Théâtre tout à trac's Alice au pays des merveilles launched Maison Théâtre's season Wednesday morning and what a refreshing discovery it was.
Tired of the same old, same old seasonal entertainment offerings? Sat through one too many performances of A Christmas Carol or Messiah? Wishing your kids might actually add books to their holiday gift list? Then head to the National Arts Centre this weekend and take a trip down the rabbit hole with Alice and her pals.
“Brilliantly adapted by Hugo Bélanger, this simplified version by Théatre Tout à Trac is faithful to the original by emphasizing the wordplay and the strangeness of the world in which the young heroine is immersed (...) This is due mainly to the precision and the rhythm of the direction by Hugo Bélanger; everything is based on quarter turns, which rapidly creates an atmosphere for a strong connection between Alice and the children living the adventure with her.”
“Last Friday, la Maison Théâtre had a strong start to its new season, with the astonishing adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, created by Hugo Bélanger for the Théâtre La Roulotte in the summer of 2006, and then remounted in its present version in February 2008 at Théâtre Outremont. With the same cast, for the most part young graduates from 2006.”
“Théâtre Tout à Trac, revisits, to our great joy, the adventures of Alice in Wonderland. The play brilliantly combines the intelligence and buffoonery of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. This adaptation, full of inspired ideas, focuses on the story’s colourful characters, (…) They all live around, on, or behind a bookcase full of surprises. This production, full of superb puppets, is a perfect way to stimulate the imagination of both children and adults.”
"Off the beaten path too often used by children’s theatre, Théâtre La Roulotte offers a gem of silliness with Alice in Wonderland... filled with surprise, efficiently and justly rendered in a clownish and cynical spirit."
"…It is enchantment through absurdity which satisfies the imaginary realm… Director Hugo Bélanger reminds us that children do not need pre-packaged entertainment guidelines to enjoy themselves… The set design and props are the result of remarkable ingenuity…"
"Even through adult eyes, we were in awe before this masterpiece of ingenuity. To render the madness of the characters without losing the story's rhythm, as in a controlled skid, is a great feat. There is no doubt that both younger and older audiences will remember this version of Alice as a reference."