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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula November 6, 2003  Updated November 8, 2003* Text and Photos © 2003 Finlandia University. Press Release and photos courtesy Jo Lorichon, Finlandia Executive Director of Communications. Reprinted with permission.

Alice in Wonderland to appear at Finlandia Nov. 7, 8, 9

HANCOCK --  Alice and her Wonderland cohorts will be appearing on stage Friday through Sunday, Nov. 7, 8 and 9, at Finlandia University's Finnish-American Heritage Center Theatre in Hancock. The Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee will be at 2 p.m.

Co-directors Melvin Kangas and Ren Olson note their production of Alice in Wonderland involves 30 community members--including children, teens and adults.

Twin sisters Jennifer Stokes, left, and Stephanie Stokes, Hancock High School ninth graders, will play the roles of Tweedledum and Tweedledee in Finlandia University's production of Alice in Wonderland Nov. 7, 8 and 9 at the Finnish-American Heritage Center Theatre in Hancock. (Photo © 2003 Finlandia University and courtesy Jo Lorichon, Finlandia Executive Director of Communications)

"This is the largest number of local people, ever, to take part in our productions," said Kangas. "We were almost overwhelmed with actors and actresses at auditions!"

Kangas said Lewis Carroll's timeless classic was written as a commentary on the state of society in his day and age. (Charles "Lewis Carroll" Dodgson lived from 1832-1898.)

"With the theme of 'Think for yourself,' Alice's tale still has a ring of truth for us today; but more than anything else, it is wholesome and fun entertainment for all ages," Kangas added. "I guess I really like fantasy -- to get away from the realities of life -- and yet these realities of life are disguised in these fantastic tales."

When asked why people should take time out of their busy lives to attend the performances, co-director Ren Olson said, "While TV is seen as entertainment, theatre productions are much more than that. Add in the fact that we have 30 members of our local communities in the play and you suddenly have a very interesting performance. We have families as well as Finlandia students participating."

Shanna Johnson, a Calumet High School student, will be the Queen of Hearts in Finlandia's production of Alice in Wonderland this weekend at the Finnish-American Heritage Center. (Photo © 2003 Finlandia University and courtesy Jo Lorichon, Finlandia Executive Director of Communications)

Hannah Bethse, an eighth-grade student living in Chassell, will play the role of Alice; Sergio Buoniconti from The Daily Mining Gazette will be the Cheshire Cat; Shanna Johnson, a Calumet High School student, will be the Queen of Hearts; the King will be played by Hancock Elementary student Molly Holmbo; Mathew Sanford, former Finlandia student, will appear as the Mad Hatter; Charlotte Anderson, Hancock High School ninth grader, will play the March Hare; and Pasi Lautalu, MTU student from Finland, will be the Knave (Jack of Hearts).

All tickets are $5, available at the door.

*Editor's Note: Previously, we incorrectly listed Molly Holmbo as a Calumet student. Thanks to her family for the correction. Molly is a student at Hancock Elementary School. Melvin, Ren and the entire cast and crew are to be congratulated on an excellent, delightful performance!

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