The Academy presented its autumn drama production of “Alice in Wonderland” at St. Louis School’s Mamiya Theater beginning on Nov. 7. Underclassmen stepped up to claim coveted main roles under the direction of Kyle Kakuno.
For the first time, the production used green screen technology that allowed such difficult scenes as Alice’s change in size and the odd habits of the Cheshire cat to be featured.
Cast members expressed excitement before the production despite the difficulties in keeping up with school work and rehearsals.
“Rehearsals are very time-consuming and they usually last three to four hours. As students, it’s a little difficult because we have homework, tests and projects to worry about. I also get very tired because I usually don’t get home until 9:30 or 10,” said sophomore Shannon Domingsil. “Everyone in the cast and crew has been working very hard in this production. I’m looking forward to being able to share a story with the audience and connecting with them. I am also able to release them from reality and bring them into a ‘wonderland’ that is our show.”
The production included cast members from schools, including St. Louis and Punahou, for the male roles.
“My favorite part about doing ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was definitely getting to meet the younger generation of theater. There were only five seniors [from St. Louis] and all of them were boys, so it was nice to see that Sacred Hearts still has thespians in there somewhere! Along with the cast, the crew was definitely filled with amazing people,” said St. Louis senior Alten Kiakona. “Nicole Yamada who is a junior at SHA is amazing! I could go on about her and the stories we have!”
“Alice in Wonderland” featured fresh faces in main roles.
“I would like to audition for plays in the future. I’ve always wanted to do theater where I can act, sing and dance. Musical theater can now be crossed off my bucket list. I was always the type of person who couldn’t just sit and watch something but want and hope to be in it instead,” said junior Alyssa Ablao. “The performances went by really fast. Because the performances went by so quickly, I just concentrated on soaking in all that was happening because I knew that the show would soon come to an end. After each performance, I felt accomplished.”
“Theater is probably the most important thing in my extracurriculars. I absolutely love it. Theater is what keeps me sane and lets me be who I truly am,” said Kiakona. “It lets me express everything I love to do. Everyone in theater is weird and it makes me feel at home.”
