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By Jess McNamara
Hometown Weekly Correspondent
This weekend, Walpole Children’s Theatre will open their summer production of “Dorothy in Wonderland,” a whimsical mash-up of two classic tales: “The Wizard of Oz” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Written by Brian D. Taylor, this modern rendition features characters from each world as Dorothy, portrayed by Walpole resident Brenna Hughes, and friends are sent down the rabbit hole to Wonderland alongside Alice, portrayed by Emily Tomasetti of Walpole.
The production features many young actors of Walpole, ranging from ages 10-18, who have become veterans of the stage during their time working with WCT. Under the direction of Peter McElhinney, the children spend three months preparing for the production, during which time they are taught the fundamentals of theatre.
This production is particularly special for one performer, Walpole resident Bridget Connell, as it will be her final production with Walpole Children’s Theatre. Bridget, a recent Walpole High School graduate, has been a part of Walpole Children’s Theatre since she was 10 years old. “Dorothy in Wonderland” marks her sixteenth show with WCT, and will be her last show on the WCT stage before she enrolls in college in the fall.
“Growing up, WCT has always felt like a second home to me, and now at 18 I want the younger kids in the cast to have as wonderful a time as I have these past few years,” said Bridget, who plays the Caterpillar in “Dorothy in Wonderland.” She continued: “My very last show after fifteen others is about to open and the feeling is entirely bittersweet, but I'm extremely excited to make the most of it.”
“Dorothy in Wonderland” will open this weekend at Footlighters Playhouse at 2 Scout Road in East Walpole. The first performance will be on Friday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m., followed by performances on Saturday, July 23, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 24, at 2:00 p.m. The show will also run next weekend, with shows on Friday, July 29, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 30, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets, which can be and can be purchased at walpolechildrenstheatre.org, are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and children.
