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Alice by Heart
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio Opens 2025–26 Season with Alice by Heart, a Bold and Moving Musical Reimagining of Alice in Wonderland
Alice by Heart is a Story of Magic, Imagination, and Friendship Set Against the Backdrop of WWII
Escape down the rabbit hole on an extraordinary adventure where mystery, magic, and music awaits. From the award-winning writers of Spring Awakening and Waitress comes Alice by Heart, an awe-inspiring musical celebration of imagination and friendship. Taking refuge in a London Underground station during WWII, two friends escape into the world of their favorite story—Alice in Wonderland. A magical experience for anyone seeking courage and creativity—this is a tale of finding your way when it feels like you’re lost.
Alice by Heart features music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater, and a book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson. The production is directed by Leda Hoffmann, Artistic Director of The Contemporary, and runs September 4–21, 2025 in Studio One at the Vern Riffe Center.
With a haunting, contemporary score and lyrical storytelling, Alice by Heart explores themes of grief, identity, and resilience. It invites audiences to lose themselves in a dreamscape where imagination is a lifeline.
“This is a whimsical and imaginative show that’s a ‘don’t miss’ for fans of Alice in Wonderland or contemporary musical theatre,” said Hoffmann. “It’s an edgy and heartfelt coming-of-age story, perfect for teens and anyone who’s ever felt lost and had to find their own way.”
“Imaginative storytelling like Alice by Heart helps people process change, loss, and the struggles they’re facing in a way that feels safe, hopeful, and deeply human,” said Christy Farnbauch, Executive Director of The Contemporary.
This production also introduces The Contemporary’s upgraded lighting and sound systems, made possible by a Capital Improvement Grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council awarded in December 2025. These improvements help create an even more immersive and impactful experience for audiences in the intimate studios at The Riffe Center.
In addition to featuring an all-local cast of professional actors, the production highlights Columbus’s creative community with graduates from The Ohio State University and emerging artists from Otterbein University and Wright State University.
Preview shows are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 5, at 8:00 p.m. Opening night is Saturday, Sept. 6, at 8:00 p.m. The production continues through September 21 with performances on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. The play runs 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for patrons 13 years of age and older.
Tickets are $68.55 each, inclusive of fees, and now include reserved seating—audiences can select their seats when purchasing. Tickets can be purchased online at Alice by Heart | CAPA Ticket Center.
The Contemporary also offers flexible ticket options to make live theatre more accessible. On preview nights, Pay-What-You-Want (PWYW) tickets are available beginning two hours before showtime. Additionally, students with a valid ID can purchase $20 Student Rush tickets for any performance, also starting two hours before curtain. Both ticket types are sold at the ticket office, located at 77 S. High St., Fourth Floor, Columbus, Ohio, and are subject to availability.
Patrons can enter the building from the High Street entrance or through the parking garage accessed from Front Street.
Sponsorship support for Alice by Heart comes from Nationwide and The Robert Weiler Company. Season support comes from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the City of Columbus, and Franklin County, as well as The Shubert Foundation, Inc., and the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically with state tax dollars from the Ohio Legislature. The Contemporary also appreciates the support from The Columbus Foundation, who assists donors and others in strengthening our community for the benefit of all its citizens.
About The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is central Ohio’s leading professional Equity theatre company, providing exceptional productions and educational programs for adults and young people in response to our community’s needs. We believe theatrical storytelling transforms people of all ages by immersing them into immediate, communal experiences. The Contemporary exists to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy. For more information, visit TheContemporaryOhio.org.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3168144-0
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3168144-2
