• The Philadelphia Independence Awards celebrates regional high school musical theater and its student artists by providing rigorous development for existing high school theater programs, promoting diverse elements of the professional theater community and fostering support for under-resourced school theater programs. 

     

    SOME OF OUR ADJUDICATOR REVIEWS OF ALICE BY HEART -November 2024

    "This was, at heart, an ensemble performance. As such, it was brilliant, as the large cast made use of the ample stage to execute imaginative and often startling group physicality to express the story." 

    "Bravo to Central Bucks for great work on a very challenging show. Alice By Heart requires a strong ensemble cast, physical storytelling and a deep understanding of the characters of Alice in Wonderland mixed with a comprehension of how heart-wrenching losing a loved one can be and the pressing ticking of the clock, particularly when the loved one is young." 

    Wow! I was simply blown away by the talented cast in this production of Alice by Heart. I was most moved by the ensemble of this cast including lead characters as well. There was a bond and trust between everyone. Teamwork like this is beautiful and spine-chilling. From movements on the stage to gorgeously blended vocals, I was in awe. THIS is what theatre is all about! Congratulations to this ensemble! "

    "I was "wowed" by the performance of your young thespians in this production of Alice By Heart at CBW! The blocking of the ENSEMBLE in the show was also very well-conceived, and you executed this show extremely well. Shout out to the choreographer, Kate Work for her creativity and unique blend of dance to enhance the storytelling. This show is not easy to do, and the plot often gets lost and confusing. The lighting and sound FX were absolutely marvelous and underscored the action and set the mood of wartime and nuclear fallout.

    "Attending Central Bucks West's production of Alice by Heart was a memorable experience that showcased the students' creativity, talent, and hard work. This adaptation of Alice in Wonderland provides a poignant exploration of escapism, resilience, and the power of imagination. It was thrilling to be transported in and out of Wonderland! Thank you for delivering such a beautiful show to your students and audiences. Your speech at the final show was quite moving to say the least. I could tell the care and thought you put into making this show so special and it showed! Every element of this production was carefully crafted from the actors onstage to the talented team of creators. The dedication of the cast and crew was extraordinary to watch! In reflecting on the production as a whole, I am struck by how the students managed to convey such a complex and layered story. Alice by Heart is not a simple retelling of Alice in Wonderland; it is a deeply human story about loss, love, and the healing power of imagination. The students' interpretation brought these themes to the forefront and left a lasting impression on the audience. Overall, this production was a testament to the creativity, resilience, and dedication of CB West's Harlequin Club. It reminded me of the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and help us make sense of the world around us."

    "Your full ensemble brought strong harmonies, big physical choices, and a high level of commitment to each scene, and the show told a powerful story. My show companion, who had only read a quick synopsis of the show, said it made him think about life."

    "Central Bucks High School West's Alice by Heart was an imaginative and visually stunning production, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the entire team. The cast brought great energy and passion to the stage, and the crew's hard work was evident in every detail. With further exploration of the characters' emotional depth and physical expression, the storytelling could become even more dynamic and impactful. This production was a beautiful and heartfelt interpretation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience."

    "Central Bucks High School West's Alice by Heart was a visually stunning production that highlighted the cast's raw talent and passion for storytelling. The musical numbers were particularly powerful, with heartfelt performances that resonated deeply. The connection between the Wonderland characters and their real-world counterparts added emotional weight to the story's themes of resilience and imagination. While the cast demonstrated great commitment to their roles, some characters could further explore their physicality and presence to fully embody the unique traits of their Wonderland personas. Overall, the production was a beautiful and moving interpretation of a complex and meaningful story."

    "The technical elements of Central Bucks High School West's Alice by Heart were nothing short of outstanding. The crew's hard work and creativity shone through in every aspect, from the stunning marketing and artwork that beautifully captured the spirit of the show to the makeup and set design that brought Wonderland to life. Each technical element enhanced the storytelling and transported the audience into a whimsical yet poignant world. It was evident that countless hours of dedication went into every detail, resulting in a polished and visually captivating production. The crew's exceptional effort truly elevated the performance and deserves immense applause."

     

     

     

     

     

    2024 NOMINEES

    CREATIVE LEADERSHIP

    ★ Kate Kesilman Mean Girls, School Edition @ Central Bucks High School West

     

    THEATER EDUCATOR 

     ★ Claudine Piechotta, Central Bucks High School West