Review: Phamaly Theatre Company’s Alice in Wonderland

The story of Alice in Wonderland is nothing new, but the take Phamaly Theatre Company have on the classic story is definitely something that hasn’t been done before, and has now been done very well.

Phamaly does shows that celebrate the art of people with disabilities and aim to be as accessible as possible. In order to ensure this, in addition to casting disabled folks in their shows and providing subtitles and plenty of accessibility seating, they even throw special shows for those who can’t deal with the flashing lights and loud noises that often come with theatre. And one of the best things about Phamaly is that you can expect disabled people to be front and center, using their accessibility devices, mobility styles, and speaking styles as part of the art, not something to cover up or try and tone down.

What do I mean? Well, for example, wheelchairs are used as a means to soar across the stage even more quickly than on foot in a mock-battle. Those who have limited speech function delivery quippy one-liners. Nothing is seen as a source of shame or something to cover up, but rather a source for unique celebration.

And in terms of creativity, this show pushes the envelope, including original music penned by Wheelchair Sports Camp and Kalyn Heffernan, who also stars in the show. And with the setting opening up in the hospital, then going through a drugged out, stress-induced saga to get to the truth behind the confusion and anxiety that is life, there is a lot of relevant metaphor being portrayed by this show.

The show runs live through September 5 and streamed September 6 through 30, for those not ready to return to in-person theatre. You can also buy merch, donate, and check out other shows coming up soon.