Start of New Show “Alice & the Queen of Hearts” at Disneyland Paris

(eap) Last weekend, the new musical show “Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland” celebrated its premiere at Disneyland^® Paris. The show is a modern interpretation of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Alice in Wonderland” and is being performed in the “Theater of the Stars” (2,800 seats) of the Walt Disney Studios^® Park. The show features a series of musical performances, aerial acrobatics and BMX stunts. As an interactive element at the end of the show, visitors are invited to have a say in the ending of the story and decide which of the two characters will be celebrated in the finale. In total, more than 180 performers and technical staff are involved in the show experience, which takes place on the resort’s largest stage. The stage is equipped with a skate park consisting of nine ramps on which ten BMX riders embody the Duchess’ cards.

Unlike in the Disney classic, there is no good or bad character in director Matteo Borghi’s musical adaptation. “Both protagonists are interesting and convey ideas that are not in opposition but complementary. Alice embodies the idea that you have to believe in your dreams, believe in your imagination. That’s how each of us can create our own universe and change the world. Obviously, the Queen of Hearts is much more self-centered. She’s going to defend her own vision, which is that you have to believe in yourself to succeed in whatever you do. Both messages are important, and this duality is expressed through the music and artistic disciplines involved,” says Borghi.

The brightly colored set was designed exclusively for Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland. Set designer Olivier Dusautoir was inspired not only by the Disney film, but also by the “Pop Art” movement. Inspired by the film’s melodies, a suitable soundtrack was also recorded in Nashville, United States. Another important element of the show are the costumes, on which over 150 European companies have collaborated to create 4,000 costume pieces and accessories. The show will be performed several times a day at the Theater of the Stars until 29 September this year. ■