“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 6, 2024
by Denise Sum
copyright © 2024 by Denise Sum
Exactly five years after its last run, Christopher Wheeldon’s hugely successful and family friendly “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” was brought back to the Toronto stage, scheduled to coincide with March break. The strategy paid off as the run was completely sold out – something that does not generally happen unless the ballet starts with “Swan” and ends with “Lake”. Thirteen years after its world premiere in London by The Royal Ballet, this full length work remains as striking, comical and playful as ever. It still feels very much like a ballet for contemporary sensibilities. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” blends clever wit and impressive special effects while maintaining a fast pace to cater to short attention spans. It is not surprising that it is now performed around the world, most recently by the Australian Ballet and the Bavarian State Ballet.
Artists of the Ballet in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Photo by Karolina Kuras.