The world of theatre is a magical place, and when it comes to the Penguin Project, it becomes even more extraordinary. This year, Theatre Lawrence's production of 'Alice in Wonderland Jr.' has brought together a group of young actors with disabilities, along with their dedicated mentors, to create a truly special performance. But what makes this production so remarkable is not just the talent on stage, but the impact it has on the lives of these young performers and their families. In my opinion, this story is a testament to the power of theatre to bring people together and create a sense of community and belonging. It's a story that deserves to be shared and celebrated, and I'm thrilled to be able to bring it to you today. So, let's dive into the world of 'Alice in Wonderland Jr.' and explore what makes this production so special.
What makes this production so fascinating is the way it brings together young actors with disabilities and their mentors to create a cohesive and inclusive performance. The Penguin Project is a theater program for young people with special needs, and Theatre Lawrence is one of more than 50 organizations across the country that participate in it. This year's show is a production of 'Alice in Wonderland Jr.', and all of the roles are played by youth ages 10 to 21 with disabilities, most of them partnered with peer mentors who help them in rehearsals and on stage. Personally, I think this is a brilliant initiative that not only provides these young actors with a creative outlet, but also gives them a sense of community and belonging. It's a chance for them to shine and be seen, and it's a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a chance to express themselves and be heard.
One of the things that immediately stands out about this production is the diversity of the cast. From the talking playing cards to the White Rabbit, and from the Cheshire Cat to Alice herself, the ensemble has no shortage of interesting characters. What's more, Alice is played by multiple people, including Asher, the 'big/medium Alice', and a 'small Alice' played by someone else when she shrinks down to a few inches tall. This is a brilliant example of how the Penguin Project embraces diversity and encourages young actors to explore different roles and perspectives. It's a powerful reminder that theatre should be inclusive and representative, and that every young person, regardless of their abilities, deserves a chance to be on stage.
But what makes this production truly special is the impact it has on the lives of the young performers and their families. For Tanya Lee, whose son Connor plays the March Hare, the Penguin Project has been a life-changing experience for her son. 'This is the first thing we joined that Connor really got to shine in,' she says. 'He got more than just a fun role — he also got 'built-in friends' just as he was starting high school.' This is a powerful example of how the Penguin Project can create meaningful connections and foster friendships that last a lifetime. It's a reminder that theatre can be a powerful tool for building community and creating lasting bonds.
In my opinion, the Penguin Project is a brilliant initiative that deserves to be celebrated and supported. It's a powerful reminder that theatre can be a force for good, and that it can bring people together in ways that few other activities can. So, if you're looking for a truly special theatre experience, I highly recommend checking out the Penguin Project. Whether you're a parent, a young actor, or simply someone who loves theatre, I think you'll find that the Penguin Project has something special to offer. And who knows — you may just find yourself falling down the rabbit hole of pure joy and wonder!
