Jul 23, 2019 3 min read

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy will wrap up its 2019 summer theater experience for young performers with a fully staged production of Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

The public is welcome to attend the show at 4 p.m. July 27 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre on campus.

Hosted by Cal U’.s Department of Music and Theatre, the academy, now in its 22nd year, gives students ages 8-17 an opportunity to study musical theater. After acting, voice and dance classes, technical theater learning and rehearsals, students present a musical complete with stage sets, costumes and props.

More than 40 Mon Valley performers are participating in this year’s academy, which began July 15. Students study and rehearse from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” is a fast-paced take on the classic story of a girl who disappears down a rabbit hole to a fantastic place full of bizarre adventures.

“For the Summer Experience we look to select a show that will be fun for the whole family to attend, but is also filled with lively, colorful characters, challenging music, and opportunities for all levels of dancing,” said Dr. Michele Pagen, the academy’s director and co-chair of the Music and Theatre Department. “Alice fit that bill for us this year; additionally, the show encourages you to be curious about the world around you, but more importantly to be yourself!”

The Summer Experience artistic and teaching team includes members of the theater faculty as well as local professionals.

Current Cal U. students involved in the production include Betty Kline as production stage and company manager, and Sam Park, Amanda Woodburn, Brendan Pavlick and Sarah Martin as course assistants and counselors. Serena Olsen is the lighting designer while graduate student Kayla Grimm is the acting instructor.

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater, the same organization that has accredited Cal U.’s Bachelor of Arts in Theater program since 2005.

Tickets – $8 for adults, $4 for children – may be purchased at the door. Tickets can be reserved in advance beginning July 22 by calling or leaving a message at 724-938-4220.

Additionally, there will be a Mad Tea Party at the Herron Patio area prior to the show, beginning at 2:15 p.m. July 27. The party includes pre-show activities, a telling of the story, and photos with the cast. A limited number of seats are available for this event, and the cost is $10 for kids and $15 for grownups. Price includes the party and a ticket to the show.

To reserve tickets to the tea party, contact 724-938-4220.