Alice in Wonderland - Free Theater in the Park

Actors Ensemble's first production of our 2026 Summer Season in the beautiful John Hinkel Park is Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Brainerd Duffield from the book by Lewis Carroll and directed by Michael Sally.  Free-of-charge, reservations encouraged (especially for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility) but not necessary.  Presented Saturdays/Sundays & holidays beginning Friday, July 3rd through Sunday July 19th, 2026, all at 4 p.m.

Alice in Wonderland is the classic tale of young Alice, who follows the White Rabbit into a magical and mystifying world of March Hare's, Cheshire Cats, Mock Turtles, and Mad Hatters - among other classic characters who have enchanted young and old since Lewis Carroll first wrote down these tales to amuse himself and Alice.  Join us this summer as we fall down the rabbit hole together!

With: 

Frog Footman/King of Hearts - Patrice Binaisa
White Rabbit - Paul Bisesi
Dormouse - Breezy/Desilva
Mad Hatter - Natalie Buck-Bauer
March Hare - Ryan Chu
Red Queen/Cook - Megan Darzynkiewicz
White Queen - Veronica Dolginko
Alice - Pilar Gonzalez
Mouse/Knave of Hearts - Joseph Hirsch
Duchess - Helen Kim
Tweedle Dum/5 of Spades - Avery May
Tweedle Dee/2 of Spades - Eshani More
Humpty Dumpty/Cheshire Cat - Erin K. Perry
Queen of Hearts - Virgie Poole
Fish Footman/Mock Turtle - Joshua Roberts
Catepillar/Gryphon - Jean-Paul Zuhur

Costumes by Lyre Alston.
Set design by Kirsten Yamaguchi.
Props by Susan Dunn.
Graphics by Sophie Ruf.
Photos by Jane Shamaeva.
Stage Management by Arden Somers. 
Production/Technical Direction by Jerome Solberg.

The amphitheatre seats well over 300 people and consists of a series of stone terraces. Low lawnchairs are acceptable, or bring pillows and/or blankets.  The amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible with 5 spots for wheelchairs or those who cannot climb steps and/or need a special chair, and 8 benches for wheelchair companions or folks who cannot climb ysteps but can sit on benches , all at ground level - please make a reservation so we can reserve these spots.  In addition, for those with limited mobility or hearing issues we will reserve places in the first few rows, which requires climbing a few steps (there are railings).  No chairs are provided, please bring your own and/or pillows/blankets.  For all others, we encourage you to make a reservation (and make a donation!) so we have some idea of who is coming (helps to plan concessions), but seats are on a first-come/first-served basis.   There a single handicap parking spot close to the amphitheatre and some additional spots along Somerset which are reasonably accessible for wheelchairs - we encourage folks to be dropped off.

John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre is at 41 Somerset Pl., Berkeley, CA 94707.  Access is via Arlington Avenue, turn right on Southampton, then continue straight onto Somerset.  Note that Google Maps will direct you to locations at the top of the park along San Diego Road - quite a hike down.  There is very limited parking at the amphitheatre, due to the addition of a playground which swallowed up most of the existing parking.  There is some parking along Arlington, Somerset, Southhampton, and San Diego Road - we encourage folks to ride bicycles or use ride services.  The closest BART station is the North Berkeley BART.  The #7 AC Transit bus stops right at the corner of Arlington and Southampton.

The production lasts a about two hours, plus a short intermission.

Actors Ensemble has been producing quality theater with a community flavor since 1957, right around from the corner from you.  Check out our websitewww.aeofberkeley.org for upcoming events, including our mini-production of the sci-fi dramedy Repossessed by local playwright Greg Lam (what happens when you pay to have your brain improved - and you fall behind on payments?) opening July 31st in  the cozy confines of LaVal's Subterranean Theater, in the basement of LaVal's Pizza in north Berkeley, and our second production this summer in the beautiful John Hinkel Park Amphitheater - Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, running August 22nd - September 6th, and finally Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, adapted and directed by Jay Manley, opening October 2nd at Live Oak Theater, Berkeley.