An art perspective, Salvador Dali’s interpretation of Alice in Wonderland.

"Down the Rabbit Hole"

 

Salvador Dali (1904-1989) was a surrealist artist from Spain. He practiced many different types of art forms, but is best known for his drafts and paintings. His strange and dream-like images were evoked from his subconscious. Dali’s art explores deep into the mind of human psychology and breaks away the realms of reality, by changing and manipulating objects so that people would have to think about them in a different way.

Random House published an “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” book, in 1969, featuring 12 heliogravures of paintings that Dali made for each chapter of the book. The paintings were inspired by the 1865 novel, which was written by Lewis Carroll. The series is titled ‘The Dali Alice Suite’, it is one of the most rare sets of prints that are available of Dali’s work. The book was limited edition and only 2,500 copies were originally sold.

To see more of Salvador Dali’s work, visit The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Fla., which holds the largest collection of Dali’s works in the United States.

"Advice from a Caterpillar"

“I can't explain myself, I'm afraid, because I'm not myself, you see” Lewis Carroll

"The Queen's Croquet Ground"

 

 "There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad." Salvador Dali 

"The Pool of Tears"

 "Ever drifting down the stream, lingering in the golden gleam, life, what is it but a dream?” Lewis Carroll

"Mad Tea Party"

“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” Salvador Dali

“Then She Fell” is a New York City interactive theater experience, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Third Rail Productions interactive play titled “Then She Fell”, is based off Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ novels. Third Rail Productions artistic goal is to re-frame performance art and show a variety of different types of media to the public. "Then She Fell” is the company’s latest project, following the success of their Steampunk Haunted House.

The performance runs from Oct. 8 to Nov. 16 at the former Greenpoint Hospital in Brooklyn, built in 1914. Small audiences of 15 are taken through a courtyard garden, to a wing of the abandoned ward. Crazy characters engage with the audience, as they wonder into each room. The rooms are specially designed, some are dreamlike and others are creepy. On the walls you can even read copies of Lewis Carroll’s person letters to Alice Little, the real Alice.

Due to several weeks of sold out shows, “Then She Fell” will be re-opening doors on Dec. 31, at the Kingsland Ward in lower Manhattan. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. The show lasts two hours, without an intermission, and tickets are between $65 dollars and $85 dollars per person. The show is not for children and audience members must be 21 year or over, with a valid I.D.

The show was directed, designed and choreographed by Zach Morris, Tom Pearson and Jennine Willett. The characters are played by Elizabeth Carena (Hatter), Alberto Denis (Lewis Carroll), Stacie Fields (Nurse), Rebekah Morin (Red Queen), Marissa Nielsen-Pincus (Alice), Tara O’Con (Alice), Tom Pearson (White Rabbit), Zoe Scieber (Doctor), Debra Stunich (Nurse) and Jennine Willett (White Queen).

 

A Mad Hatter filled weekend of fun is coming to The Barnacle Historical State Park in Miami from Nov. 16 through 18.

Friday, Nov. 16, will be the start of an Alice in Wonderland filled weekend in Miami. The opening event for the Mad Hatter Arts festival is going to be a Mad Hatter Tea Party, which is being hosted by the Barnacle Society. The Mad Hatter Tea Party opening reception, on Friday, will be at The Barnacle in Coconut Grove, Fla.

The event is from 6 to 9 p.m and guests can participate in a tea party, under the stars, in one of Florida’s historical landscapes. Guests are encouraged to wear their Alice in Wonderland attire and costumes. There will also be a cocktail reception and a cash bar.

Tickets to the Mad Hatter Tea Party are $25 to $35 dollars when you RSVP before Nov. 9 and $40 dollars for general admission. All admissions will go toward The Barnacle, which was built in 1891 on Biscayne Bay and is now a state park. The Barnacle was originally the home of Ralph Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most influential pioneers. Reservations are required and you can contact The Barnacle at 305-442-6866.

On Saturday and Sunday the Alice in Wonderland fun continues, with the Mad Hatter Arts Festival. This is the 8^th season that the event is taking place, which is located along the Main Highway of The Barnacle. The event is free when you pay the $2 admissions to the park.

The festival will have many different types of hand-made art and different art mediums and events to see, such as the “Through the Looking Glass” themed chalk street painting display and a juried artist event. There will also be a new Watch Art Happen feature, which is where guests will be able to paint and interact with the art pieces.

The Mad Hatter Arts Festival runs from 10 a.m until 5 p.m both Saturday and Sunday. The event will also have music, food, hat contests, and a drum circle. There will be something unique for guests of all ages to see or participate in.

On Saturday night, after the arts festival, there will also be a showing Disney’s 1951 classic of Alice in Wonderland at The Barnacle. Tickets are $5 dollars a person for adults and children over 6, $3 dollars for children 2-5, and free admission for little ones under 2-years-old. The gates open at 6 p.m and the movie starts at 7 p.m.

Next Saturday The Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation will be hosting an extravagant Alice in Wonderland themed Fairy Tale Ball at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.

The Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation is celebrating its ninth annual Fairy Tale Ball on Nov. 10. The Diamond Angels of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation are a volunteer support group that advocates the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The event starts on Saturday at 7 p.m and is being held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla.

The proceeds from the Fairy Tale Ball will go to support the hospital’s Pediatric Cardiac Program. This year’s fairy tale setting will invite guests into Wonderland, as the Westin Diplomat Resort’s ballroom will be transformed into dreamlike scenes from the classic Alice in Wonderland children’s story. Ticket’s for the ninth annual Fairy Tale Ball cost $250 dollars a person.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, dancing, dinner and live music by Steve Augeri of Journey and David Jenkins of Pablo Cruise. The night will also feature a live and silent auction, guests can participate in the auction at $25 dollars a ticket. Prizes featured will include an eight-day vacation on the Carnival Freedom.

This year’s Special Ambassador for the Fairy Tale Ball will be Jayden Villano. He was 19-months-old when the hospital used a new device called a Berlin heart, the artificial heart kept the baby alive while the family waited for a donor.

In April, Villano went through a successful heart transplant. The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospitals’ Cardiac Program recently completed its sixth successful heart transplant surgery.

Since the start of the annual Fairy Tale Ball, in 2004, the event has raised over $2 million dollars toward the hospital’s Oncology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is the leading children’s hospital in south Florida and provides advanced technology healthcare.

Three different Alice in Wonderland remakes may be coming to a TV near you. Fairy tale inspired shows are enticing cable audiences and multiple networks are planning to jump on the fantasy bandwagon.

Old classics are making a return to mainstream, with stories such as the remake Snow White and The Huntsmen and ABC’s Once Upon a Time. Cable viewers seem to enjoy their fairy tales and old stories with new twists are being shopped around to many major networks.

The CW network has already picked up a new series, titled Beauty & the Beast, for the fall season line-up.  It’s about a girl named Cat, (Kristin Kreuk) who works as a homicide detective and as a teenager she witnesses the death of her mother. The original story of Beauty and the Beast dates back to 1740 France, but this revamped tale takes place in modern times.

Similar to the plot for Beauty & the Beast, CW commissioned the script to a possible Alice in Wonderland show. McG and Peter Johnson, known for shows like Supernatural, The OC  and Chuck, would be producing the hour-long show. 

The TV series is to be called Wunderland and is about a police detective who crosses path between modern day life and fantasy. In Wunderland, the main character discovers a wonderland hidden underneath Los Angeles.

NBC is also developing an Alice in Wonderland series, called Wonderland. It is set in the future, where Alice now reigns as queen of Wonderland. CSI creator, Anthony Zuiker, is set to produce the show and Whit Anderson will write it.

The third network to be producing an Alice in Wonderland inspired show is Lionsgate. Zenescope’s Alice In Wonderland novels are being adapted into a TV series, the graphic novels have lots of bright drawings of an overtly sexual adult Alice. She fights to save humanity, despite the insanity of the strange world she lives in. The executive producer will be Brian Robbins, who is known for Smallville and One Tree Hill.

Viewers will soon see which version/s of these Alice in Wonderland adaptations will make it past the pilot. Although all versions seem very different, Alice remakes have been done many times, and some are worried about Hollywood’s lack of originality. Though, these are just some of the multiple story ideas that networks are considering for the 2013-2014 line-up.

Alice in Wonderland Halloween Costumes

Halloween is coming up and no matter if you’re going door to door, hoping to fill your basket with enough candy corn to last you the entire year, or dancing the night away with your friends at a party, don’t forget your costume!

This year jump down the rabbit hole and let your imagination come to life, whether you want to be a sexy Alice, a royal Red Queen or a crazy purple Cheshire Cat.

 

• You can find over a hundred Alice in Wonderland costume choices at BuyAliceinWonderlandCostumes. The online store is dedicated to only Alice in Wonderland Halloween ideas and aside from the variety of selections for adults and children, they also offer Wonderland accessories. The sizes range from x-small to plus size and for kids they range from toddler to teen. The store has more Alice in Wonderland costumes then any other site online, and they have been a family owned business for the last twelve years.

• Party City has an entire section dedicated to Alice in Wonderland. They offer 25 Wonderland selections for women, men and children. The prices range from $24.99 to $189.99.

• Spirit Halloween store has a variety of Alice in Wonderland choices, even offering an Alice in Wonderland dress for your pet. There are traditional costumes, quirky and extravagant. No matter what Wonderland  character you pick, you’re sure to find something to your liking in their selection of over 75 choices.

• Target has a selection of about 20 Alice in Wonderland costume choices. The prices range from $18 to $89.99. They have adult and child costumes, including a sassy Mad Hatter for women. You can find a selection of several Alice in Wonderland tote bags, from Tim Burton’s 2010 remake, perfect for your child’s trick-or-treat needs. 

Alice in Wonderland inspired fashion, by Canadian designer Allison Smith.

Allison Smith is a clothing designer who started her first line, Allison Wonderland, in 1998. The clothing is made for the type of girl who appreciates a charming and flexible style, one that can be suitable to go to work in and then out for a night around town with your girlfriends.

 “All kinds of women wear the clothes and it seems to be all ages too. She loves that her clothes aren’t mass-produced and wants unique pieces” said Smith, according to Plaid Magazine, regarding the type of girl who would purchase her designs.

Smith graduated from the Fashion Design & Technology program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and her designs are inspired by a mix of Alice in Wonderland and 1970’s retro. The Allison Wonderland fall 2012 collection was released late last month, and features cotton prints and collared dresses, tunics, blouses, blazers, sweaters and skirts.

The Vancouver designer now has her line in multiple stores, stretching from America to Nova Scotia. She also has a second women’s fashion line, called Pillar, which began in 2011 and uses only eco-friendly fabrics. The fabrics are made from organic cottons and silks, as well as recycled and natural fibers from British Columbia.

You can purchase and browse the collections at the Allison Wonderland online store.

At Disney's Grand Floridian, kids and families can meet Alice at 1900 Park Fare

 The Grand Floridian, in Lake Buena Vista, Fl, is one of Disney’s most prestigious resorts. The red and white resort looks like a castle, and is known for it’s Victorian style and intriguing architecture. The resort and spa includes two pools, a garden, a fitness club and a Grand Lobby that is more than five stories high. And nightly fireworks can be seen from the hotel, because of its proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Grand Floridian’s numerous dining options include Gaspirilla Grill, Citricos Lounge and Restaurant, Grand Floridian Café, Victoria and Albert’s, Narcossee’s, Mizner’s Lounge and 1900 Park Fare.

You can experience some Disney family fun with 1900 Park Fare’s three character dining options, which are Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner and the Wonderland Tea Party. 

The food includes American-style cuisine buffets and menu choices. And with a wide variety of options, even the picky eater should be able to find something they’d enjoy.

The Wonderland Tea Party dining option is for children whose ages range from four to 12. Wonderland characters, like Alice and the Mad Hatter, play games, tell stories, do arts and crafts, sign autographs and pose for pictures with the kids. There is even a Victorian themed Wonderland tea party with apple-juice and cupcakes.

The Wonderland Tea Party happens every afternoon Monday-Friday. You might also have the chance to spot Alice, or her friends, at the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. The all-you-can-eat breakfast has Mickey Waffles and of course, Mary Poppins.  The prices range from $36 to $60 per person for character dining and $15 to $36 a person for regular dining options at 1900 Park Fare.

Downtown Disney is hosting a special Frankenweenie weekend, in celebration of the Oct. 5 release of the new Tim Burton film.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday Downtown Disney in Orlando, Fl. brings a Tim Burton Films and Fun weekend to its guests. Each night, from 6 p.m to 11 p.m, the events start with a new Frankenweenie picture spot at the New Holland Pet Cemetery, new Frankenweenie merchandise at D-street and Frankenweenie inspired treats. On Saturday and Sunday you can see an early screening of the new movie at AMC Downtown Disney’s 24 theater. There will only be four showings, and the screenings are free, so you need to RSVP because space will be limited.

Frankenweenie is a black and white stop-motion animated film and the first of it’s kind to be released in IMAX 3D. It is a remake of a 1984 short film that was made by the film’s director Tim Burton. The movie is a children’s comedy, with a nod to the original story of Frankenstein. The plot involves a boy named Victor, whose dog dies and gets brought back to life by the boy's mad-scientist antics. 

The movie has Burton’s “gothic-esque” style to it, which can be seen in other movies of his, like Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas. During Disney’s Frankenweenie weekend, they will also have on display The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, and for the first time a meet and greet with characters Jack and Sally. There will also be four more special screenings each night, two 3D showings of The Nightmare before Christmas and two showings of Alice in Wonderland.

Disney and Tim Burton also came together to film the 2010 remake of Alice in Wonderland. The film was adapted from the original Lewis Carroll novels, Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, and was a live action film, made using computer-generated imagery. 

The screening schedule for the movies is as follows, The Nightmare Before Christmas at 4:15 p.m and again at 8 p.m. Then for Alice in Wonderland, the screenings are at 4:15 p.m, 6:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. Guests can purchase tickets for only $6 and they also get to see an extended preview of Frankenweenie, which officially comes out on Oct. 5.

“'Well, I'll eat it,' said Alice,” or at least I think she would, if she tried the gelato at Alice’s Ice Cream Emporium.

Alice’s Ice Cream Emporium is located east of Federal Highway on Commercial Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The cafe serves assorted pastries, coffee and a wide selection of homemade gelato flavors. The décor is fanciful, yet modern, with a subtle Alice in Wonderland twist.

The menu includes a list of “eat me” and “drink me” options. On the white walls and tabletops you can spot the tributes to Alice in Wonderland, like the pictures on the high-tops, the white clock on the wall and the quote from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Above the booths are chandeliers and one of them is Alice themed, with dangling teacups and teapots.

There were 14 different types of gelatos and sorbets, far beyond chocolates and vanillas. The cinnamon gelato was delicious; it was served in a plastic pink martini glass and topped with a piece of waffle cone. And the staff were very friendly and accommodating.

The menu has a wide selection of choices, like salads, Panini’s, coffee’s, tea, shakes, sundaes and a variety of pastries. Alice’s Ice Cream Emporium is open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m Monday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m on Friday and Saturday.

Walking through the doors of Tate’s you will find a haven of comic’s, anime, artwork, and anything a pop culture fan-addict could hope for.

Tate’s unique take, makes the store anything but ordinary. The comic book store is family owned and was first established in 1993.  It has a wide selection of merchandise and is located in the Promenade at Inverrary, at 4566 N. University Dr., Lauderhill, FL.

The store has its own satellite gaming area a few doors down and aside from their main area, on the second floor is the Bear and Bird Boutique+Gallery. The Bear and Bird Boutique+Gallery is an art gallery, which showcases local handmade fan art and original prints, as well as a gift section. They often have different Alice in Wonderland inspired prints for sale, and an Alice in Wonderland themed display shelf, where you can find five different Alice in Wonderland silver necklaces.

The memorabilia inside the 6,000-square-foot comic store is constantly being updated. Currently, they have multiple Alice in Wonderland figurines, Alice and Mad Hatter stuffed plush dolls, and an Alice in Wonderland horror comic that’s part of the Grimm Fairy Tale comic series. The owner of the Bear and Bird Boutique+Gallery, Amanda Ottati, is an avid Alice in Wonderland collector.

Tate’s is the premier example of a nerd’s pop culture wasteland. They carry a huge selection of comics, manga, magazines, toys, books, graphic novels, movies, DVDs, accessories, pocky, art, plus new and vintage collectibles.  You can also check their website for upcoming events and sales.

Sprinkled across the “Big Apple” are Alice in Wonderland sightings all fans can delight in.

      1.     Between the cement walls and skyscrapers of Manhattan, you can find Central Park. The public park attracts 35 million visitors annually and features many attractions, including a bronzed Alice in Wonderland statue.

The statue was made in 1959, by artist Jose de Creeft, and commissioned by George Delacorte.  The design was influenced by Lewis Carroll’s original story and John Tenniel’s illustrations. A granite plaque is inscribed with a line from the poem The Jabberwocky, which says “Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.”

The eleven-foot-tall sculpture features Alice sitting on a giant mushroom, surrounded by the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Dormouse, Dinah, and the Mad Hatter. Children are invited to play and climb on top of the statue, which is located north of the Conservatory on East 74^th St. 

      2.   Also in Central Park, you can find the Sophie Irene Loeb Fountain. Sculptor Frederick George Richard Roth carved the fountain in 1935. Its features include several Alice in Wonderland characters carved into its concrete sides. . It is located on East 76^th St, in the center of the James Michael Levin Playground.

3.     Come have a tea party at Alice’s Tea Cup, an Alice in Wonderland themed teashop with three New York City locations. They carry a variety of around 140 teas such as green, herbal, red, black and white. Alice’s Tea Cup also has a healthy menu selection and fun Alice in Wonderland themed merchandise and decor.

4.     The second largest Disney store is located in the heart of Times Square, it is two stories tall and includes a 20-foot-tall princess play castle. Fans can find multiple Alice in Wonderland merchandise through-out the store like wallets, plush’s, figures, ornaments, clothes and movies.  1540 Broadway  New York, NY

       5.     Take the 1 train on the New York City Transit to 50^th Street, where you can see a glass mosaic Alice in Wonderland mural, which is part of a permanent installation by the Arts for Transit and Urban Design. The three panel mural is titled, Alice: The Way Out, and was made by artist Lilliana Porter in 1994. It shows blue silhouettes of Alice in Wonderland characters on a white background on the platform walls.

     6.     For the crowd over 21, you can grab some drinks over at the White Rabbit. The White Rabbit is a lounge located at 145 East Houston St. It has beers, cocktails, Asian and Latin menu items, as well as weekend and late-night Dj’s. The lounge is full of rabbit décor and host’s art exhibits and events.

7.     At the New York Public Library you can find yourself a vintage copy of Alice in Wonderland to read through, or if you’re in town on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m, you can visit the sixth floor of the Mid-Manhattan Library for a free screening of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. The film is part of the library’s series, Films of Tim Burton. The movie is approximately 115 minutes long, and seating is first come first serve, so arrive early. The library is located at 455 Fifth Ave. New York, NY.

A beach town in Northern Wales is installing an Alice in Wonderland themed trail, in commemoration of Lewis Carroll and his novels.

In the town of Llandudno, over 4,000 miles from Florida is a Wonderland in progress. Llandudno is an ocean shore town, located in North Wales, in the Conwy County Borough. The town is in the process of building an Alice in Wonderland trail in hopes of promoting tourism. 

Local myth is that Lewis Carroll wrote part of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the St. George’s Hotel in Llandudno. Also, that Alice Liddle, the real Alice, spent some family vacations along the West Shore of the town.

The first of the Alice Trail landmarks are four wooden Alice in Wonderland characters, which were put up in June. The part of the trail where the wooden sculptures are located, start by the train station between Gloddaeth and Vaughan streets.

Artist Simon Hedger’s specialized carvings are done with a chain saw. Hedger said, “This is a great opportunity for an artist to carve sculptures of such strong iconic characters that have become part of our culture and for these to be placed in a town that has a historic relationship with Lewis Carroll,” according to WalesOnline.CO.UK.

The characters include Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. They were all carved out of oak, except for the Queen of Hearts who is made from cedar. Alice is grabbing her dress and has a smile on her face and the Queen has one fist clenched and the other pointing outward, her mouth is agape and her face looks angry. 

The project was commissioned by the Conwy County Borough and with additional support from the Llandudno Town Council. There is also a themed flower clock on the trail and four additional wooden sculptures are to be put up at a later date.

Last weekend the county opened to the public a new Alice in Wonderland themed bandstand and classroom, which will be used by schools and youth groups. Ultimately, the town hopes to have 35 Alice in Wonderland themed points along the Llandudno’s Alice Trail.

Face Off takes a trip down the rabbit hole in this weeks gory episode titled "Alice in Zombieland."

Photo Credit: SyFy

Tuesday's episode of the reality show, Face Off, featured a spotlight challenge theme titled, "Alice in Zombieland." Nine remaining contestants competed to create their own original take on a zombie-infected wonderland. They had to take their own concept of a chosen Alice in Wonderland character and give it a Resident Evil zombie twist.

The Resident Evil meets Alice in Wonderland theme was chosen because of the influence Alice had in the creation of the main character of Resident Evil, and also the seven feature films that were created off of Lewis Carroll’s original story.

The contestants were described their task, by host McKenzie Westmore, in an outside garden of high flowers and giant pink mushrooms. There they were able to pick from five different original characters including Alice, the Queen, the White Rabbit, the Hatter and the Cheshire Cat. The different takes on the characters included a Hatter, who had his guts hanging out, and a purple Cheshire Cat whose right half of it’s body was in mid zombie transformation and covered with blood.

Face Off features special effects make-up artists who compete to win the finale prize of $100,000, a Toyota Prius, $25,000 in makeup from Alcone and a guest lecturer spot for the Make Up For Ever Academy in New York and Paris. The contestants have three days to finalize their concept and put together a full body design, which includes their sketch, molding, prosthetics and make-up.

During the first day of the challenge, they design and sculpt for five hours, the second day they get ten hours to finish the moldings on the prosthetics, and the third day they get four hours to apply makeup and one last hour for touch-ups. Such effects are widely used in horror and science fiction films and television shows.

The elimination panel includes three returning judges Glenn Hetrick, Ve Neill, Neville Page and one guest judge. This episode’s guest judge was the director of the show, Paul S.W. Anderson, who also produced and directed the Resident Evil film franchise.

Nicole was the one sent home, for her rushed presentation of her zombie Alice. The judges felt Nicole made poor choices with her make-up, particularly the charcoal tone of Alice’s face. This is the fourth episode of season three and Laura, Tommy, Alana, Sara, Roy, Derek and Jason still remain.

Next week's guest judge will be Kevin Smith for an episode themed with superheros and side-kicks.  Face Off airs on the SyFy network, Tuesday’s, at 9 p.m.