ALICE, a musical
William Wade, composer and lyricist (email)
Frank Blocker, bookwriter (email)

Synopsis

Act I: Young, hopeful New York professional Alice wakes up late—her typical workday—and finds herself alone in bed, again ("Late"). Her boss calls with impossible demands as she races to catch the subway. Forced to take an unfamiliar train, Alice finds herself in the dark after a sudden stop. There is a screeching sound, followed by the announcement "Going Down!." ("Anything Can Happen") When the chaos ceases, Alice finds herself in Wonderland where her commuting cohorts are now animals in the story. White Rabbit informs Alice that the game—a chess match—is beginning and she must decide her first move. Alice finds she is a White Pawn on a direct path toward Red Queen. Red Queen rides the field, sizing up her opponent. She confronts and threatens Alice, while welcoming her to the game. Caterpillar, border security, reminds Alice to keep her temper, stay out of the muck and to keep moving. She is launched two squares forward where she meets the Tweedles who teach her the cycle of life ("The Walrus and the Carpenter"), while they ogle the nearby White Knight. Red Queen appears and tries to take posession of White Knight but Alice is in a protective chess position and manages to save him . Red Queen is enraged ("Off With Their Heads") and has White Knight deliver Alice to Duchess on his way to fighting the kingdom’s newest battles. As Alice waits at the Duchess’ door, White Knight professes that though he is old, his feelings for Alice are brand new, but he is unable to move ("I Don’t Know Why"). Then Alice enters the Duchess’ house. With androgenous significant other, Cook, and foster child in tow, Duchess develops an unhealthy admiration for Alice riling Cook’s jealousy until a fight ensues. Alice flees with the laid-back Cheshire Cat who tries to convince Alice to play the game and enjoy life ("Whistle Your Worries Away"). Alice soft shoes her way to the Mad Tea Party where she is greeted by Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse. Alice joins in a lively discussion of tea, politics, and madness ("The 'M' Song"). Dormouse gives her a psychological evaluation but it is Mad Hatter who teaches her conspiracy theory("The Conspiracy Song"). White Knight appears and gives Alice her croquet invitation. She thanks all for helping her get so far in the game so quickly. Once Alice exits, Red Queen demands a report. Dormouse, national security advisor, along with chief spies Mad Hatter and March Hare, respond with a litany of complaints against Alice. White Knight offers his solution: win her heart. It is selected as the most devious plan. As the Company gets behind Red Queen, they consider the danger of the intruder to their world and decide something must be done about Alice ("There’s Something About Alice"). Act II: Alice finds the croquet match is set up but she is alone onstage ("Changes"). White Knight finds her and tells her Red Queen’s plans. She begs White Knight to leave her so that he will not be charged with crimes against the state. Red Queen’s entourage, confront Alice and inform her of her impending challenge. The game begins ("Rules of the Game"). Duchess follows Alice to a secluded place and professes her attraction ("Song of Morals"), then the Red King does the same. When it is realized that Alice has "taken the King," Red King falsely cries out for help and all rush to his aid. Red Queen appears, standing in judgment over Alice. Duchess and Red King try to defend her, and fail her. White Knight enters and is paired with Alice, then thrown into prison ("Child of Pure, Unclouded Brow")where he tries to comfort Alice ("The Seasons"), but she finds her own strength when she realizes she can take charge and win the game. She calls for Red Queen and demands a trial. Red Queen and Company find Alice guilty of attempted chaos and considers her public enemy one. Taking queue from Red Queen, Company attacks Alice. She awakens in a world between dream and wake where she finds White Knight who tells her he was glad to have loved Alice no matter the consequences ("Soliloquy"). But she must return to her world. There is a screech of subway breaks. Alice awakens in the subway car ("Epilogue"), realizes she’s now late for work and rushes along, dropping everything. A businessman (formerly White Knight) attempts to help her but she insists she will be fine on her own. There is a "love at second sight" moment and Alice gathers her things as White Knight exits.