Interview with the Director of “Dorothy Meets Alice”, Allison Hall

After the opening performance of “Dorothy Meets Alice” by Joseph Robinette, we checked in with the Director, Allison Hall, to ask her about the show.

Question 1: Why did you want to direct this show?

Question 2: How would you describe your vision for this production?

My vision for “Dorothy Meets Alice” comes from wanting to pay homage to the original stories and film adaptations these characters are already so fondly remembered from, but present these characters in a way that is special to our ensemble of unique actors. My vision blurs the gap between the 2-D characters of the page and the colorful and lively characters on stage. I want the audiences to see the characters and feel as if they’re extending from the set like a pop-up book.

Question 3: How has the rehearsal process been for this show? What has been exciting? What has been challenging?

The rehearsal process for the show has felt very smooth! From a director’s perspective, I’ve felt very spoiled from having an incredibly confident, brave, and proactive cast where everyone has had a strong sense of their characters from the very beginning. It’s been a little bit of challenge to find a harmonious balance between everyone’s original ideas, but seeing everyone’s unique characters join together into one wonderful story has been the most exciting part!

Question 4: What has been your favorite moment so far?

My favorite moment is the first time the actors saw each other in their costumes. They felt more confident as their characters. They felt more of that special theater “everything-is-coming-together” magic, and you could see them be inspired and energized by each other. Seeing Dorothy and Alice together for the first time definitely brings back that feeling of meeting princess characters as a little kid.

Question 5: What should the audience be excited about seeing or experiencing at your show?

The audience should be excited about seeing such iconic characters from these two different stories interact with each other for the first time. I hope the children adore the silly characters, and I hope the parents get to experience the wonder of these characters again as if they were kids again as well.  

Bonus: Who in the show is most like their character? Who’s the least?

JacobÍ and the Mad Hatter are the most like each other! He had such an organic process in portraying the Mad Hatter from already having a very bright, expressive, and playful personality. Ally is definitely the least like her character, the Scarecrow. They have some similarities to our show’s interpretation of the character, but Ally is so smart and always knows what’s going on. It has been so interesting to watch a very focused actress gracefully play a very aloof character. 

Visit here to learn more about “Dorothy Meets Alice” and to get your tickets today.