Want to experience a new way to go through the looking glass? This March 17 you can see Lewis Carroll’s surreal tale interpreted with acrobatics, dance, gymnastics and even mime That’s what the Alice by MOMIX production of Wonderland promises.
What is MOMIX?
MOMIX is a internationally known company of dancer-illusionists founded and directed by Moses Pendleton. MOMIX’s productions are carefully crafted to assimilate a multitude of various elements in each and every show including unique costumes and props, artful lighting effects, and a diverse musical score.
“It’s an incredible unique show. It offers something for everyone,” says MOMIX dancer and dance captain Seah Hagan. “People coming to the theatre not knowing exactly what to expect and in the MOMIX fashion and they leave with wonderment.”
Hagan has been with the company for almost five years. To prepare and stay in shape for all the acrobatic work, Hagen says the company practices a mixture of yoga, ballet, modern, cardio, and more. But, because MOMIX relies on using interesting props like bungees and ladders, sometimes the only way to prepare is through performance.
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“Something that MOMIX dancers joke about is you’re only really to able to train for MOMIX while in MOMIX,” Hagen laughs.
MOMIX has done more themed based shows such as Opus Cactus which is a desert themed show and Botanica which is based on nature’s changing imagery. Hagen says this is the first time that MOMIX has really taken on a linear story. She says it was a shift learning how to portray the story but she thinks that audience is really going to enjoy it.
Alice(s) in Wonderland
Not only does MOMIX offer a visual performance like no other, the story of Alice in Wonderland will be like nothing you’ve ever seen.
“We all have multiple parts in the show and we all are multiple characters,” Hagen explains. “Every one of the women, actually even the men, we all are Alice at one point in the show.”
Moses Pendelton, the Founder and Artistic Director of MOMIX, explains it like this:
“I don’t intend to retell the whole Alice story but to use it as a taking off point for invention. I’m curious to see what will emerge, and I’m getting curiouser and curiouser the more I learn about Lewis Carroll, who like me was a devoted photographer.”
Hagen says it is a totally uniqe experience for the audience and even for the dancers.
“One of my favorite parts that is really effective as a dancer is when Alice is going through the hall of mirror. Every time I am Alice in that moment and I’m going through these mirrors I get goosebumps to this day,” Hagen says.
The show is roughly two hour long. The first act is under an hour. Then there’s a 15 minute intermission. The second act is about 40 minutes.
And it’s fun for the whole family. While there may be some darker moments, Hagen says that the company performs for younger school audiences all the time.
She’s just excited for audiences to have a new experience and become “Absolutely overwhelmed with the visual stimulation that MOMIX offers.”