What does it take to get to Wonderland? While juggling their studies, social life, and extracurriculars for the past four months, Gainesville’s theatre department has been tirelessly preparing for their newest production: Alice by Heart. Through set painting, running lines, and costume fittings, preparing to take audiences down the rabbit hole has proven itself to be no easy feat.
Alice by Heart, an award-winning musical, is based off the book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson. The show follows Alice Spencer as she escapes the horrors of World War 2 with the help of a classic novel: Alice in Wonderland. Taking cover from the continuous bombing of the London Blitz in an abandoned station, the teenage girl navigates grief, love, and the turmoil of war by diving imagination-first into the familiar fairytale. In the words of the Cheshire Cat, “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”
For the past four months, actors have shared their afternoons in the black box theatre and auditorium. When asked, “How have you and your fellow cast members been preparing for the show?”, Senior actresses, Isha Kargbo (Red Cross Nurse, Queen of Hearts) and Tahoni Pinkney (Dodo Bird), gives a look into the process of getting show-ready over the months. “It took lots and lots of running lines together, lots of meetups and things like that to help us with just our connection on stage, but also locking in [on our lines.]” Kargbo said, with Pinkney stating “We’ve had rehearsals every single day for a long time, so I think we’re preparing by really drilling to make sure we have our stuff down.”
However, as actors showcase their talents on stage, audiences may not realize all the work that goes on behind the scenes. “[Stage managers] keep track of all the mics, take notes on who needs what props, figure out what objects need to move on and off stage…” Stage Manager, senior Camila Villavicencio , states, explaining the various jobs that her and other managers take on throughout the production.
Following their understudy show on Nov. 11th, not only is excitement building amongst cast members, but newfound bonds as well. “I love being on stage and being able to collaborate with my cast members,” sophomore Roxann Jorgbor a member of the ensemble, states. “I love the people there and the friendships I’ve made, and I’ve been able to reconnect with one of my friends from middle school as well.”
Alice by Heart, accompanied by an inaugural live music pit, opened at Gainesville High School on November 13th, and continued their showings into the 14th and 15th. With three successful shows, the fall theatre season of 2025 has come to a magical close.
