Richmond, VA – Ok, maybe they were not really defying the laws of physics, they were really using the laws of physics to put on one hell of a show for the nearly sold out Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, VA on February 1, 2025. Physics aside, SOUL Aerial’s performance of their original “Alice in Wonderland” was pure artistic genius and showcased the dedication and devotion of the 65 cast members. What was even more amazing is that the cast consisted of 26 aerialists ranging in age from 8 to 18 with a complete cast age range of 5 to 49.
From the start, the performance was making the Dominion Energy Center audience members feel like they were part of the show. Between selfies and bringing audience members to the front to play what could be called the Alice in Wonderland version of ‘Simon (or in this case, the Hatter and Hare) Says’, before the first aerials took place, the audience was already into it.
The show started off with the appearance of the creator of this performance, SOUL Aerial owner, director, and choreographer, Flynn Cross, as the governess, reading to Alice as the white rabbit entices Alice to follow her down the rabbit hole. As the story goes, Alice followed with a huge smile on her face. Let the aerials begin!!
One her way down we meet the Jabberwocky, the Caterpillar, and the Cheshire Cat. They all put on quite an aerial show as they descended, and ascebded, and descended again. Enter Tweedle Dee and Teedle Dum, the Mad Hatter and March Hare (whom we met before the show), the Queen, and Knave.
Little Alice and big Alice tried to get through the door to Wonderland, finally overcoming the locked door. All are welcome!!
I admit, I have never thought of the Alice story as one of aerial acrobatics, but as I, along with all the others, watched in awe. It was amazing how well Cross had adapted the Lewis Carroll storyline to the air. The show was very paced and so much was happening in a short period of time.
In the first act we were treated to an awesome duel aerial ring performance by the Tweedles, an oyster mom with the little oysters. Like mom, like daughter, one of the younger cast members showcased her aerial skills.
Alice in Wonderland Gallery 1
A few weeks before the performance, I had the opportunity to speak with Flynn and take in part of an early rehearsal. I got a sneak peek behind the scenes and I witnessed what can only be called the epitome of a safety conscious environment. During the rehearsal all activities were being observed from a safety perspective. The safety crew would call for a pause with any indication that safety may be breached. The coaching and oversight of the performers showed a clear dedication to safety. It was also interesting to learn that while the aerials are often the driving force for young people signing up, there is a ton of training and preparation that goes into it before their first drop. Safety is taken very seriously!
As I watched the performance, I was taken aback by what these young people could do. The performance was not limited to aerials, it was a combination of acrobatics, dance, and putting the body in any position imaginable… and some positions that were beyond imagination. It dawned on me that perhaps the reason why the cast was so young is because they had not been taught that there are certain things the human body cannot do. If you don’t know it is supposed to be impossible, anything is possible. Let that be a life lesson!
The first act concluded with the tea party with all around the table. It was a lot of fun, as the Mad Hatter, Rabbit, and others celebrated Alice in Wonderland.
The second act was more exhausting than the first, there was so much to take in. From the very start, there was an air of the more aerial the merrier. Whether it be forest creatures or the Jabberwocky, there was movement high and low all over the stage. One does not realize the complexity of these acts until they pay close attention to the body manipulations of the ropes or silks, tying and untying knots with feet and hands, All this taking place while moving to the music in choreographed splendor. One ‘misknotting’ could mean that a glorious drop turns into a painful fall. Have I said it was all amazing yet?
The magic of the performance was not limited to the air, there was real magic as the ‘white rose’ was painted red. As petals were poured over the rose, her dress turned red instantaneously… and there was nothing up her sleeve. Shortly after, she was joined by others as all the roses were painted red anticipating the entrance of the red queen.
The queen entered as a huge hoop dress spectacle. She got the audience into it a bit as she commanded the cards and others to give praise to her royal highness. Stealing the show was the entrance of the red king. Played by one of the younger cast members, the audience has cheering her dance and acrobatics.
Alice would not be complete without the standoff between queen and Alice. Aerial bound, high above the stage, a great battle takes place. The two aerialists taking each other other on on high. There were multiple climbs and drops before the battle ended and Alice falls asleep. The nightmare begins.
When Alice awakens, a huge finale was about to come. First trying to escape with lots of Wonderlandites pushing back and then going up the rabbit hole, defying the odds, the final aerial begins. With all the cast looking on, Alice goes through several aerial transformations, ending with a single arm rotation at what seemed like the speed of light. Fade to black, the journey ends with Alice reuniting with the governess. The end.
When I spoke with Flynn at the rehearsal, I asked about the possibility of touring with this original production. Flynn expressed a strong desire to do so, but told of the challenges associated with touring with such a young cast. Talking to a few parents of the cast members, it was clear there was plenty of parental support. But was this Richmond troupe of young people really ready for the road? After seeing the show, the answer was a clear YES!!
Alice in Wonderland Gallery 2
I say that in my mind they were ready for the road for two reasons. First, their show was phenomenal and I can say I have never seen anything like it. Watching what these young people could do left me speechless. But, it was not just about the aerials and acrobatics. There was also a strong element of making the audience part of the show. I think that was the reason this Richmond troupe was able to nearly pack one of the larger performance venues in town. They put on one heck of a gravity defying show and they made us feel part of it. If I were a betting man, I would say watch for SOUL Aerial coming to a city near you in the near future. If you get the chance, defy some gravity and take a journey up the rabbit hole.
Show Date: February 1, 2025
