The Steinbach Regional Secondary School was erupting with laughter Thursday night during the opening night of 'Alice @ Wonderland.'

Director Megan Turnley says it's amazing to see the show finally come together after hundreds upon hundreds of rehearsal hours.  Turnley notes they usually have their production in February but decided to try December this year and wouldn't go back to February.  They started auditions during the first week of school in September and have been rehearsing ever since.  When asked what Turnley would say to her cast ...

Mad Hatter (Dryden Dilts), Alice (Caity Kauenhofen) and Director Megan Turnley (Photo by SRSS)"You're going to make me cry cause they're awesome.  Some of these kids I've been working with in various plays for the last three years and got to know them really well.  A lot of them are on my improv team and I feel just like a proud parent watching them perform.  A couple words I'd like to use are just proud and privileged and very happy to be able to work with them and see them become so good year after year."

Alice played by Caity Kauenhofen says she felt it was a really great show and even though the audience would not have seen the few mess-ups which happened, the cast was able to work as a team and it went really smoothly.  Kauenhofen adds she's sad there's only three shows as it's "truly the best thing ever."

Dryden Dilts who stepped into the role of the Mad Hatter says he doesn't know what anyone could have done better, and then laughing while shaking his jacket adds he has to figure out a way for his jacket to not make so much noise backstage.  Dilts notes there's a lot of backstage work to make the production as successful as it was.

Cheshire Cat played by Mack Hildebrand (Photo by SRSS)"I think something that I'm extremely proud of is how much effort went into the costumes, into the set and the make-up.  The make-up department was here for four hours today (Thursday), they're going to be here again tomorrow (Friday) just caking our faces up, making sure our wigs and our hair and our hats stay on.  They don't get enough credit."

Mack Hildebrand who played one the Cheshire Cats explains it was easy to play his role because when he steps onto the stage he's not Mack, he's the Cheshire Cat.  Hildebrand adds his favorite scene is with Humpty-Dumpty because of the character and how he's portrayed.

All three actors add acting is something they would like to continue pursuing in the future, whether it be as a career or as a hobby.  Turnley notes there are cast members she could see acting throughout their lives in different aspects.  Turnley explains they are dedicated and multi-talented having the whole package of being able to sing, dance and act.

Showings continue Friday and Saturday.  Turnley adds if you would still like a ticket to call as soon as possible as there are only a few available seats left.