Alice by Heart is a poignant and imaginative musical by Duncan Sheik, Steven Sater, and Jessie Nelson that reimagines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland against the backdrop of World War II London. Set in an underground tube station during the Blitz, the story follows Alice Spencer and her dear friend Alfred as they shelter from the bombings. When Alfred is quarantined with tuberculosis, Alice encourages him to escape into the world of Alice in Wonderland , transforming the frightened shelter residents into beloved Wonderland characters. As fantasy and reality intertwine, Alice must confront fear, grief, first love, and the painful inevitability of growing up. Through a contemporary folk-pop score and surreal storytelling, the musical explores how imagination can offer comfort and courage in the darkest of times.
Content Warning:
This production contains themes of war, illness, grief, loss, and death. It includes depictions of air raids and bomb shelter conditions, references to violence and the impact of World War II, and emotionally intense scenes involving young people facing mortality. Some moments may be distressing for audience members.