For the first time in more than 10 years, a musical will be performed at Twin Valley Middle School (TVMS). Thanks to a grant provided by the Twin Valley Community Education Foundation (TVCEF), "Wonderland!" will be staged in the TVMS auditorium, 770 Clymer Hill Road, Elverson, on Friday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 2 and 7 p.m.

Based on Lewis Carroll's novel "Through the Looking-Glass," the show at TVMS is specifically designed for young actors ages 11 to 17. "The script is quick and funny and includes many of the classic Wonderland characters that the students are already familiar with," stated director Sarah Weaver. "Plus, the show is quite family-friendly; we are hoping to see a lot of families and middle-schoolers in the audience supporting their children and peers."

She noted that some students were already familiar with "Alice in Wonderland" through either the book or the Disney movie. "(They) have enjoyed seeing familiar characters and discovering niche moments in the script that were touched upon in the original storyline," said Weaver. "The opening ensemble number, 'Jabberwocky,' is based heavily on the famous poem of the same name, and the cast was instantly hooked by twisting the familiar iambic pentameter into a rap beat."

For many cast members, this is their first musical production. "Seeing dialogue, staging, costuming, props, lighting, audio, vocals, choreography and blocking combine into this spectacle has been extremely challenging for some, who are seeing the 'plane' around them being built as they are flying it," Weaver commented. "The older students have really stepped up and helped lead the younger cast members through the chaos of it all. As an educator, it has been such an incredibly rewarding experience for me to see friendships and confidence levels grow amongst the cast and to know that they are making memories that will last a lifetime."

According to Weaver, TVMS did not present a musical for years because of staffing changes and the time commitment it takes to put on a show. "With a show that involves 45 students and has a lot of moving parts ... it was an intimidating project to revive," said Weaver, adding, "The students and directors have been working diligently since October to learn blocking, choreography, lines and more."

She said she is grateful for the grant provide by TVCEF, which is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for the Twin Valley School District (TVSD).

"We have been able to create vibrant set pieces, obtain microphones, wardrobe pieces and more through this grant," Weaver said. "TVCEF has been integral in helping our students feel a sense of normalcy throughout this difficult time, both on stage and in the classroom."

Tickets for "Wonderland!" will be available at the door. TVSD students will receive a discount. The show will not be livestreamed due to copyright laws.