Mad Hattr

FUSION Theatre Company celebrates the finale of its fifth anniversary season with the premiere of a new work, Mad Hattr, created by FUSION co-founder Laurie Thomas. The multimedia production centers on the great English writer, mathematician and self-promoter, Charles Dodgson, better known by his nom de plume, Lewis Carroll. Mad Hattr opens on Thursday, May 10th , at 8:00 p.m. The Opening Night Gala includes, for a nominal $3 extra, a wonderful reception catered by Ambrosia at 7:00 p.m.

Beyond his "Alice" stories and "Jabberwocky," Lewis Carroll was also a photographic pioneer, whose images elicit admiration and whose contact with children--the frequent subject of his art--has prompted wonder, curiosity, and revulsion in the 100 years since his death. Ms. Thomas draws on new scholarship focusing on Carroll's recently released, incredible personal journals--sealed and portions destroyed over the years by his literary executors and heirs--as well as past and current myths surrounding this complex man as she weaves those themes in a grown-up fairy tale that explores our own perceptions of art and love. Come to be provoked, challenged, and above all, entertained by a world of intrigue and wonder in Mad Hattr.

Jacqueline Reid directs the production that features original music by the ensemble Playroom (comprised of percussionists Dave Wayne and Joseph Sabella, 'cellist Katie Harlow and Mark Weaver on tuba,) and the fantastical scenic design of Richard Hogle. Justin Lenderking, whose impressive Matt in this season's Anna Christie thrilled audiences, plays Carroll and Ellen Herschel, Wendy in last summer's Peter Pan at Albuquerque Academy, stars as Alice. Additionally, the dynamic cast features FUSION favorites John Hardman, Angela Littleton, Shelley Epstein, John Wylie, Kathy Mille Wimmer, Beth Bailey, David Lang, Rachel Tatum and Aaron Worley in a wide variety of unexpected roles.