William Woods theater seniors invite local children to take a peek at "Wonderland'

Alice, played by William Woods University student Bailey Campanini, bows to the Queen of Hearts, played by student Stephen Chamineak, Thursday inside the Kemper Arts Center as the students prepared for their upcoming production of "Alice in Wonderland." The children's play will be Saturday at 1 p.m. in Dulany Auditorium.
Alice, played by William Woods University student Bailey Campanini, bows to the Queen of Hearts, played by student Stephen Chamineak, Thursday inside the Kemper Arts Center as the students prepared for their upcoming production of "Alice in Wonderland." The children's play will be Saturday at 1 p.m. in Dulany Auditorium.

Two William Woods University theater majors are giving area children a glimpse through the looking glass with a production of "Alice in Wonderland" Saturday for their senior project.

The performance will take place at 1 p.m. in Dulany Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

Bailey Campanini, who will be performing with classmate Stephen Chamineak, said they chose Alice because "We have both always loved children's theater and have been looking for a way to incorporate that."

"It's a unique rendering (of the story)," Campanini said. "It's written for only two people, but there will be opportunities for audience participation - we'll get kids up on the stage with us."

Chamineak, who has worked in professional children's theater at the Marble Stage Theater Company in St. Louis for the past four years, said this particular "Alice in Wonderland" script "jumped out at us" because it suited their acting styles so well.

"It's a perfect fit for us so we could show our style and our creativeness and our humor as well as entertain the kids," he said.

In this particular production, Campanini will play Alice, and Chamineak will play author Lewis Carroll telling her the story and acting out all the characters as he does.

Campanini said she is looking forward to her final appearance on a William Woods stage.

"I'm excited to get to share my theater experience at the Woods and that it will hopefully bring in people from the community," she said. "It's a great way to cap off our college careers."

Chamineak, who made all of the puppets for his characters himself, said he is looking forward to interacting with the audience.

"I'm really excited to see it all come to life and to see the kids' faces," Chamineak said. "Anyone will enjoy this show from 9 to 99."

Theater major Jen Steindorf also will give her senior performance, a variety show, in Dulany at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Katherine Cummins can be reached at (573) 642-2418 or [email protected].