Alice by Heart

Solebury School’s winter musical, follows Alice Spencer and her best friend Alfred as they seek refuge from the London Blitz of World War II—finding solace in their favorite childhood book.

What happens when the madness of the world becomes too much to bear? Solebury School’s winter musical, Alice by Heart, explores this question through a poignant and imaginative reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

As reality and fantasy intertwine, the underground shelter transforms into Wonderland, where the people around them—soldiers, nurses, and fellow evacuees—become the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and more. Through this journey, Alice and Alfred confront grief, love, and the painful necessity of moving forward.

Created by singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening) and playwrights Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson, Alice by Heart is a powerful and poignant reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Blending an evocative score with fast-paced storytelling, the musical explores love, loss, and the resilience of the imagination in times of despair. With educational licensing set to expire in June 2025, this is a rare opportunity to experience Alice by Heart on stage.

Director Peter Martino shares, “At its core, Alice by Heart is about the power of imagination to heal and transform us. In the face of grief, uncertainty, and fear, Alice holds onto the one thing no one can take from her—her story. This show is hauntingly beautiful, deeply moving, and unlike anything we’ve ever done at Solebury. I can’t wait for audiences to experience its magic.”

Performances will take place February 20–23, 2025, in Solebury School’s Barn Theater. The production runs 90 minutes with no intermission, with both matinee and evening performances available. Showtimes: Thursday – 7 PM, Friday – 7 PM, Saturday – 2 PM & 7 PM, Sunday – 1 PM & 5 PM. Tickets can be purchased through Solebury School’s website.