Literally Alive’s Off-Broadway original production of Alice in Wonderland the Musical by Brenda Bell and Michael Sgouros is back, this time starring Players Theatre alum Avery Ilardi as Alice.
Twelve-year-old Avery has been acting since she was 5-years-old, and Alice in Wonderland will be her tenth production at the Players Theatre. She has previously appeared in original musical versions of A Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Furever Home, and most recently, The Little Mermaid.
“My favorite role is when I had the honor of playing Bravo the Theatre dog in Furever Home,” Avery said of the Players Theatre’s honorary mascot Bravo Bell. “I felt so special to have been trusted with the role of the best dog in the entire world. I spent a lot of time lying on the floor in the office with Bravo preparing for the role.”
In fact, her favorite part of performing theatre is exploring her characters.
“You play the character for such a long time that you start to become that character. After Furever Home, I still thought I was a dog.”
Avery will be starting a new school this year and is looking forward to meeting new people. She also plans to continue with theatre and has some advice for other young actors.
“Never give up, because no dream or goal is impossible, and you can accomplish anything with a strong enough mindset.”
Playwright and Director Brenda Bell mentioned “We have always cast an adult in the role of Alice – this is the first time we are entrusting such an important role to an actual 12-year-old, but Avery has earned our respect over the years with her talent and professionalism, and I can’t wait to see what she brings to Alice.”
Alice in Wonderland the Musical runs September 30 – November 5 Off-Broadway at the Players Theatre in the West Village. Tickets may be purchased at www.literallyalive.com.
The Players Theatre
115 MacDougal St., NYC
Accessible via West 4th St. Station, lines A,C,E,B,D,F,M
Walk one block east on West 3rd, and one block south on MacDougal