DCC’s Fall Mainstage Show ‘Alice by Heart’

Description

Dutchess Community College (DCC) will present the fall mainstage production of “Alice by Heart” Nov. 13–16 in the James and Betty Hall Theatre. Directed by Theatre Instructor AnnChris Warren, the musical features the talents of more than 60 DCC students from across academic disciplines and is produced by the Performing Arts program and Masquers’ Guild Theatre Club.

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the show reimagines the classic tale through the eyes of two teens sheltering during the London Blitz. Written by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson with music by Duncan Sheik, the story explores love, loss and the courage to move forward.

In connection with the production’s themes of grief and resilience, DCC is using “Alice by Heart” as an opportunity to promote open conversations about mental health and highlight available resources for students.

This effort builds on DCC’s ongoing work as a JED Campus, part of a national initiative led by The Jed Foundation (JED) — the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. DCC joined the JED Campus network in spring 2023, committing to a multi-year partnership focused on strengthening mental health systems and creating lasting, positive change in campus culture.

“Alice by Heart has many themes, one of the more prominent ones being grief,” Warren said. “We’ve teamed up with JED to create open discussions with students and highlight resources for anyone who may be struggling. It’s an opportunity to connect what we explore on stage with the real experiences of our students.”

Informational displays and materials from JED and community partners will be available in the theatre lobby during each performance. Artwork created by DCC Instructor Jesse Navarra’s drawing students, depicting cast members in character, will also be on display.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 13–15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16.

Ticket information: 
DCC students: Free 
DCC faculty and staff, seniors over 60 and non-DCC students: $10 
General admission: $15 
Get tickets at ticketleap.events/tickets/sunydutchess/alice-by-heart or purchase at the door.

Visitors can park in Lot D (GPS address: 90 Cottage Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601). To request sign language interpreting services or other accommodations, please contact Linda Bertolozzi at 845-431-8058 or bertoloz@sunydutchess.edu at least two weeks before the event.