‘Alice by Heart’ at Thurgood Marshall School (Photo – Emma Brown)
Spring has arrived, and with it comes the much-anticipated start of school musical season. Leading the way for Pasadena Unified’s spring lineup, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School is bringing a powerful and imaginative production to the stage with Alice by Heart, opening in the school’s historic Marshall Auditorium.
By Melanie Hooks
Set against the backdrop of World War II’s London Blitz, Alice by Heart follows a young girl who turns to the familiar world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as a way to cope with the chaos and uncertainty around her. This reimagined story presents Alice not as a child, but as a teenager grappling with fear, loss, and the complexities of growing up during wartime.
The musical comes from the acclaimed team behind Spring Awakening, featuring music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater, and a book by Sater and Jessie Nelson. Known for its emotional depth and evocative score, the show blends fantasy with reality in a story about resilience and self-discovery.
Marshall’s Drama Department will present four performances:
- Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 pm
- Friday, March 20 at 6:00 pm
- Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
The Saturday matinee offers a special opportunity for younger audiences, with free admission for middle and elementary school students when accompanied by a paying adult.
Directed by Alison Garfinkel, the production features vocal and musical direction by Michelle Espinosa, with additional musical direction by Heather King and choreography by Cat Heinen. The show is supported by a dedicated student crew, alongside technical guidance from Daniel Gutierrez, sound support from Mike Schmidt, and set design by Luis Rendon.
Reflecting on the process, Espinosa shared that working on the show has been “a wonderful experience reexamining Wonderland with these student actors and musicians.” Director Garfinkel described the production as “a sweet, deeply human show about how we choose to spend our time and the stories that sustain us through loss.”
The cast includes 27 students from grades 6 through 12, highlighting the depth of talent within the school. Leading roles feature Taleesa Ofumbi as Alice Spencer, Andrew Sweet as Alfred/White Rabbit, Emma Brown as the Queen of Hearts, and Kal-El Ramirez as the Mad Hatter, among others.
Performances will take place at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School’s auditorium, located at 990 North Allen. Tickets are available for $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with pre-sale options through cast and crew members or online purchase.
With its blend of poignant storytelling, striking music, and student-driven creativity, Alice by Heart promises to be a memorable start to the spring theater season.
Performance Times Thursday, March 19: 6:00 pm Friday, March 20 at 6:00 pm Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm Location Thurgood Marshall Secondary School 990 Allen Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104 Purchase tickets online.
Leave a Reply