nutcracker a few winters ago that we realized that we had enough dancers proficiently trained that staging a full-length ballet was something we could do. It’s very challenging — but we could do it in a way that suited our dancers,” said Tiffany Loney, who is co-directing “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” with Stephanie Moss.

The show’s dancers range from ages 4 to 55, and they have been practicing since the fall. They bring a range of experience and expertise.

“So many great story ballets have been performed for decades, but we wanted to do something that felt a little different. I had previously choreographed a full-length version of ‘Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland’ in Seattle in 2012, and fortuitously traveled to England that same year, where I visited Oxford and saw landmarks that inspired Carroll’s story,” explained Moss. “After considering other options, we kept coming back to ‘Alice.’ With hopes of including as many of our class series dancers as possible, it was decided to allow space for this version to include a variety of forms of movement, including tap, modern and aerial silks.”

The production will run three weekends on Orcas Center’s main stage from April 25 to May 11. Friday and Saturday shows are at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday is at 2 p.m. The “Blue Cast” features Sylvia Johnson as Alice, Mira Johnson as the Queen of Hearts and Solianna Halabisky as the White Rabbit. The “Red Cast” features Madeleine Sonshine as Alice, Bianca Cox as the Queen of Hearts and Stella Dillard as the White Rabbit.

On May 3, the center is hosting a Mad Hatter FUNdraiser starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $175, and guests can enjoy a seated dinner crafted by Amanda Zimlich of Otter’s Pond; raising the paddle for Orcas Center; and premium seats to the dance performance.

Tickets to the show and the gala are available at www. orcascenter.org.

Moss and Loney have choreographed an imaginative interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel known for iconic characters like the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter. Written in 1865 and groundbreaking then, the book’s themes, symbolism and dialogue have endured for coming on two centuries.

“I think what surprised me most about this story as I have taken a deeper dive into it is that its nonsensical nature isn’t just about an offhanded trip that this young girl goes on, but that underneath the surface there is a story relatable to everyone. What would happen if the world that surrounded us slipped into chaos?” said Loney. “‘Alice’ was written in a time when society had many rules and punctuality. The fear of not keeping time, keeping up with society‘s norms, or being able to follow your own impulses and go on adventures was certainly going against the grain.”

Added Moss: “Wonderland is a nonsensical, magical place with mystical characters and endless absurdities. Yet, if you’re paying attention, there is much more to the story. The reader/audience sees things from the perspective of an innocent and curious child trying to make sense of the world around her. She is forced to overcome challenges, adapt and stand up for what she believes to be true. It’s inspiring.”

Sets and costumes have been crafted by Orcas Center staff and a legion of parents and volunteers. Everett Keithcart created visual projections, Antionette Botsford is narrating, and Jake Perrine and Jamey Moriarty are handling sound and lights. Miramonee Darling and Emily Youngren are stage managing, and Steve Alboucq took production photos.

“This is a big cast with a lot of details, telling a story that most people are familiar with, and there is an expectation that the dancers can act as well as they can move. Props, sets and costumes are hugely considered while working with a small budget,” said Loney, who designed many of the costume pieces. “Everett is bringing this ballet to the next level of intensely beautiful visual artistry. There is a lot to be excited about.”

The directors credit Orcas Center and Park and Rec with supporting the education of young dancers and providing an opportunity for them to perform on a grand scale.

“This production is the result of countless hours of work by an incredible team of talented artists, dancers, center staff and volunteers who are committed to making it happen,” Moss said.