Opening July 31st, Out of the Box Productions shows us the transformative power of small theatre with their latest offering, Alice By Heart. This stirring adaptation of the Alice in Wonderland story reimagines the classic tale through the eyes of teenage Alice Spencer, who has taken refuge in a tube station with her friend Alfred Hallam, who falls ill with tuberculosis. To cope, Alice leads him into the story she knows by heart, merging reality and fantasy into one immersive experience. The result is a moving, visually inventive production that uses song, dance, and layered performances to navigate grief, memory, and growing up in a world at war.

Mackenzie Watkins shines as Alice, delivering a performance full of emotional clarity and vulnerability. Her portrayal captures both the aching loss that grounds the story and the childlike wonder that allows the audience to believe in Wonderland. Opposite her, Derrick Robinson is a standout as Alfred and the White Rabbit, skillfully shifting between the grounded trauma of wartime illness and the surreal whimsy of Carroll’s rabbit. Breanne Nielson delivers a sultry, enigmatic Cheshire Cat, purring her way through the narrative with standout physicality and voice. Joaquin Barton, as Angus and the Caterpillar, brings warmth, humor, and depth to his scenes, his presence is both grounding and otherworldly, a perfect balance for the role.

A particular highlight is the chaotic brilliance of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, brought to life by Nathan Lopez as Harold/Mad Hatter and Pearl Solis as Nigel/Dormouse. Their chemistry is electric, bouncing between manic absurdity and tragic undertones. Lopez is especially striking in his portrayal of shell-shocked Harold, capturing the terror and confusion of a mind haunted by war. It's a haunting, beautiful moment that anchors the surrealism of Wonderland in painful reality.

Despite the show’s heavy themes of grief and loss, Alice By Heart finds plenty of room for levity, often delivered with impeccable timing and charm. Ryan Hemmerling brings the house down in full drag as the Duchess, stealing scenes with exaggerated flair and perfectly delivered absurdity. His presence adds a jolt of joyful chaos to Wonderland. Equally delightful are the interactions between Gavin Ryan as the bombastic King of Hearts and Karay Hartshorn as the imperious Queen of Hearts, their chemistry is pure comedy, offering a playful and biting counterbalance to the story’s darker undertones. These moments of humor not only entertain but deepen the emotional resonance of the show by giving the audience room to breathe and laugh.

The ensemble elevates the production as a whole, with each actor given moments to shine. Rather than fading into the background, every cast member actively contributes to the world-building, emotional arc, and choreography. This democratic approach to performance makes the production feel communal and lived-in, echoing the themes of unity and survival that underpin the show.

Becky Imoe, who wears nearly every hat in the production, from director and choreographer to vocal coach, tech lead, and costume designer, delivers a masterclass in multitasking and artistic vision. Imoe, a veteran vocal and musical theatre coach in the Inland Empire for over two decades, brings a deep well of experience and passion to the production. Her direction leans into the show’s most powerful element: transition. Whether between the real and imaginary, childhood and adulthood, or life and death, her staging and choreography weave these threads together seamlessly. The result is a narrative that moves fluidly between two worlds, blurring the edges between memory and magic.

The vocal performances are consistently strong, thanks in no small part to Imoe’s coaching. Many of the cast members have clearly trained with her, and it shows. Harmonies soar, solos land with emotional weight, and musical transitions are executed with precision and heart. The cast navigates Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s haunting score with vocal maturity and artistic confidence.

Staged in an intimate venue, Alice By Heart makes the most of its limited space. Instead of feeling constrained, the setting draws the audience closer. The lack of separation between performer and viewer amplifies the emotional intensity and dreamlike quality of the show. It feels less like watching a performance and more like being swept up inside Alice’s fractured, grieving mind.

The production features two alternating casts: the “Time is Chasing Me” cast performing on July 31, August 1–3, and August 9–10, and the “The Key is in You” cast performing on August 7–8 and August 14–17. All performances begin at 8 PM and run approximately ninety minutes with no intermission. Each cast brings its own energy and perspective to the material, making multiple viewings a rewarding and unique experience.

Out of the Box Productions continues to be a vital part of the Inland Empire’s arts scene, and Alice By Heart is a shining example of what small, passionate theatre can achieve. With Becky Imoe at the helm, a talented ensemble cast, and a deeply resonant story, this production invites audiences not only to witness Alice’s journey, but to feel it.