‘Alice in Wonderland’ brings Mildenhall Theater Company to new heights

Published May 1, 2009
By By Senior Airman Christopher L. Ingersoll
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- With the upcoming performances of "Alice in Wonderland" May 8 through 10, Mildenhall Theatre Company hopes to bring its productions up to a new level.

Crystal E. Perez, the company's director, started a year ago with a cast of five members and a meager budget of $600. But due to the success of her previous shows, her cast has swelled to 20 members with a budget of $2,500.

"This production should be bigger in every way," said Mrs. Perez with an easy smile. "I am working with a much bigger staff and cast which includes a cross section from the whole population of the base community."

A larger staff, however, comes with more challenges.

"Working with children on a show is new for me; it's a bit more difficult to get them to stay focused and to remember their lines, timing and blocking," she said. "You have to do a lot of work with the parents and trust them to help direct their children."

The challenges she faces haven't put a dent in Mrs. Perez's excitement.

"It's a different kind of rush than television and film production which is my background, but I love the costumes, props and excitement," said Mrs. Perez.

Cast members are also thrilled about the direction the small theater company is headed and about the approaching production.

"I'm very excited about the upcoming performance. We have some amazingly talented young actors that make this play funny and cute at the same time. I'm sure kids and adults will enjoy the show," said Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Fugett, who plays the Dodo and the King of Hearts in the play. "This production is much larger than the October show where we only had five actors."

With the addition of a third performance, Mildenhall Theater Company hopes to bring in more revenues to be used in the forthcoming fall production which has yet to be determined by Mrs. Perez.

"I'm getting a lot of suggestions for a musical, and I must admit it's very tempting, but we will have to be successful with 'Alice in Wonderland' first," said Mrs. Perez.

With a larger cast and greater budget, the spring show "Alice in Wonderland" promises to be an entertaining production.

For information on show times and ticket prices please contact, Crystal Perez at DSN 238-2630 or email at crystal.perez@mildenhall.af.mil