As the lead in the Guild Festival Theatre revival production of Alice in Wonderland, Alicia Plummer embodies the beloved character with her own unique flair. After a sold-out run in 2021, as well as seven Dora Award nominations and two wins, Alice in Wonderland returns to Guild Park until July 22, before touring across the province. The production is based on the classic novel of the same name by Lewis Carroll, adapted by David Savoy. And Tyler J. Seguin returns to direct the original Dora-nominated ensemble members Cayne Kitagawa, Muhaddisah, and Michael Williamson – with Plummer, Autumn Davis and Shayna Burns also joining the cast.
Early in our conversation, Plummer shares, “I love being onstage. It’s a great way to connect to a live audience, and it’s nice to hear an audience react in real time.” She pursued theatre because she found her voice through it. She was innately shy and reserved as a child, but when she first performed in a play in elementary school, she discovered an avenue to open up and let her true self be heard.
The whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland held a special allure because, in addition to acting, Plummer has a background in clown work and theatre for young audiences. And having grown up in Scarborough, she was thrilled by the idea of performing at hometown venue the Guild Festival Theatre: “When auditions for Alice In Wonderland came to my attention, it only made sense to audition!” Plummer finds Alice a natural role, for two reasons. First, the two share a common inquisitiveness, propensity for mischief, and love of tarts . . . not to mention a delight in annoying their sisters. Second, Plummer is inspired by Alice’s best qualities: her bravery and her ability to confront challenges head-on, with curiosity and courage.
Plummer believes that diverse Toronto audiences will connect with the production – particularly its representation. “Truthfully, I never thought I’d get the opportunity to ever play Alice because I’m a black woman who doesn’t look like the typical Alice from the movie and the novel,” she enthuses. “However, I am very grateful to have this opportunity, and I hope I can inspire little black girls and other kids of colour to get up on stage and be who they want!” In keeping with this idea, the themes of Alice in Wonderland resonate deeply with Plummer – particularly the idea embodied by the line, “If I don’t ask, I will never receive.” It reminds us that we must advocate for our needs, not stand silent. It also reminds us that there are no silly questions in life, especially when it comes to learning and self-education.
According to Plummer, what sets this Guild-Park production apart is its location in Scarborough, “which I cannot stress enough is awesome!” Audiences seeking a respite from the bustling streets of Toronto can immerse themselves in the serene locale and the creativity and enchantment of the show, which is skillfully directed by Tyler J. Seguin. “The colours of the puppets and the set itself will have audiences in awe!” Plummer enthuses, before adding a shoutout to her versatile castmates, who seamlessly portray multiple roles and wear multiple figurative and literal hats.
Outside her theatrical endeavors, Plummer reveals a fascinating personal detail: a unique and introspective way that she tracks her personal growth. She occasionally writes letters to her future self using a website called Future Me. When a letter arrives in her inbox a year later, she has forgotten all about it “And then randomly get an email sent to me from Future Me, and I take a moment to read how I was feeling a year ago and reflect on my past choices. I find it a cool way to see how far I’ve come!”
If given the chance, would she live in a place like Wonderland with its physics-defying rules and oddball inhabitants? Plummer would embrace the opportunity, but only for a brief escape of “like a week or so”. She envisions a “nice vacation” living in a garden with the animals, and accepting the quirks of Carroll’s whimsical world: “I don’t think I’d ask as many questions as Alice. I’d just accept that a rabbit carries a watch and wears glasses!”
Don’t miss the chance for your own nice theatrical mini-vacation, complete with Plummer’s performance as Alice, at the Guild Festival Theatre in Scarborough, until July 22, 2023. To reserve tickets, visit guildfestivaltheatre.ca.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2023
