Lamar University Theatre's production of "The Wonder in Alice," directed by Kate Brennan, reimagines the classic story by splitting its heroine into five versions of herself. Lamar describes the play as a young adult view of a world that is both familiar and daunting to navigate. Stage manager Victoria Smith told LU News that Wonderland is less a fantasy Alice discovers and more a picture of who she is.

The show is built on spectacle: puppetry, physical theater, a Cheshire Cat and a caterpillar at oversized scale, and a rabbit-hole sequence the cast developed together in brainstorming sessions. Audiences sit on three sides of a platform painted to look like spiraling book pages, so there is something to see in every direction.

For actor Mallory Craigen, who plays Loquacious, the bookish and talkative Alice, the story is about what happens when parts of yourself cannot understand each other. Her character has to learn to communicate with the other four, and all five learn that their differences are what let them fit together.

What audiences may not notice is the planning. Smith says moving large props, puppets, and performers through one shared space leaves almost no room for error. Craigen says the production pushed her physically and creatively past what she thought she could do.

Joy on the surface, precision underneath. It is a fair description of how most good things get made. The message Smith hopes people take home is simple: there is "joy and perfection in every part of who you are," flaws and mistakes included.

Where you fit: The production is open to the public and suitable for younger audiences. Come curious. Tickets and details:

lamar.edu/lutdtix.

Original editorial artwork created for The Beaumont Current. Not official Lamar University Theatre promotional material.