Behind the Scenes of Alice in Wonderland: A Jukebox Puppet Musical

At Orlando Family Stage, we believe theatre is a space where every person’s unique creativity has value. Through our Community Partnership production of Alice in Wonderland: A Jukebox Puppet Musical, created in collaboration with Running Man Theatre Company from OCA, we’re celebrating the power of ability in all its forms. And we’re pulling back the curtain to share some of the magic that’s happening behind the scenes through a discussion with the co-directors and stage manager!

Down the Rabbit Hole and into the Rehearsal Room

Every production begins with a leap of faith, and for many of our artists, this one started with curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Most of these actors had never worked with puppets before, and trying something new can be a little intimidating. However, the Running Man Theatre actors were so excited to jump right in. With so many different styles of puppets and characters to play, the experimentation and world-building required everyone to really work together and become a supportive ensemble very quickly.

That spirit of discovery and shared growth is at the heart of every rehearsal. “I have always loved working with Running Man Theatre and Orlando Family Stage separately,” says stage manager Rowyn, “and they both have had such a huge impact on my life. These rehearsals are a space where differences are accepted and we focus on playing to everyone’s strengths… Everyone can be themselves without judgment and still be seen as an important part of the team.”

As stage manager, Rowyn Sam has a unique view into every piece of the production puzzle. “Being a stage manager gave me the chance to connect with everyone, both onstage and behind, and support all of them in their creation,” he shares. “Each show presents its own challenges, but I get to see how all the gears work, inside and out, and be the commander of chaos throughout the journey.”

Our directors also embraced their roles in making the production a supportive and artistic environment.

“I love the opportunity to use my creative brain and make an impactful experience for the cast, creative team, and audience,” says director Kaila, UCF Theatre for Young Audiences MFA student. “I also really enjoy guiding actors and supporting them in their own artistic endeavors.”

Her co-director, Pixie, echoes that sense of purpose: “The more time I spent in and around the theatre, the more I wanted to learn how to do everything. For me, directing was just another way to help tell the story. It really helps you get a new perspective on performing.”

Puppetry as Possibility

The world of Wonderland practically begs for puppets!

“Puppetry is such a magical storytelling tool for me because of how unique it is,” Pixie shares. “The ability to express through an exaggerated creature or character that is an extension of an idea, rather than just ME, has hit me hard over the past decade.”

That same discovery is now lighting up our actors. “They are so eager to learn how to be puppeteers and are really enjoying the process,” Kaila says. “The scene where Alice encounters the lazy flowers is so fun! We have five actors who are puppeteering large, intricate flowers… and Brooklin has been crushing the challenge of learning THREE different types of puppeteering!”

Playwright Nic Parks captures that same playful spirit in his process, “Recreating this has been fun and crazy as Wonderland itself. Going the jukebox route has opened the door for a lot of exciting and unexpected storytelling with added bits of nostalgia we all hold in our hearts.”

Pixie’s favorite puppet? The Dormouse. “When we handed it to the actress for the first time, she ERUPTED with glee… I will forever associate that puppet now with joy and laughter and excitement. I wish to this day that I had filmed her reaction.”

This Is Why We Do It

Rehearsal rooms are full of surprises. Sometimes they’re quiet breakthroughs, like a reserved actor suddenly exclaiming, “I really love this play!” Other times, they’re deep moments of trust and care.

Pixie reflects on one such moment, “It was being able to talk one-on-one with a student who was scared of the puppets and dropped out. I helped talk him through his fears and get him back in the show on his own terms… Being able to take those extra steps and see how happy being back in the show has made him has been amazing.”

Each of these moments reminds us this is more than a production. It’s a process of empowerment. “In a world full of different obstacles for all of us,” Kaila says, “this play is a celebration of what these actors CAN do.”

Directing a Puppet Musical

With all these layered performances of actor, character, and puppet, does it take a different kind of directing?

“Oh absolutely,” Pixie says. “Puppets are like illustrations in a book. Sure, you can read a book without them, but having them there adds a whole other level of creativity and possibility.”

Kaila agrees, “The addition of the puppets adds a whole new dimension. For a lot of this, I defer to Pixie; in rehearsal, we call her the puppet master! The way she guides these actors (and now puppeteers!) with such care, humor, and kindness is amazing.”

However, Stage Manger Rowyn, has a different point of view. “A puppet show isn’t all that different, stage management-wise, from a traditional play,” Rowyn explains. “I track the puppets in the same way I do props… The only thing of note is making sure they get handled with care and not played with backstage, but that also goes for all props.”

Why This Wonderland Matters

Yes, it’s a show with rabbits and teacups and croquet mallets and jukebox tunes. But it’s also a space where students learn trust, build community, and grow in ways far beyond the stage.

“That,” Pixie says, “is the true magic of theatre.”

“Every student, no matter how big or small their role, helped make this show a reality.”

“We encourage you to consider how these cats, rabbits, and creatures can bring a little more wonder into your life.”

Come See the Magic for Yourself!

Join us for a one-night-only performance of  a kid-friendly Alice in Wonderland: A Jukebox Puppet Musical
🗓 Thursday, November 21
📍 Orlando Family Stage
🎟️ Reserve your seats here

Come celebrate creativity, connection, and the incredible artistry of these actors and puppeteers. Whether it’s your first time in Wonderland or your hundredth, we promise you’ll leave with a little more magic in your heart.