Alice in Derbyland! is a whimsical musical adventure that whisks audiences away to a land inspired by the vibrant culture and traditions of Kentucky’s most cherished spectacle, the Kentucky Derby. Derbyland is a colorful mosaic of Southern charm, spirited festivities, and a touch of magic, designed to capture the essence of the Derby experience. Perfect for fans of lively musicals and the storied traditions of the Derby, this show promises to be a party in the Bluegrass State that you won’t want to miss!
Join Alice, a fresh arrival to the grand festivities, as she navigates the vibrant and peculiar Derbyland. The musical’s narrative unfolds through a series of engaging and humorous song parodies that draw the audience deeper into the story. Alice visits iconic locations within Derbyland, from the infield with its rustic charm to the opulent Millionaire’s Row, experiencing the eclectic life of the Derby firsthand.
Guided by the affable Churchill Rabbit, Alice is introduced to the many vibrant festivities that go beyond just horse racing. From parades and fireworks to the Festival of the Pegasus, Alice’s journey is an exploratory adventure into the rich traditions and cultural vibrancy of Derbyland.
The Delta Queen, a central antagonist, embodies the regal opulence and authoritative control typical of a traditional monarch, yet infused with a distinctly Southern, almost theatrical flair. The Queen, with her powerful presence and control over the festivities, sees Alice as a potential threat to her throne. As the reigning queen of Derbyland, she leverages both her charm and her cunning to maintain her hold over her colorful kingdom.
As Alice meets the Mad Milliner and the Fascinate-Hare, she learns about the artistry behind the famous Derby hats and becomes part of a larger plot to find a new, kind-hearted ruler for Derbyland. Together, they not only add a layer of artistry and comic relief but also play crucial roles in the story, becoming key allies to Alice as she navigates the power struggles and festivities of Derbyland.
Alice encounters a host of colorful characters along her journey through Derbyland, including the devious Seersucker Cat, who serves the scheming Delta Queen. The twin Jockeys, Jockey-Dee and Jockey-Dum, help execute the queens plans, often in a comical fashion that underscores their role as both aides and comic relief.
As Alice navigates through various trials and encounters, including thwarting plans by the Delta Queen who wishes to maintain her grip on power, she evolves from a curious visitor to a central figure in a prophesied upheaval. Through lively dances, engaging tunes, and a narrative filled with whimsy and intrigue, Alice in Derbyland! offers a celebration of Kentucky’s most storied traditions, making it an irresistible draw for anyone looking for a musical that combines folklore, festivity, and a touch of fantasy.
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A message from the Director-
When Alice in Derbyland first came to life, it started with a simple idea: take something familiar, turn it sideways, and see how far we could push it. What came out of that is a world that is chaotic and campy, with just enough self-awareness to know exactly what it’s doing. Over time, this show has become something we keep coming back to because it keeps giving us new ways to play, and this year, we really went for it.
In this year’s take on Derbyland, the world feels like a cartoon that jumped off the screen and landed onstage. Everything is bigger and a little more heightened, with performances that fully commit to the bit. It’s fast, it’s ridiculous, and it’s a whole lot of fun for the whole family. Underneath all of that, there’s a story about hope, and about finding a way forward even when the odds feel stacked against you. With returning performers and new faces bringing these characters to life in fresh ways, this version of the show feels both familiar and new in the right ways. So settle in, place your bets, and enjoy the ride. Welcome to Derbyland!
With returning performers and new faces bringing these characters to life in fresh ways, this version of the show feels both familiar and new in the right ways. So settle in, place your bets, and enjoy the ride. Welcome to Derbyland!
– Alex Roby
SPECIAL
THANKS
Bill Lentini, Art Sanctuary, Lisa Frye, PLAY Dance Bar, Chill Bar, Big Bar, Troy Burden, Highlands Community Campus, Aaron Olson, Michael Perysian, Jet Piston, William Nickles, Patrick Jump, Naomi Wayne, Josh Tyson, and Daniel Salazar
