Alice at the Palace

Alice at the Palace is a magical and enchanting musical television film that aired on television back in 1982. This remarkable adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic children's book, "Alice in Wonderland", and "Through the Looking-Glass", is a delightful concoction of music, dance, and absurdity, whimsically spellbinding for both children and adults alike.

Meryl Streep stars as the titular character, Alice, showcasing her immense range as an actor and surprising the audience with her delightful singing prowess. The incomparable Streep effortlessly captures the curious, brave, and slightly confused nature of Alice, a young girl who topples down a rabbit hole into a peculiar world that challenges every ounce of her commonsense.

Betty Aberlin and Debbie Allen also star in this unique, musical rendition, enhancing the film's eccentricity with their spirited performances. Aberlin performs wonderfully as the White Queen, presenting a character that is as odd as she is endearing. On the other hand, Allen's portrayal of the Red Queen is as flamboyant as it is intimidating, offering a robust performance that captures the menacing and capricious nature of her character.

The story closely follows the iconic plot of Carroll's original work. Alice's journey through the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland and the looking-glass country is filled with encounters with several colorful and unforgettable characters. From the ludicrously late White Rabbit, the limerick-loving Mock Turtle, the riddle-telling Mad Hatter and March Hare to the hookah-smoking Caterpillar and the never-stopping-to-rest Red Queen, each character is brought to life in their full quirkiness and oddity in this intriguing adaptation.

What sets Alice at the Palace apart from other adaptations is the integration of musical elements. The show is not simply a play but rather a bold, experimental blend of theater, dance, and music that reimagines Carroll's work in a new light. The delightful tunes are enchantingly woven into the plot, introducing the scenes and characters while keeping the viewers engaged.

The costumes and set design deserve a special mention as well. They exhibit a surreal aesthetic that perfectly captures the strange ambience of Wonderland and the Looking Glass country. The off-kilter, distorted designs, bright colors, and inventive uses of props heighten the film's surreal appeal, making the pieces of the bizarre puzzle that is Wonderland fall neatly into place.

A significant strength of Alice at the Palace is the way it manages to retain the charm and appeal of Carroll's original work while infusing its spirit with modern sensibilities. It embraces the nonsensical humor, delightful silliness, and potent charm of the children's story, amplifying these elements with the creative interpretation. However, it does not shy away from the darker, more introspective themes embedded in the narrative.

The film is energetically directed by Emile Ardolino, who later won an Academy Award for the film Dirty Dancing. Ardolino's sprightly treatment transforms this bizarre tale into an amusing, fast-paced, and unforgettable musical extravaganza. The dance sequences choreographed by the then up-and-coming Graciela Daniele are a joy to behold and perfectly wedded to the story's eccentric illness.

Moreover, the screenplay by Elizabeth Swados, who also composed the catchy music, is refreshingly clever. It is loaded with wit, humor, and whimsy, capturing the essence of Carroll's original narrative while also managing to incorporate rousing songs at the opportune moments.

In conclusion, Alice at the Palace is a compelling musical interpretation of the cherished children's classic. It stands as an earnest testament to the timeless appeal of Lewis Carroll's work and is a delightful cinematic trip to the bewildering world of Wonderland. It's a treat for Meryl Streep fans and followers of Alice’s adventures, delivering a hearty dose of enchantment, absurdity, and music that's sure to intrigue and entertain viewers of all ages. If you're looking for a trip down the rabbit hole that's unlike any other, this film could be just the ticket.