Take a dive into writer-director Gerry Shannon’s Down the Rabbit Hole, a modern reimagining of the classic Alice in Wonderland told through the art of dance, where we watch the White Rabbit (Andres Gonzalez) dancing deeper into Wonderland followed by a young Alice (Annie Cowden). The cast includes a set of Orlando-based performers who took on the challenge of learning choreography from 1,500 miles away, as Shannon is a Maine-based artist.
Together, the White Rabbit and Alice twirl into the Cheshire Cat (Anna Joy Lehman) and the Mad Hatter (Laura Powalisz) as they all gracefully escape the Queen of Hearts (Julissa Garcia Casiano). The performers enact the familiar scenes, but this time, through the White Rabbit’s point of view. From the Mad Hatter’s tea party to a scary encounter with the Queen, we see a whirl of different dance expressions in these iconic moments.
Throughout the show, different types of choreography are incorporated to tell the story of the White Rabbit, including musical theater, ballet, hip-hop and pantomime. The use of a projector and minimalist set, combined with dance and no dialogue, allows for an expansion of possibilities, leaving lots of room for the audience’s imagination, which feels childlike and freeing. The music is upbeat and charismatic; each character has a solo and a musical motif. Even the curtain call is artistically choreographed, with the cast still dancing while taking their bows.
Retelling the familiar story through the art of dance puts a more whimsical spin on Alice in Wonderland, specifically with the White Rabbit being the center of attention. This show is kid-friendly, and although it’s a time-worn tale, still makes a charming performance enjoyable for all ages.
Down the Rabbit Hole
Peach Venue, Orlando Family Stage
45 minutes; all ages
$15
Get tickets
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This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.