Courtesy of COCA
The next production to take the stage at COCA’s new Catherine B. Berges Theatre, wUNDERland, puts a modern, hip-hop twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The production features creative direction and choreography by COCA Hip-Hop Crew Artistic Director Anthony “Redd” Williams.
Williams, who has traveled the world teaching hip-hop dance and worked with Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Mariah Carey, to name a few, says the soundtrack to the production has songs the audience will definitely recognize and love. The production has also offered the chance to work with several talented local artists.
“STL has a lot of gifted creatives. We’ve been very fortunate to be able to work with some of them on creating this amazing production,” says Williams. Florissant native Kennedy Holmes, who took fourth place during Season 15 of The Voice, will take on the role of the Mad Hatter as she returns to her roots on the COCA stage.
Williams also brought in local designer Brandin Vaughn to create original costumes. “I’ve always been a fan of Brandin’s work,” says Williams. “So when I was thinking of a wardrobe stylist or costumer, right away I knew this was the perfect project to potentially collaborate with him on.” Luckily, he was met with an excited “yes” when he asked Vaughn.
Costumes for the main characters are rich in color and texture, including a kilt made from neckties. When asked her favorite part about her Mad Hatter costume, Holmes said it would have to be the green silk gloves that she has enjoyed wearing while in character.
When planning the production, one theme that emerged was gender fluidity in the roles. The Cheshire cat could be of any gender, or simply the Cheshire Cat, because, as Williams explains, “All cats, male or female, have pretty much the same movement aesthetic.”
“In the world we live in today, I think it’s very important to take as many opportunities as possible to practice and teach acceptance, especially pertaining to stereotypical gender norms,” says Williams. “I wanted to use this platform to shed a little light on that.”
wUNDERland runs December 16 to December 19, and tickets are available at cocastl.org. Runtime is one hour and the performance is suitable for all ages.
