Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), the State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, is proud to present the Youth Education’s production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr., based on the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and the novels The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.

This magical tale features music and lyrics by Sammy Fain and runs Mar. 15- 23 at 7 p.m. with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview Performance Mar. 14 at 7 p.m. and a matinee performance Mar. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (60+) and $11 for children/students. For more information, call the GVT Box Office at 304-645-3838 or visit www.gvtheatre.org.

Carroll’s magical tale comes to life onstage when Alice tumbles down a rabbit hole and into Wonderland. Full of whimsy and fun, Alice and her Wonderland friends entertain with songs such as “The Unbirthday Song” with the Mad Hatter and his party guests, “The Golden Afternoon” sung by the Flowers and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” with the Caterpillar. This production is 75 minutes long and features over 35 students.

Taking the stage and putting on a great show is an exhilarating prospect that each of the students participating can feel. From new-comers like Callie McFerrin ready to take on a new challenge to veteran GVTeens like Ryan Vaughan, who will be portraying the iconic Mad Hatter, everyone involved knows it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been rehearsing, the real fun begins when the audience takes their seats.

“We get such a thrill walking out on stage and seeing a packed house, for me that is what makes live theatre,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan has been performing at GVT, in mainstage shows such as On Golden Pond and A Christmas Carol to hits like Disney and Cameron Mackintsh’s Mary Poppins Jr. alongside his peers, for years. It may seem like his experience would make it easier, but Vaughan knows how much hard work is necessary in preparation for the show. While some parts of the rehearsal process can be difficult, the young thespian knows that it pays off when he gets on stage and brings his character to life.

Vaughan’s experience has helped him to understand what it means to put on a show full of songs, choreography and 35 other students, but many students are getting their first experience with GVT. McFerrin is one of those students. This promising young performer is in band at Greenbrier East High, as well as a recent member of the theatre troupe.

She saw last year’s production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr., and with a little encouragement from her friends, decided the join them for this year’s production. Her stage experience may be limited, but she’s got enough to know that if you walk out on stage with confidence and preparation, the audience will see your success, not your mistakes.

“You matter, and you need to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, because if you only give 20 percent at practice, you’re going to give 20 percent when you perform in front of an audience,” McFerrin said.

Both students agree that every role is important, and you must always give your character everything you’ve got. If you go in with an open mind, persevere when things get tough and enjoy yourself, your hard work will lead to success.

GVT’s production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. also features: Ella Bowes, Sophie Bowes, Addyson Carr, Gabriella Carr, Ashleigh Darnell, Alexandra DeGraff, Lily Dense, Kelly Dudley, Lori Eagle, Georgia Foster, Jackson Hefner, Grace Johnson, Sarah Jones, Lillie King, Shaylen Lafferty, Kaelin Maro, Cecilia Alice Mason, Skyler McCallister, Ashley Meadows, Andrea Miller, Clara Mills, Emarya Montgomery, Kymberlyn Morgan, Stella Blue Neeley, Lauren Rodgers, Khalil Samuels, Will Sarver, Benedek Szalai, Boglarka Szalai, Mackenzie Taylor, Delia Teaney, B’Launa Westmoreland, Jed White, Bailey Withrow, Sallie Wittkamper and Blaine Yates

This program is presented with financial assistance from the WV Division of Arts, Culture & History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.