Parson Street Players Take It Outdoors with
“Alice in Wonderland”

– By Jim Byrne –

Riding the crest of the ambitious and successful production of “Les Misérables” in March, the Parson Street Players will present “Alice in Wonderland” June 12 and 13 outdoors in the round in the Rye High School courtyard.

For Michael Limone, the director of both “Les Mis” and “Alice”, the decision to embark on another project was an easy one to make.

“We didn’t want to lose the momentum,” he said. “The kids were excited to keep going, so we wanted to find something everyone could fit into that was fun. Typically, there is no spring play at Rye, but we just didn’t want to stop after ‘Les Mis’.”

With scheduling conflicts and a lack of access to the performing arts center stage an annual inhibitor to a spring production, Limone was forced to think outside the box. He talked to a friend about what could be done in the courtyard, and “Alice” quickly came up in conversation.

“It’s turned out to be a fun choice,” said Limone. “There are so many great characters, and the kids really enjoyed how the casting played out.”

Senior Anna Zuccaro has taken on the titular role, while sophomore Hannah Swank will play the White Rabbit. Junior Adam Heicklen the Caterpillar, and junior Eunice Taylor the Duchess. Other notable cast members include sophomore Jenna Langbaum as the Cheshire Cat, senior Matt Moseman in the role of the Mad Hatter, and junior Ben Hirsch as Humpty Dumpty. That’s just a small sampling of the Players and the roles they’re filling, as the production features a laundry list of unique characters and able actors.

Limone is excited about the production, and has just one concern: the weather.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” he said. “Regardless, it’s going to be a fun challenge. There is nowhere to hide in the round, and that’s what really drew me in – we really wanted to try it and we’re excited to do it.”

There will be three performances; Friday at 7 p.m. on Friday, and Saturday at 2 and 6 p.m. A limited number of tickets – $5 students, $10 adults, and free for senior citizens – will be available at the door. In the event of rain, the show will go on inside.