Modern retelling of 'Alice In Wonderland' comes to Murfreesboro

The Center for the Arts will open its 2017 season with the regional premiere of the award-winning Alice — A Wonder Full New Musical. The play was created by composer Jon Lorenz, who is a former colleague of Denise Parton, CFTA Youth Program Coordinator and director of the show.

Lorenz is thrilled to have the show being produced at The Center for the Arts. "It is so very exciting for Alice to make its Middle Tennessee premiere. Over time, I have been thrilled to see passionate directors and young actors continue to embrace the story and brand every aspect with their own experience and personal dynamite. The glimpses I've seen, from the Center for the Arts rehearsals, promise something very unique and special."

Alice was selected by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked) to be a part of the 2005 ASCAP/Disney Musical Theater Workshop, performed at NYU in 2010, and optioned by NBC/Universal Theatricals in 2013.

It has been a goal of Parton’s to bring the show to Murfreesboro, and she is excited to introduce it to our area.  “I’ve been in love with the show since the first time I saw it back in California in 2008,” says Parton.  “The show is extremely difficult to perform but after seeing all the talent in this area, I knew we could pull it off—and I was right!  It is going to be amazing-- there are such talented youth in this area!”

Alice — A Wonder Full New Musical, is a modern retelling of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Alice is a typical high school senior, who is supposed to write an essay on what her future holds, but the only thing that matters is the concert she is going to that night. If she could only meet the singer in her favorite band, Red Queen, maybe her life would make sense - but soon nothing makes sense as she takes a trip to Wonderland instead, meeting a crazy array of personalities that vie for her attention. This musical adventure may just give Alice the clarity she needs to see who she really is.

Full of rock-pop music and familiar Wonderland characters that have been tweaked for a modern audience, Alice is a must-see family experience. The Mad Hatter is here, but this tea party is set in a TV studio, and the Duchess character has been transformed into a parenting guru who has some opinions to share with Alice. What will happen when Alice finally does meet her idol, Red Queen? It’s a subtle commentary on the myriad influences kids have in their lives today from media and arts to peer and family pressures.

Lorenz was born and raised in San Diego, he works as actor, director, playwright, composer, and teacher. He studied acting, directing, and music at Cal State Fullerton and Chapman University, and has spent the last nine years as a Resident Artist and Musical Director for Lamb’s Players Theatre. Jon is the co-creator of Mixtape: a Totally Awesome Musical Journey Through the 80s which was named by the Union-Tribune as “San Diego’s longest running home-created show.” He lives in San Diego with wife and muse Julie, and their two children Hudson and Macy.

The Center’s 2017 season opener features a cast of 39 youth, led by Jet Thurmond as Alice. Tickets can be purchased on the Center’s website at www.boroarts.org; calling 615-904-2787; or stopping by the Center’s box office at 110 W. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro. Prices are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors, students and military; and $11 for children. Group tickets are available. Performances are at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoons.

The center, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, is supported in part by generous grants provided by the City of Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Alice is sponsored by Purified Air Solutions.

 

 

 

 

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less