The Otterbein University Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 16; at 8 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 18; and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Tickets cost $22. Call 614-823-1109 or www.otterbein.edu/drama.  

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,”the production is a fanciful journey through Alice’s dreams and imagination. With the Mad Hatter as our guide, audiences will meet the story’s many colorful characters including the tyrannical Queen of Hearts, the nervous White Rabbit, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, and the alluring Caterpillar. Through the genres of modern and jazz dance, the ensemble illustrates Alice’s path to self-discovery through a land where not everything is as it appears.

“Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland” is conceived by Emily Glinski and choreographed by Glinski and Anna Elliott, both graduates of Westerville North High School and current members of the Otterbein University dance faculty.

Glinski is a dancer, performance artist, choreographer, director and collaborator who resides in Westerville. She is a faculty member at The Ohio State University’s Department of Dance where she teaches Contemporary Movement and at Otterbein University where she teaches Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Choreography. She is also on faculty at New Albany Ballet Company. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts, Emily moved to NYC where she was on the faculty and also the Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Broadway Dance Center.  She has also toured professionally with Ani Niemmann’s The Dance Cartel to venues including Ace Hotel NY, MoMA / PS 1, BAM, The High Line, OBERON/ART, The Brooklyn Museum, Summer on the Hudson, Le Poisson Rouge, Edward Sharpe’s Big Top, La MaMa Moves!, Red Hook Festival, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Space Gallery (Portland, ME), Bootleg Theater (Los Angeles, CA), and has been featured in a Reggie Watts music video.

Elliott is a Westerville North graduate and grew up dancing at Straub Dance Center where she was a part of their performing arts company that traveled the country competing dance in various styles. She has been a member of the dance faculty at Otterbein University Department of Theater and Dance since 2013 where she teaches tap, jazz and ballet. During her professional career, Anna was Radio City Rockette for eight years, performing with the group on the Today Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, The Rachel Ray Show, and the Nate Berkus Show. She also was an ensemble member of the First National Tour of “42^nd Street,” choreographed by Randy Skinner.

The box office is open 12-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour prior to performances. The box office is located in Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville. Student rush discounts are available one hour prior to curtain, pending ticket availability.

PRODUCTION TEAM  

Artistic Direction by: Emily Glinski

Choreography by: Anna Elliott and Emily Glinski

Scenic Designer: Edith Wadkins

Costume Designer: Kate Larson

Lighting Designers: Truly Cates, Luca Fragiotta, Paige Vick

Sound Designer: Kitty Mader

Stage Managed by: Alex Munzke 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

All performances in the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. 

Thurs, Nov. 16             7:30 p.m. (Opening Night Reception Following performance.)

Friday, Nov. 17            8 p.m. 

Saturday, Nov. 18       8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 19          2 p.m.

Photo By: Mark Mineart