Members of the Superior Arts Youth Theater participate in a production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” The show takes place at the Forest Roberts Theater on Northern Michigan University’s campus and runs at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — If there is one thing you plan to do this weekend, it should be “falling down the rabbit hole” and supporting the Superior Arts Youth Theater by seeing their production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

For years, SAYT has been producing quality shows that rival any local theater, and this fast-paced adaptation of the classic Disney film is no exception.

“Alice in Wonderland” tells the story of an innocent girl with a big imagination. Alice, played by Bella Coleman, is endearing and relatable. Her sweet, but strong demeanor will draw you right into the story as she naively follows a White Rabbit, played by Jack Bishop, into the unique world of Wonderland. Though it is difficult for me to choose just one moment, falling into the rabbit hole was a sure favorite. The smart use of flight, lights and choreography are nothing short of wonderful (no pun intended). Once Alice enters Wonderland, chaos ensues. Alice struggles fitting in, quite literally, eating cookies and drinking potions to make her smaller or taller. Small Alice, portrayed by Nasheena Johnson will melt your heart each time she steps onstage and Tall Alice, Delaney Parks, is also pleasant.

The story is narrated by not one, not two, but three Cheshire Cats eerily played by Reya Ghiardi, Raina Doughty and Carley Palomaki. Disappearing and reappearing around the stage, using gymnastics and body movement to help engage the audience and unfold what Alice encounters, the three Alices interchange as they continue their search for the White Rabbit. Bishop does a fantastic job playing this lovable character who is always on the run. Bishop is no stranger to the stage and is quite exceptional in this role. On their journey, Alice meets a helpful Dodo Bird, who is delightfully played by Caleb Rayhorn, some adorable sea creatures and an entertaining pair of identical twins. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, played by Halle Haynes and Anna Rayhorn respectively, will certainly make you chuckle.

Things still get “curiouser and curiouser” for Alice as she comes across a flower field filled with beautiful, but vain and exclusive blossoms. Standout performers in this scene include: Brook Chaput, Romy Kus, Elodie Malherbe, Kyna Berry and Abby Harma. Their attitude and stage presence are very enjoyable as they dance Alice right into a smooth Caterpiller, played by Roenak Ghiardi. Ghiardi is calm, cool, collected and flexes some impressive rhythm and vocals during another favorite — “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” This musical number features many of the ensemble in a disco-like setting that literally had me dancing in my seat to finish Act One.

Act Two opens again with Ghiardi, but there is something slightly different about his character. Alice is urged to “find herself” but instead she finds none other but the Mad Hatter — perfectly portrayed by Baux Truckey. Truckey, to no surprise, consistently grabbed my attention with her voice and character. Canyon Medina played Truckey’s sidekick, the March Hare, and was also very good. The two together, in my opinion, stole the show. Coralee Daughtery’s performance as the Queen of Hearts was beautifully frightening and I found myself wanting more as the show began wrapping up. There is no denying this cast has many strong leads, but the ensemble is what really ties the show together. More than 75 pre-K through eighth-grade students are involved with this production.

Overall, Alice in Wonderland was a delightfully entertaining production. Director Jalina McClain — with the help of Lexi Taavola, Ella Davis and Teagan Sturmer — did a wonderful job bringing this beloved story to life. The fun and quirky set design by Steve McClain paired perfectly with the remarkable costumes by Suzanne Shahbazi. The music, under the direction of Jeff Bruning, did not disappoint. Taylor Koski’s choreography was simple and fun, which went well with the staged chaos of Wonderland. It is clear that Kim Hegmegee, light design and flight coordinator, is no stranger to theater and she and Dan Zini, sound designer, work very well together.

Don’t be late! “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” takes place at the Forest Roberts Theater on Northern Michigan University’s campus and runs at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday. Get tickets online at tickets.nmu.edu, by phone 906-227-1032, at any NMU ticket outlet, or it will be off with your head!

Eliisa Gladwell is a local actress and director.