Review: "Wonderland" - New Broadway Musical Based on Alice In Wonderland

[MyNameIsBucaneve]

hi, I was there opening night of the show in Tampa,Florida. I have seen all three versions of the show. in each version it becomes worse and worse, so yes the final version sucked, but i think you should have seen the first version.

[animagusurreal]

Chase, I think you did a wonderful job expressing your opinions and giving genuine reasons why you didn't like the show. I find it tragic that some of the commenters here could not accept that someone has a different opinion and disagree in a more respectful manner.

[green56561]

I dont think I have been ever so disgusted in 3 people in my life. These 3 people are COMPLETE FREAKING MORONS. I dont think broadwaycom could have chosen more incompetent people. When the fat kid says "...the sound didn't really ring through to the audience..." DID HE EVEN FREAKING SEE THE SHOW! WHAT IS HE TALKING ABOUT. Kate is known for her belt!. "I dont really think people should see this show" To you little obese piece of shit F U! NO ONE CARES WHAT SOME FAT HIGH SCHOOL KID THINKS!

[happylampshades]

Lol- Vile creatures.

[E742w]

Wow broadway.com, you couldnt have picked worse people to review a musical? A retired dancer, some high school student who probably didnt even pay attention to the play and a "researcher". This musical had a great cast and they did the best with a cheesy script. I usually hate cheesy but I was laughing so hard at most of these jokes. the only thing I think that was lacking in this musical was the choreography. I believe it deserved more than a month on Broadway.

[Princeofthesea89]

None of these people have the imagination nor the heart that this show needs. As I said on another review on this show. THREE of guys SUUUUCCK!!! Stop, HATING Frank Wildhorn! The show needs to be on tour where it belongs with the fans. I've seen bad reviews before but this is by far gross! "One of the worst shows"!? You're just mad cause you couldn't dance in a Alice dress! The lady needs to shut up! As for the boy.... As a young adult I'll stay quiet.

[NibblerUA]

I don't think there was a single song that I didn't like.. the vocals were amazing all the way through..

[ritsfata]

That old guy was a total dick.

[thehatter12]

A dumbass gay fag, an altimeters patient, and a bitch that should be in the kitchen!

[Elphaboy]

I totally agree that this show is wonderful and yes i do not think these people gave it enough of a chance however it wasn't without it's problems at all. some transitions were too choppy, there wasn't really a story arch, i thought that the hatter tricking Chloe was too easy she's like 12 not 4. ultimately it wasn't ready for broadway, it had the potential to be a great musical they just sent it to NY too too soon it just needed a little work and it would have been amazing!

[TheGamergirl64]

Okay guys there were times where the show lacked and could be improved but in all I think the show was very good and had a hilarious cast but i have to say that some of the jokes weren't the funniest maybe some more time in workshop would be good for it's own good but personally I liked and no I don't agree with some of the things that were said here but it's not worth trashing all together );

[NormandsOnBroadway]

are they fo' real?

[MsHunyhuny]

HOW COULD YOU SAY ALL THESE HORRIBLE THINGS ITS THE BEST SHOW I`VE EVER SEEN AND KATE SHIDLE STOLE THE SHOW

[shaqman145]

I really hope that these people know that this has NOTHING to do with Disney's version or any other version of Alice in Wonderland... it's a separate idea and it seems like they don't understand that. I respect their opinion, but I just think the exact opposite.

And stop calling the boy fat and ugly!!!! People are so immature and you don't have to be so crude and discriminative...

[TheJMSmovies]

If I showd yougusyb a video late in the run she was definetly not belting.

[reilly500]

Guys, you are NOT making Wonderland look any better by attacking the critics and calling them "fat" and "gay". There are a million other things you could say to defend the show that don't make you look like an oversensitive moron.

[12345dorian678910]

FACTS ABOUT THAT FAT UGLY BOY

-he is fugly

-must be gay

-'knows everything'

-fat

-ears are way to big i mean he could fly away with those things!

[broadway157]

This was an awsome musical. It was just the marquis theatre curse on why it wasn't a hit. This was awsum, and lose weight you F****** fat child

[Broadwaypuppet]

I don't necessarily agree with your opinions. They do have some truth to them, yes. But you must keep in mind that Kate Shindle is new to this business of belting out super high songs but keeping that evil tone to herself. Kate in my opinion IS the Mad Hatter and I hope she joins the tour! I'm not saying you people are stupid or evil or cruel or anything, I just want to say I have a different opinion. So although I don't agree with what you think, I apologize for the idiots who criticized you.

[kalynnmmp]

@liz4998 agreed!! That kid needs to put his foot in his mouth!!

[ExpressHourglass]

Dear Chase,

STFU

Thank you.

[liz4998]

kate schindle is AMAZING! how dare that kid

[goodsingerboy]

hey high school dip shit... no one gives a f--k what u think Kate had 1 of the best voices in the show so shut up

[TheTopSoccer]

fucking fat child

[larosen66]

These people are too ignorant, petty and cruel to even realize that an apology is in order. Makes me very sad. Did they not listen to the other two panelists that didn't like the show either? Why they are singling you out for your comments about Kate is baffling. Hope you continue to express your articulate and enthusiastic opinions.... these people are as*holes hiding behind their computers and obviously have nothing better to do than to be the as*holes their words reveal them to be. xox

[larosen66]

CHASE you are the coolest kid and i can't believe that you actually had to defend yourself on youtube in this day & age. It's such a shame that these people don't realize how hurtful words can be. Are they living under a rock?? I have loved & appreciated all of your reviews this season, and find these hateful comments about you despicable. These people should be ashamed of themselves. While I agree that deserve an apology, don't hold your breath....

[Broadwaypuppet]

@larosen66 Check out my comment about this, I agree with you!

[larosen66]

CHASE you are the coolest kid and i can't believe that you actually had to defend yourself on youtube in this day & age. It's such a shame that these people don't realize how hurtful words can be. Are they living under a rock?? I have loved & appreciated all of your reviews this season, and find these hateful comments about you despicable. These people should be ashamed of themselves. While I agree that deserve an apology, don't hold your breath....

[42curby]

Oh and as a singer I think that Momma Hatter did a really good job. Broadway is hard and I doubt anyone can do better than her. She gave it her all and it sounded good.

[42curby]

Ok, first off I need to start by saying, why the heck do they have a high school student? Why didn't they use an actual audience member and I thought it was the best broadway musical, or the second best right next to wicked! I thought it was funny, sad, different, and creative!! And to the highschool kid, did you skip a grade cause you don't look like your in highschool.... Anyway that's my OPINION so yea it's sad cause um in like 7th grade and I am interested in broadway, but hey what the heck

[JoshFzr]

Can't believe the comments on this page.

It's a review, It's one persons opinion, you don't have to agree with it, you are entitled to your own opinion too, Do you own review if you think it's incorrect.

Insulting the reviewers is not cool.!

[TheChaseomg]

I think you all need to reflect on your harmful words and understand that you greatly hurt my feelings. The irony exists that for a group who was enraged at our hate, your hate was more direct and uncalled for in this situation.

Chase

[TheChaseomg]

In general, I feel if we deserve an apology from many of you who personally attacked us. I, by no means, appreciated the death threats, insults, or cruel words.  I am a Freshman, who tried to provide the most insightful commentary from a child's standpoint. I think it is important to have a child on the panel to represent the interest of the many children who come see a Broadway show.

[TheChaseomg]

While a strong loud belt is fine in moderation, Shindle's was overused and unpleasant. I was not saying she couldn't belt, she simply sound extremely strange during they show. Many people I talk to afterwords agreed that her belt sounded muted, as if she was marking. I was also not saying that I know more about belting than her. There is a difference between listening and singing.

[TheChaseomg]

 I think that with all the incredible shows in New York, people need an honest review on what they should see. The show, in my opinion, was rough. Responding to all the comments on Kate Shindle, or Mama Hatter as you call her, I am a huge fan of hers. However, this role and her songs were too high for her range. She was struggling to hit the notes throughout "I Will Prevail".

[TheChaseomg]

Hi guys it's Chase from the video,

I would like to address some of the accusations made on this video page. I think there is a high level of disrespect and hate about this video. While I have no problem with people expressing a different opinion or viewpoint on this musical, I do have a problem with the language and name-calling that has been posted. I was simply expressing an opinion. I was not trying to shut down the show.

[xBiggMistakeex33]

I happen to have thought this musical was fantastic. i couldn't stop laughing through the entire thing. I went with my music honor society, and every single person LOVED it. I really have to wonder why they honestly felt this way.

If this were still at the Marquis in NYC i would have recommended the show to everyone of all ages.

[DodgerRiley]

These "critics" are plain wrong. The show had some of the most memorable songs I ever heard. And Kate Shindle was so amazing in the show that she was my favorite. The audience loved it and the comedy was hilarious. Especially the self-referential jokes. "I'm tardy, I'm tardy."

[Puppies140]

damn! the cast was amazing.. but i completely agree.. writer: horrible, director: horrible

[HappyMadisonDude]

this kid needs help....

[padrak18]

What is it these days where punk kids are judging adults anyway??

[larosen1966]

WOW so much hate here. Opinions are exactly that, opinions.  that's the whole purpose of the Word of Mouth panel. Real people and their opinions. It is really sad that you guys have to put down a really cool, articulate high school kid expressing his opinion over a play. GET A LIFE PEOPLE. and the other 2 panelists didnt like it either, so why hate on him? Its easy to sit behind a computer and spew hate, you must all feel very pleased with yourselves.

[DodgerRiley]

@larosen1966 No different than the kid. A lot of people loved the show, and these critics do not really represent a diverse view of the audience. What makes you think he is cool and articulate? He is just a kid that has no business giving a review of the show. They should use actual audience members what the show was like. Not kids who insist on doing "Bye Bye Birdie" for the 100th time at high school musicals.

[pippozg]

LMFAO well its closed now so i can make room for some real broadway magic

[MrAlltheworldsastage]

Wanna punch that kid....

[natachuli]

Fudge ur ass dude this show was WONDERLANDTASTIC BIATCH =]

[Platinum400]

Why is a high school student reviewing something that's on Broadway?

[Platinum400]

I like the score i feel like even though the songs sound similar their still different and I just liked them. The trouble in this show must be the book which is the most important part of any show, it's sad this could have been something wonderful.

[darthaslan]

I agree with this review, and I'm going to address some of the arguments posted here:

STORY:

The story's failure was NOT that audiences expected the original. If that were the logic for most audiences going to a show like this, Wicked would have failed. Quite the contrary; it was because this story WAS a re-hashing of the original, as opposed to what the taglines promised. To respond to one YouTuber, just because the Chesire Cat's Spanish and the White Knight's in a boy band doesn't make them

[GVirus14]

I know I posted before, but coming back to this video, I really must say that the people on this video make me really quite angry. I mean, what Older Dude says, that Wonderland doesn't represent the standard Broadway has set for itself, is total crap: Broadway is meant to bring the heart, soul, and magic of each piece to a greater audience, not serve as a more sophisticated, standardized pedestal for "the best of the best". And the boy makes me want to punch a small child.

[adriciscute3]

"Same situations she's been in before"...Which telling of Alice in wonderland has a Spanish cat Pimp, a grooovey Caterpillar, a Mad Mad hatter wanting to rule wonderland a a boyband...

[SecondBananaAddams]

"...the sound didn't really ring through to the audience..." REALLY?! Kate Shindle is one of Broadway's greatest belters. NOBODY insults Mamma Hatter. Idiot child.

[wickedrenthead]

@SecondBananaAddams Damn Straight! Mamma Hatter! lol! I showed my friends who had never seen Wonderland your comment and they died! It was absolutely hysterical!

[QuackGoDuck]

These reviewers were particularly jaded considering this show is about finding your inner child. The man was a dancer so he had a reason to be critical, he has high standards. The researcher probably couldn't relate to Alice. The HS kid may have a jaded point of view because HS is tough and kids are mean. Or maybe they didn't like the joke about the "Tea Party" being a mean spirited bunch of bullies who want to do away with everyone and everything but don't have a clue what to put in its place.

[wickedrenthead]

Part 5

people that went to see the show have no imagination whatsoever. I am a Disney fanatic and love everything that relates to opening your imagination and thinking like a child. The people involved in the show can do that, whereas a majority of the audience is too “grown up” to see “find Wonderland.” They are so suborn that they cannot even hear the moral in the last song. What ding dips and pickle heads.

Ending on a happy note, I hope the same cast tours and I cannot wait to see them. :)

[wickedrenthead]

Part 4

Audience appeal as Wonderland, Wicked, Disney Shows, but yet Wonderland is doomed to failure? I think some of that has to do with the face that it is at the Marquis. That place is terrible for shows.

Moving on to the music, it is just great to hear such a variety of music. It's like a motif. When you hear a certain type of instrument or theme, you know what character is coming on, a la Peter and the Wolf.

I think a lot of the reason why Wonderland did not do good as well is that the

[wickedrenthead]

Part 3

Continuing with the story, yes there is not TOO much of a story there. But then again, was there really a large story with the original? It is for literary interpretation, and in this case, live interpretation for what he/she can get out of it on their own. I am very proud of what this show has accomplished, considering that they were fighting with different "vulgar" shows to keep the attention of an audience (Mormon, Q, etc.) But then there is Sister Act which has the same kind of...

[wickedrenthead]

Part 2

Expecting a blonde girl with a blue dress the entire time. I think thats why I like Welcome to Wonderland, because that is what you are expecting but it is not what you are going to get. In no way is this supposed to be a sequel or anything like that to the original story. Think of the Tin Man on Sci Fi. That was a retelling of the Wizard of Oz with similar characters, but in no way was that the original story.

Wonderland is about a girl named Alice, not blonde 8 year old, but a new one.

[wickedrenthead]

Part 1

Okay. First off, I agree with everyone about that boy (keeping it to the point).

Next, I saw Wonderland when it was down here in 2009. The plot was a mess, and needed to be fixed. I think after reading up and seeing the new stuff added, I think they did a pretty good job of doing so.

I think what everyone is forgetting here is that this is NOT the original story. This is taking characters from a classic book and revamping them to the creative team's views. Everyone seemed to be...

[FiaMuffin]

Also, cheesy/cliche is kind of a part of Alice in Wonderland. Of course EVERYONE knows the story and the famous lines/thought pathways behind it, so it's going to sound cheesy or overused. The reviewers are being fairly harsh.

I'm not attributing anything to age, as I'm a high schooler too, but that kid really bothers me. None of them have the qualifications to be critics to that degree and don't mention any of the positive things about the show. In no way would I consider it "the worst show."

[FiaMuffin]

The plot needs an obvious revamp but I think the variety of music is intriguing and very Wonderland-esque. Also, the exaggeration of the characters is part of the essence of Alice in Wonderland, so I think the reviewers aren't taking that into account. As for vocals, everyone is fabulous especially Kate Shindle, so I'm not quite sure what the kid is on about. Sets, costumes and choreography are marvelous.

Not sure who these reviewers are or why I should listen to them though...

[futurefiyero]

Fuck your reviews of this show, you made it close within a month and it is my favorite show ever, I hope you are happy. Because this was a piece of art

[broadwaybaby1594]

i saw this show and while it's not the best plot-wise, kate schindle was an amazing singer so the kid is wrong there :)

[IM2grt2b4got]

OFF WITH THERE HEADS

[lolipop2119]

kate shindle rocked that show!!

[GVirus14]

Wow, they really rip this show a new asshole. But the music is fantastic; I don't know what any of them are talking about. This show is beautiful, engaging, and heartwarming, and a true adaptation of our favorite classic.

[BellatrixNellieLovet]

Kate Schindle was the best singer there.... who the FUCK is that fourteen year old kid?? I would literally murder him, fuck all of you.

the show is not meant to be profound or stunning, but the design was beautiful and the vocals were stunning, so fuck off and good day. EVERYONE SEE WONDERLAND

[MrAlltheworldsastage]

Wanna punch that kid & not only because of this. He’s annoying in all of these videos and never seems to have any valuable input or anything valid to say.

[IM2grt2b4got]

Wait...and who are you guys???

[EntertainmentAddams]

KATE SHINDLE WAS THE BEST IN THE SHOW!

[1ReelLife]

DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK POORLY OF KATE SHINDLE!!!!!! She made that show amazing!

[shaqman145]

I saw both the world premiere and pre-Broadway try out in Tampa, after seeing all of these previews I feel like they tried a little bit to hard to make it better. I mean, Alice's new costume is just... I don't know what to say. I like her pink dress better. "Through The Looking Glass" is just totally different, the pitch and tempo are WAY different! Not really proud of it. But it truly is an amazing show though! Hope is survives :/

[dao63]

i love how we're supposed to take seriously the critique of a high school student vs. that of a retired professional dancer and a researcher......i honestly cant stand that kid!

[Sam4G0d]

'i really don't think people should see this show' coming from a random school kid who probably has no idea on what theatre is and should be! harsh much?! every new show deserves to be seen!

[NobodyInAllofOZ1]

i love how the kid knows so much on singing that he can say that kate schindle cant belt

[ItsJustMusicals]

The adults opinion are only worth what they worth.

BUT I would like to know what credibility has that kid. He knows as much about Theater as he knows about Nuclear fusion and yet he pretends he's a genius.

Honestly, as they say in the show, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all"...

[Nf9456]

@ItsJustMusicals This is a review! Oh my god all of you people are getting so upset! The point of a review is to give your opinion and help others decide whether or not to go see it. Also with everyone getting upset about the kid, a lot of high school students know far more about theatre than people give them credit for. He obviously knows something about what he is saying or else his review wouldn't be so critical. Granted I haven't seen the show, so I don't know if there is any truth behind it

[HappyMadisonDude]

What's up with that old fart?? The show looks absolutely Amazing and I think if people want to understand the plot and know the music, they should do some research!!! I'm seeing the show on Tuesday and I'm sooo excited!! :) this review has to be LIES!! lol

[MovieDudeProductions]

@HappyMadisonDude This review is very accurate. The show was absolutely awful.

[gchimmel]

I saw it in Tampa and I didn't think it was THAT bad...