Casting
Character Breakdown
Alice, Small Alice and Tall Alice are differently sized versions of the show's titular inquisitive and intrepid young girl. On a journey of self-discovery, the adventurous Alice has the heart of an explorer and instincts of a leader. Even when frustrated or confused, she's awfully charming, so cast an actor who can command the stage. Of the three, Alice carries the heft of the singing solors, so be sure to cast a strong singer for this starring role. Small Alice participates in a few musical numbers that might require good movement and dance skills. Tall Alices appears for a few cameo-style moments. While there are ways to adjust heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping track of the actors heights in auditions can help simplify the design of your production.
Alice, Small Alice and Tall Alice are differently sized versions of the show's titular inquisitive and intrepid young girl. On a journey of self-discovery, the adventurous Alice has the heart of an explorer and instincts of a leader. Even when frustrated or confused, she's awfully charming, so cast an actor who can command the stage. Of the three, Alice carries the heft of the singing solors, so be sure to cast a strong singer for this starring role. Small Alice participates in a few musical numbers that might require good movement and dance skills. Tall Alices appears for a few cameo-style moments. While there are ways to adjust heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping track of the actors heights in auditions can help simplify the design of your production.
Alice, Small Alice and Tall Alice are differently sized versions of the show's titular inquisitive and intrepid young girl. On a journey of self-discovery, the adventurous Alice has the heart of an explorer and instincts of a leader. Even when frustrated or confused, she's awfully charming, so cast an actor who can command the stage. Of the three, Alice carries the heft of the singing solors, so be sure to cast a strong singer for this starring role. Small Alice participates in a few musical numbers that might require good movement and dance skills. Tall Alices appears for a few cameo-style moments. While there are ways to adjust heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping heights of the actors through creative costuming, keeping track of the actors heights in auditions can help simplify the design of your production.
The Cheshire Cat (1, 2, and 3) is the perpetually grinning narrator of the story, a magical feline who doesn't always agree with itself. Because this role is played by three actors, consider auditioning potentials together to get a sense of their chemistry, but above all, cast charismatic actors who can play mischievous and mysterious to both Alice and the audience.
The White Rabbit is the fussy royal trumpeter, ever-worried that he is running terribly late. Look for an actor who can exude his nervous energy through constant fidgety movement. Because of his wordy solo, excellent diction is also a plus!
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are twins with an identity crisis and an exhausting enthusiasm for proper manners. Superfluously silly, the Tweedles are a comedy duo a la Abbot & Costello and Laurel & Hardy, so ensure their comic timing and chemistry by auditioning potentials in pairs.
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are twins with an identity crisis and an exhausting enthusiasm for proper manners. Superfluously silly, the Tweedles are a comedy duo a la Abbot & Costello and Laurel & Hardy, so ensure their comic timing and chemistry by auditioning potentials in pairs.
Mathilda is Alice's scholarly sister, has no time for silly games. Cast an actor who can portray both the no-nonsense attitude and the affection of a protective older sister. This role, which only appears in the first and final scenes, can easily double as a Wonderland Character ensemble role if desired.
The Flowers (Rose, Petunia, Lily, Violet, Daisy) are a stuck-up group of pleasing perennials. While only five have lines, cast many as you would like to fill out this singing ensemble.
Caterpillar is Alice's wise and fabulous mentor. In fact, if she had a fairy godmother, this cool Caterpillar would be it. As a triple threat, this soon-to-be butterflu should be played by an actor with the vocal chops, the moves, and the magnetism to woo anyone in Wonderland.
The Mad Hatter is the life of the (tea) party and has a penchant for making up rules. Delightfully eccentric, the Mad Hatter has a flair for the theatrical and very little focus. While this role requires a singing solo, the actor can speak-sing if needed, so focus on finding someone who relishes the nonsensical fun of this charismatic character.
The March Hare is the Mad Hatter's chummy sidekick, enjoys a good party. Just slightly more rational than the Mad Hatter, the March Hare lets the frenetic Hatter lead the way, while never passing up the chance to play a silly game.
The Queen of Hearts is the hotheaded and overbearing ruler of Wonderland. Cast an actor who can portray this mean monarch with theatrical grandiosity,
The King of Hearts, the Queen's partner, has a timid demeanor until taking expert command of Alice's trial. Since he does not appear until later in the show, he may also double as a different Wonderland Character as needed - just be sure the audience doesn't see his King costume until he enters with the Queen.
The Doorknob is the gatekeeper of Wonderland, knowingly encourages Alice to drink the magic potion. Look for an actor with a tendency toward the dramatic who can capture Doorknob's put-upon demeanor.
The Dodo Bird is the imperious captain of the Queen's Navy, leads the caucus race. Cast an actor with a commanding presence and a suitable singing voice for this soloist.
The Ensemble (Park Kids, Sea Creatures, Royal Cards, Party Guests, etc.) is your show's primary group of performers from which you will cast the Featured Roles and other, perhaps smaller, Ensemble Groups. Be sure to select strong singers - as few or as many as your production requires - as all ensembles require group singing. The Featured Roles call for either solo singing or solo acting, or both (refer to the chart on the next page for specifics). Often in this story, the Primary Storytellers will become members of the Ensemble during numbers in which they are not featured.