Alice Through the Looking Glass

Alice never gets a peaceful nap. In Through the Looking Glass, she steps into a mirror, and, once again, encounters the fantastic and magical world of Lewis Carroll, filled with life-sized chess pieces, brothers Tweeldledum and Tweedledee, lions, knights, Humpty Dumpty, and a unicorn. You are invited to go along with her when Laugh/Riot Performing Arts Company of Edinboro stages the play starting April 9.

Looking Glass, as the season finale, is designed as a "bookend" to the company's staging of Alice in Wonderland earlier this season. According to director, J.D. Mizikowski, the group wanted to do Looking Glass because it is often given less attention than Carroll's other work. He adds, "We choose to do both plays to give the audience more exposure to the full story, while giving them a very different experience with two different directors." Rob Connick directed Wonderland.

Mizikowski is toning down sets and costumes so the story takes center stage, and changes will take place in front of the audience. "The cast will be playing different roles with everyone except Alice playing at least three different parts," he remarks.

Expect some action, too, as Looking Glass contains fights that will require a good deal of physical movement on the part of the actors. "Strong movement-based work is something Laugh/Riot excels at," says Mizikowski, adding "I certainly want it to feel like a work that embodies what the company does well, while also playing to my strong points of making sure the actors' understanding and delivery of the text is as strong as possible."

"Looking Glass is a great way for young and old to stimulate their imaginations," says Mizikowski. So, turn off your phone, step through the mirror, and be charmed by Lewis Carroll's enchanted world. — Mary Birdsong

Apr. 9, 10, and 11, and Apr. 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Apr. 12 and 19 at 2:30 p.m. // 219 Meadville St., Edinboro // $10 General Admission; $5 EUP Faculty, staff, senior adults, and non-EUP students; $3 EUP students. // Tickets at the door or at www.laughrioterie.com