Our town takes center stage in a magical musical extravaganza. Tervuren provides both the main role and 17 other key figures for Alice through the Looking Glass. Even the costumes are crafted by Mary from Moorsel.
“I just auditioned, not thinking that I would actually get the main role,” 15-year-old Scarlett tells Tervuren+. She had really wanted to get on stage, especially since Covid had curtailed so many performance opportunities.
Isn’t rehearsing four times a week just too much, especially with exams coming up? “It’s actually not been too bad. I thought it was going to be a lot worse. I’ve been able to manage.”
Teachers understand, apparently, and also support Scarlett rehearsing for Alice. “I haven’t had too many conflicts. They all know I’m in the show. And a lot of them are coming to see,” Scarlett says.
Aren’t musicals boring compared to Instagram, TikTok, and Netflix? “No, it’s fun,” she says. “This was definitely a choice.” And Scarlett is not yet nervous about standing in front of six hundred people in the theatre. “As of this moment, I’m not nervous. But five minutes before I go on stage, it’s going to be nerve-racking.”
“You just can’t describe the feeling of being on stage in front of so many people.” But she’s not yet sure whether or not to study drama at university. “It’s definitely a thought,” says Scarlett.
Catching the musical bug also went fast for Elif from Vossem. She only attended a single information event. “It’s amazing and intense. We really work hard but it’s so special. It’s always been my dream to take part in a musical,” she says. “I’ve literally been close to tears in rehearsals because I’m so happy.”
Catching the musical bug
“That’s the joy and excitement of live theatre. Things are not going to go the same every night. The audience will laugh at one part. But the next night, they may laugh in a different place,” says co-producer Rebecca. “We’ve put some real comedy in there.”
I’ve literally been close to tears in rehearsals because I’m so happy, says Elif from Vossem. She caught the musical bug after attending a single information event.
Rebecca admits it’s been a lot of rehearsing for the children. “But what a buzz. And how often can you get out on stage in a full-length musical accompanied by a live orchestra?” she says.
Why is Alice through the Looking Glass so Tervuren-based? “A lot of the cast live in Tervuren or are at school here. Being an English-language musical, you also have a community in Tervuren with many English speakers,” says producer Rebecca.
The best chance to grab a seat is now Thursday, March 21st. “That’s the opening night and there’ll be special energy. It’ll be amazing,” says Rebecca, who has called Tervuren home for almost a decade. Matinees are almost sold out for Saturday, March 23rd, and Sunday, March 24th. “But a few tickets are left for evening performances on Saturday and Friday,” she says.
“It’s been a blast. I love seeing things come together. Characters develop, friendships develop. It’s a joy. I don’t know what I’ll do with all this spare time after next weekend,” says Rebecca.
Alice through the Looking Glass is produced by Green Parrot Productions. Established in 2007 by experienced Brussels amateur theatre players, the not-for-profit asbl/vzw brings adults and children of all ages into the world of theatre. Any money made is reinvested straight back into the next show, with any surplus donated to a children’s charity. For more information, visit https://Greenparrot.productions
