Review: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (The National Ballet of Canada)

The National Ballet of Canada's production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a fun, vibrant, and imaginative ballet that brings Lewis Carroll's classic tale to the stage. Since its introduction to the company in 2011 through the choreography of Christopher Wheeldon, an Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet, this work has become a regular and beloved feature in the National Ballet’s repertoire. It's easy to see why!

This production tells the story of Alice who, after following the White Rabbit, finds herself in the whimsical world of Wonderland, filled with colorful characters and intriguing adventures. Yet, the true highlight of this ballet is not the choreography but the costuming, set and characters, which together create an immersive world that captivates audiences of all ages.

The ballet is teeming with enchanting encounters, from the tap-dancing Mad Hatter (Ben Rudisin) to the hilarious and irate Queen of Hearts (Svetlana Lunkina), and the quirky White Rabbit (Donald Thom). The use of puppetry, particularly in showcasing Alice's fall down the rabbit hole and the assembly of the Cheshire Cat, brings an additional layer of whimsy to the production. It was also a delight to see Rex Harrington in the role of the droll king, adding to the charm of the production.

Each character has their own unique movement style, with the flamingos being particularly noteworthy. The flamingos stand on one leg, their arm acting as their head, which seems to have a life of its own. The White Rabbit is constantly itching his ears and anxiously rushing Alice with quick, sharp movements, while the angry Queen is hilarious as she trembles with rage and experiences many comical mishaps with her staff, who nervously drop her in fear.

I love seeing younger audiences at dance performances, and this production attracted some of the youngest and most enthusiastic faces I have seen in a while. Many arrived dressed for the occasion in ballet dresses or brightly colored outfits, adding to the magical atmosphere. A young girl beside me was thrilled to see Alice and her sisters on stage, and began eagerly asking where the rabbit and caterpillar were.

The audience isn't limited to just the young ones; students from the National Ballet School also grace the stage, portraying adorable hedgehogs that roll around as they are used as croquet balls within the Queen of Hearts' castle.

Bob Crowley's incredible set and costume design play a pivotal role in bringing the enchantment of the ballet to life. The costumes, particularly for the corps de ballet, are a highlight, with tutus shaped like card symbols and headbands adorned with card numbers. The transition into Wonderland is masterfully depicted through Alice's fall into the rabbit hole, a moment that begins when the real world starts to blur after a picture is taken. The table and jelly cake expand, and she plunges headfirst into the jelly. The moving set pieces, such as the book page boat and the remote-controlled mini door, further enhance the magical atmosphere of the ballet. A fun fact about this ballet is that it incorporates 284 pairs of footwear that are not pointe shoes. There are also embellished pointe shoes for the dancers in the Caterpillar’s body – each pair has 100 Swarovski crystals.

While the choreography by Christopher Wheeldon is not really the focal point, the performances by the company are impeccable. In her debut performance as Alice, Tirion Law showcases flawless technique and a perfect embodiment of her role. The ballet introduces an intriguing narrative shift with the inclusion of an older Alice, adding a romantic storyline with the Knave of Hearts. Naoya Ebe, as the Knave of Hearts is also a highlight to the performance with his seamless movement across the stage and impeccable technique.

Overall, this production is a fantastic introduction to ballet for the little ones, with engaging characters and lively storytelling. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a must-see production that showcases the creativity and talent of the company. Be sure to get your tickets before they are gone!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, presented by the National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1) is playing until March 17, 2024. Tickets range from $72 to $211. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Please Note: theatrical haze, pyrotechnical effects and strobe lighting effects are used throughout this production. There is also a gunshot from the stage in Act I.

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• Photo 1: Tirion Law, Siphesihle November, Jack Bertinshaw and Jurgita Dronina in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
• Photo 2: Artists of the Ballet in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
• Photo 3: Donald Thom and Tirion Law in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
  
  All photos courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.
  

Written by Deanne Kearney - DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney