By Grace BENNETT,
intern

Although the success stories of Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) graduates are extensive, the feats accomplished by 2018 graduate Carter Thomas are impressive even by comparison.

Director Thomas is debuting his first original play adaptation “Alice in Wonderland The Musical” at Glendale Centre Theatre (GCT) Children’s Theatre on March 23. The story focuses on the original fiction of “Alice in Wonderland;” however, the plot is given a new twist with original contemporary music and a modern-day setting.

“I chose this show because I think at its base [it] is a timeless story that is relatable to all generations,” Thomas said.

The director’s statement about the universal nature of the show proves to be true; he was first inspired to create the project when he was just 11 years old. Through a vast amount of editing and rewriting, Thomas was able to shape the production into what it is today: A contemporary take on a traditional story.

Despite the idea for the piece having long-established beginnings, the CVHS graduate claims to have found inspiration in many different aspects of his later life, including through his high school career.

“[CVHS] gave me the tools that I needed to organize [the show] and bring it to life. My drama class … was taught by Brent Beerman, and it really gave me a great understanding of acting and how to own a stage,” Thomas said.

Along with his educational career throughout high school, Thomas also claims to owe his successes to his experience with GCT and being on stage in general. Since he was 5 years old, the director has performed in a plethora of community theater productions, such as that of GCT, in addition to Broadway national tours. In the future, though, Thomas hopes to participate in more productions in a directorial role.

“I’m hoping that this show will help me continue to direct at the Glendale Centre Theatre. I love the theater and the creativity that the space allows. The production quality of every show that Brenda Dietlein produces is always top-notch, so I’m excited to give the audiences exactly that,” Thomas said.

Through original songs and a strong cast, Thomas aims to emphasize the magical qualities of live theater that inspired him as a child. He also wishes to convey universally relatable lessons of curiosity and imagination present in the show to the younger demographic.

In the same way that he was motivated to continue with this monumental project, Thomas desires to have a significant effect on students at CVHS.

“I hope I can show that, if you’re motivated and organized enough, you can really accomplish everything that you want,” he said.

As the youngest director in GCT’s history, Thomas has undoubtedly done nothing but that.

Performances of “Alice in Wonderland the Musical” will be every Saturday at 10 a.m. beginning March 23 and continuing through June 15 with a special family night performance on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit https://www.glendalecentretheatre.com/childrens-theatre/.

Photos by Carter THOMAS/GCT

  Grace BENNETT