Alice


AND THE NEW WONDERFUL





Welcome to Alice & the New Wonderful— a beautiful exploration of discovery, growth, and community. This production represents the blooming of seeds planted in the winter of 2019. We began our journey down the “rabbit hole,” discussing and writing music based on the themes in Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Since then, the world and our exploration have taken topsy-turvy twists and turns- sometimes harsh, sometimes joyful, but all have led us here.
Like Alice’s strange and curious journey, we grew and shrank, listened, and strategized as we made our moves on the chessboard of the last three years, working to ensure youth continued to have transformative art experiences. Now this creative exploration has more to say, more to give.
We are deeply honored to share this story and this music with you. While it is a curious journey full of humor, it is also a thoughtful examination of parent/ child relationships, maturation, identity, expectations and community. The journey invites you to examine some deep questions.
I feel so blessed to be in community with you and these exceptionally gifted creative changemakers. What we’re creating together, on stage, in neighborhoods, and across metro Detroit is powerful.
Thank you for being part of Mosaic’s impactful 30-year legacy.
Enjoy the show!
DeLashea Strawder Executive & Artistic Director, Mosaic Youth Theatre of DetroitIt takes so many people to make a play. It takes excellent people to make a play great. As I write this I marvel at how silly it is for this director to get a page to pontificate about art and stuff. From the playwright to the creative team of technicians, to the understudies, I am so indebted to the talented people that surround and supported this process. So before you read any further go to the page in the program that displays the amazing cast and crew I had the pleasure to work with on this show. Those names are the true geniuses behind this whole project. I am grateful to them.
Go look now... I’ll wait...
...Welcome back! Did you Google any of them? They are pretty cool.
Okay... so ... director’s notes...
What shall I say about this play, Alice and The New Wonderful?
When people asked what I’m working on, I’d say a sequel to Alice in Wonderland where Alice is a teenager and a Detroit-ish City is (finally) Wonderland!
What I’m really working on though is impacting the lives of these incredible Young Artists you get to see on stage today. Their energy and ideas brought the psychological horror and magic of being a teen in this brave new world where social
media and bent reality go hand in hand. That’s what I think this production explores, perceived reality and how it affects one’s identity. I think it is so very appropriate that the source material that inspired this play gave us the term “rabbit hole” that many of us find ourselves falling down into the great network of ideas, images, and insanity that is the internet. Pay attention to this show and you’ll find the essence of that descent into digital madness throughout this piece. But, hopefully, you will also find that we can crawl out of that hole by climbing into the arms of the people in our community.
A very special thank you Amelia and Ariel. This could not have happened without your grit, and willingness to supply whatever the situation demanded. This show and the growth of our beloved Young Artists happened because you came ready to work. I am so lucky to have shared this process with you both!
To the amazing creative team, I simply stand in awe of your skill and imagination. Thank you for diving into this process with me and truly making this a collaborative effort.
Finally, thank you. Yes, you. The Beautiful Human reading this message. We appreciate your support of the arts and of these incredible Young Artists. You are Champions!!!
Enjoy the show! Laugh, cry, and feel all the feelings in between. I am eternally grateful to have been of service throughout this entire process.
Ever So Sincerely, Edmund
Alyn JonesThe 2022–2023 Season is a special one for Mosaic. In addition to returning to full ensembles programs, including the return of our Backstage Tech ensemble, we’re celebrating 30 years of creating equity for Detroit-area youth through the arts. Thanks to amazing champions for youth and believers in the power of the arts to transform lives both locally and abroad, our work has been illuminated by moving and memorable experiences for three decades. It’s been an honor to be part of and grow with these exceptional creative changemakers, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Pearls are the traditional gift for a 30-year celebration, so here are a few treasured pieces of Mosaic from us to you.
Making transformative arts experiences accessible is part of our mission. Mosaic strives to ensure that live music and theater can be enjoyed by all Detroit area youth. By offering a variety of programs including low to no cost arts and leadership training in multiple locations across southeast Michigan. Providing digital resources for youth and allies to engage further in what they’ve experienced beyond the theater or rehearsal space. We also seek to remove financial barriers through ticket discount programs for schools, youth and others to attend performances — just call Mosaic for details.
We’re committed to supporting youth to excel on stage and in life. Mosaic continues to foster youth agency, co-creating safe and brave spaces for youth to build the skills, tenacity and networks they need to thrive through adulthood. Across three decades, 95% of youth ensemble members have graduated high school on time and gone on to college. Alums are successful lawyers, social workers, entrepreneurs, Tony Awardwinners, engineers, playwrights, leaders and creative changemakers.
We’re focused on the future. Our 30-year milestone certainly has us reflecting on the past, while having our sights firmly set on what’s next. Together with a supportive community of creative minds, we’ve built a strong foundation. We’ll continue to walk alongside youth and lead with our mission, vision and core values while striving to reflect and celebrate the uniqueness of Detroit in the work we do on and off the stage. Whether you’ve joined us for years or this is your first visit, we’re so glad you’re here. Here’s to you, and the next 30 years!
Kelsea Adams
Peyton Adams
Carley Brooks
Shelby Dyer
Robert Franklin
Redic Grant
Briana Haynes
Niah Howard-Stevens
Celia Hughes
Lance Johnson
Nahla Knight
Priscilla Massy
Iyana Mitchell
Zariyah Muhammad
TraVon Palmer
Nicholas Rice
Marcelis Warner
Justin Washington
Lauren Washington
Nya Williams
Madison Young
Joi Arrington
Mia Arrington
Jayla Bassett
Kennedi Flaniken
Sydnie Flaniken
M’Kaegen Hall
MaLeah Hall
Dexter James III
Derrick Jefferson-Mobley
Nadia Johnson
Jamesa Malone
Claudia Mitchell
Makayla Mott
Jadyn North
Zora Nunley
Makiah Quinn
DaShawn Shorter
Judah Smith
Jarai Strawder
Jermale Toland II
Ryan Townsend
Devin White
Allure Williams
TURN THE PAGE TO MEET THE MOSAIC CREATIVE TEAM
Zach is a Detroit-based lighting designer. He currently works with Fantasee Lighting as a project manager, designing and working productions and live events. Recent past designs include the JP Morgan Chase Main Stage at the Detroit Jazz Festival, 99.5 Ten Man Jam, Detroit Opera House Gala, and Mosaic Youth Theatre Let the Good Times Roll. Zach is proud to be working for Mosaic Youth Theatre for 10 years.
Vince Kelley is, as always, excited to have the opportunity to work with the Young Artists of Mosaic Youth Theater. Vince has the pleasure of working with many youth programs in the area, but Mosaic might be his favorite (shhh, don’t tell). Thanks everyone at Mosaic for always pushing new and exciting creative experiences. Only the best!
Brian is happy to be working with Moasic on this production. He is also Meadow Brook Theatre’s Production manager and Technical Director. Favorite design credits include: Murder On The Orient Express, Mary Stuart, Johnny Manhattan, Atomic, and Dracula: A Rock Opera. Brian also has designed for MBT, OCC, and The Ringwald. Brian would like to thank Jess and his family for all their love and support.
Lumumba Leon Reynolds II was educated in Detroit Public Schools. During the summers of his youth, he studied stagecraft and public speaking under renowned entertainer, Motown artist Kim Weston’s Festival For The Performing Arts.
After graduating from Cooley High School he went on to earn a degree from Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Lumumba has a passion for sound design, has been a practitioner since the 80’s, and is honored to be an educator of theatrical arts in Metro Detroit especially at Mosaic Youth Theatre where he has been on the team for +20 years.
Jeromy Hopgood is a Michigan-based designer, creating scenery, lighting, and projection designs for theatres across the country. Select design credits include People’s Light Theatre in Philadelphia (Skeleton Crew), Detroit Public Theatre (Girlfriend, Pipeline, Skeleton Crew), Flint Rep (The Who’s TOMMY), Williamston Theatre (Out of Orbit, Outside Mullingar, Taking Shakespeare), numerous designs at Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival during its Tony-Award-Winning season. In addition to his freelance work, Jeromy serves as a Professor of Entertainment Design & Technology at Eastern Michigan University, and is the author of The Projection Designer’s Toolkit, QLab 4: Projects in Video, Audio, & Lighting Control, and Dance Production: Design & Technology. Jeromy’s designs can be seen at www.HopgoodDesign.com
Michelle LeRoy has been working in Theatre Professionally for 23 years as a Stage Manager, Designer, Director, Performer, Puppeteer, Company Manager and Box Office Manager. She has worked at the Cherry County Playhouse, The Purple Rose Theatre, Performance Network, Gem Theatre, City Theatre, Williamston Theatre, Tipping Point Theater, The Planet Ant, Wild Swan Theatre and Go Comedy! Improv Theater. Michelle would like to thank Mosaic for this wonderful opportunity, Livia for all the wonderful ideas and creativity, her husband Tommy for all his building wisdom and my kiddo for being extra support.
Edmund Alyn Jones aka Eddy with a Y is a proud alumnus of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Detroit Public Schools, The University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and The Tech Academy. A writer, actor, and entrepreneur, Edmund is married with three beautiful children.
Nick Yocum has been working for Mosaic Since 2017 in tech theatre, having served as technical director and overseeing the technical theatre training programs. He is a graduate of Wayne State University and also studied at the Moscow Art Theatre School. Since working as a professional actor and technician, he has found that passing the passion and knowledge of theatre to future generations is his true passion.
Hailing from Detroit, MI, Jack Williams III is a vocalist and teaching artist that specializes in many genres of music ranging from jazz to classical. While attending Renaissance High School, Jack received awards and recognition for his vocal ability including being a Michigan Youth Arts Distinguished Scholar as well as winning the Detroit Jazz Festival Youth Vocal Jazz Competition. Jack is also an alumnus of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit which brought him many performance opportunities nationally and internationally. Some notable appearances include the Apollo Theatre, Carnegie Hall, and The Public Theater in New York, singing on a live album with rock band Foreigner, on tour with Josh Groban, competing in the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, OH and the 2014 World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia. Jack is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance where he completed his degree in Choral Music Education. While attending the University of Michigan, Jack sung with the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club and Chamber Choir both under the direction of Eugene Rogers as well as being the assistant director of BlueNote Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He was also active in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Chapter. He currently resides in Detroit and is a music teacher at Detroit International Academy for Young Women and is a teaching artist at Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit.
DeLashea Strawder is an accomplished musician and Arts administrator. She is known for her dedication to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of leaders and advocates for the arts. With over a decade of experience in artistic excellence and arts education, she is a highly sought-after conductor, clinician, and speaker. Her leadership has resulted in numerous achievements for the Mosaic Singers, including two gold and three silver medals at the World Choir Games, opening for the Sistine Chapel Choir, and performing for President Obama.
Jasmine Rose (they/them/theirs) is proud to be rounding out their first season with Mosaic Youth Theatre as Resident Stage Manager and Program Coordinator for the Jr. Ensemble. Jasmine has worked in many capacities in a variety of theatre spaces including The Purple Rose Theatre Company, The Ringwald, Matrix Theatre Company, Slipstream, Planet Ant, and Untheatre, where they were a founding member for 5 years, and a producer for 2. They hold a BFA in Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. Go Broncos!
Amelia Hefferon is a theatre artist and educator committed to using theatre as a tool for education, social justice, and collective creativity. Amelia has worked with a wide range of arts and community organizations as an actor, teaching artist, and facilitator, including Lookingglass Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Adventure Stage Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, CAT Youth Theatre, The Story Pirates, and more. Here in the Detroit area, Amelia works with Matrix Theatre Company and Dream Arts Company in addition to Mosaic. Amelia holds a BA in theatre from Northwestern University and a MA in Applied Theatre from the City University of New York. She works with people of all ages and loves creating original theatre with both professional and non-professional artists. Amelia is honored to be a part of the Mosaic team!
Nikolas Huey is an African-American singer, producer, arranger and composer from Detroit, MI. He started singing at a very young age in multiple choirs, and became passionate about creating music at age 11, making a cappella arrangements to cover songs. Nikolas was a member of Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit from 2011-2017, and studied at Berklee College of Music, majoring in Contemporary Writing and Production.
Nikolas has written, produced, and mixed songs for many music groups including: Mosaic Youth Theatre, Last Gasp Collective, Coventry City of Culture, and many more.
He’s performed alongside acts such as Jamila Woods, Josh Groban, Foreigner, and Bobby McFerrin. As a freelance musician, he strives to enhance his creativity while providing production and engineering services to local clients.
Carollette is a choreographer, actress, writer, director and proud Detroit native. She has a BA in Mass Communications from Miami University and MFA from Wayne State University, including studies at Russia’s Moscow Art Theatre School. Her dance works have been presented at venues large and small including The Muny Theatre (St. Louis), Joe’s Pub at The Public Theatre (NYC) and The Wharton Center of Michigan State University. As a resident choreographer of Mosaic Youth Theatre and Artistic Director of the LSODance Company, Carollette has staged works for musicals, commercial and concert dance. She is certified in the Cecchetti Ballet Method and holds membership with Dance Masters of America and the International Association of Blacks in Dance.
From Detroit and an alumnus of Mosaic and its backstage tech program, Amari graduated from Renaissance High School and currently freelances as an audio engineer for local shows and concerts.
Ariel S. Pompey earned her Bachelors of Arts from The University of Michigan- Ann Arbor; where she studied Communication Studies and African American Theatre; and her MFA in Applied Drama/Theatre for the Young at Eastern Michigan University.
Ariel has worked with organizations such as Arizona Black Film Festival and PlayWorks Detroit.
Ariel served as the Program Director of CrossTown Theatre, an after school outreach program partnered with EMU Bright Futures. She has directed youth shows for Slauson Middle School and Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Series. In 2022 , Ariel served as teaching-artist at Evoc Theatre in collaboration with Saginaw Valley State University’s We Hear You: Black Theatre Workshop. Currently, she is the program director of Prevention Theatre Collective, an initiative that focuses on a theatre-based peer to peer outreach in order to shift attitudes and behaviors concerning drugs and alcohol use.
Andaiye started her professional life as a technician in Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s youth ensemble from 1995-2000. She worked for Mosaic at various points in her career as a Technical Director and an Acting Teaching Artist. She received her BFA in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, her MA in Drama/Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA in Applied Drama from the University of Exeter in the UK. She has spent much of her career touring to young audiences, as a classroom teacher, and as an education consultant. She has most recently been a Site Coordinator for EMU’s Bright Futures After School Program at Estabrook Elementary. When she is not running youth programs, she is singing karaoke, reading about pirates, or snuggling with her cat, Hank. Andaiye is so excited to be returning to her Mosaic roots as the Programs Manager and is looking forward to the year ahead.
Adrian Coleman
Charisma Holly
Livia Houston
Emerald Rashid
Sageius Williams
Director: Edmund Alyn Jones
Assistant Director: Amelia Hefferon
Acting Coach: Ariel Pompey
Music Director: DeLashea Strawder
Assistant Music Director: Jack Williams lll & Nik Huey
Choreographer: Carollette Phillips
Production Manager: Nicholas Yocum
Stage Manager: Jasmine Rose
Scenic Design: BK Kessler
Costume Design: Vince Kelley
Assistant Costumer: Sanda Glover
Lighting Design: Zach Schneider
Sound Design: Lumumba Reynolds
Sound Board Engineer: Amari Harris
Props Design: Michelle LeRoy
Projection Design: Jeromy Hopgood
Transformative arts experiences are more than just performances and programs. It takes the intentional collective commitment of the individuals that make up a community to create affirming, relevant and wholistic experiences that engage, transform and inspire.
THANK YOU to all the young and guest artists, creative team, administrators, staff, Board members, alumni and community partners for investing in youth and a thriving Detroit.
As the company’s philanthropic arm, Ford Motor Company Fund partners with nonprofit organizations across the Ford network in the U.S. and around the world to provide resources and opportunities that advance equity and empower people to reach their highest potential.
Interested in digging a little deeper into the themes of today’s show?
Scan the QR code to check out our study guide.
confident, creative thinkers through comprehensive pre-professional arts training and leadership development.
connect youth to professional artists/mentors and development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to thrive through adulthood.
young artists for college & career pathways within the creative industry and other industries requiring soft skills and a professional presence.
the voices of young people to empower them as the next generation of leaders, artists, ambassadors, and advocates for a thriving Detroit and a greater world.
Visit www.MosaicDetroit.org to make a donation that will help increase access to the arts.
We look forward to partnering with your school community to engage youth and young adults in arts experiences that supports and equips them to be leaders and lifelong learners.
For more information visit www.mosaicdetroit.org/school-residency-program or call 313-872-6910 ext. 4024
For 30 years, Mosaic has illuminated youth excellence on stage and in life. Want to elevate the impact of your events? Whether corporate, private, or virtual, engaging Mosaic for a performance or workshop provides a transformative experience that your guests will cherish. Mosaic is available to help you bring your vision to life through:
. Customized workshops and partnerships
. Mosaic Mobile micro-camps for private or public events
. Live performances
. Music Videos or Film Theatrical experiences
. Audio recordings for commercial use
* Opportunities are based on availability Visit www.mosaicdetroit.org/bookmosaic/request-form/ to book a performance today!
Call 313-872-6910 ext. 4007 for workshop, micro-camp and custom opportunities.
*DELASHEA STRAWDER l Executive & Artistic Director
ALFREDA LILES l School & Community Partnerships Coordinator
*ALEESA SEARCY l GDYT Coordinator
AMELIA HEFFERON l Teaching Artist
*ANDAIYE SPENCER | Programs Manager
ASHLEY PATTERSON | Program Administrator
CHARLENE MCNARY l Finance & Operations Manager
*JACK WILLIAMS III l Teaching Artist
JASMINE ROSE l Resident Stage Manager/Program Coordinator
JOE BAILEY l Executive Assistant / HR Generalist
JUDY TIPTON l Director of Development
KEIR WARD l Teaching Artist
NICK YOCUM l Program Specialist, Tech Theater
*NIKOLAS HUEY | Teaching Artist
*YAISANI TURNER | Finance Intern
* Denotes Mosaic alum
BEVERLY MADDOX | Board Chair
TERRY W. BONNETTE | Vice Chair
WISAM FAKHOURY | Treasurer
DIANE BORGUS GREEN, M.A., N.C.C. | Secretary
SJONNE BADGEROW
CORNELL BATIE
ROXANNE BROWN
MARIETTA CLEVELAND
MELISSA MCCLARY DAVIS
MARK DENIS
ANTWAN PRICE
ROY SEXTON
KELLI VAN BUREN
TERREL WHITE
BRITTANY WILLIAMS
Mosaic’s mission is to empower young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of theatrical and musical art that engages, transforms and inspires.
Only the best, nothing less. We are committed to pursuing excellence in our programs, business operations, and partnerships. We are dedicated to investing the time and resources necessary to achieve excellence in all that we do.
We hold ourselves accountable to courageously pursuing creativity, resourcefulness, and imagination. We embrace innovative, audacious ideas that work towards accomplishing our mission.
The uniqueness of each individual contributes to the strength and beauty of the whole. We are committed to upholding safe spaces that prioritize honesty, trust, respect, and integrity. We honor diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and expertise to enhance the communities we serve and those we are a part of creating.
We choose to embrace joy as we pursue our mission and work to spread joy to others as we connect, collaborate, create, and incite positive change in our community.
We envision Detroit area youth having equity of opportunity in arts and post- secondary education including paid creative sector leadership roles.
We envision a thriving Detroit, enriched by the brilliance and creativity of its youth, culture keepers and community members.
We envision an arts and culture industry that benefits from a strong network of diverse and dynamic next generation creative leaders .
We envision young people transforming the world by activating the power of the arts to motivate, mobilize and make positive change.
We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of our amazing donors and philanthropic partners whose annual support enables Mosaic to remain consistent in bringing youth only the best, nothing less in arts and leadership programs. To join this group in ensuring Mosaic continues to thrive, contact the Development Team at 313.872.6910 ext. 4004
($1,000+ with 5 year pledge)
DeLashea & Daniel Strawder
Carol Goss
Dr. Glenda Price
Russ & Susan Ives
Deborah Hansen
Cheryl P. Johnson
Donald Middleton
Delphia Simmons
Frank Taylor
Brittany Williams
($1,000+)
Terry Bonnette
Shirley Brice Heath
Edsel B. Ford II Fund
Diane Green
Timothy Higgins
Diarra Kilpatrick
Leeann Konrad
Beverly Maddox
Ben & Barb Maibach Fund
Marshall Mathers Foundation
Wisam Qasem-Fakhoury Fund
Robert & Sandy Riney
A. Paul & Carol C. Schaap
Linda and Norm Schuessler
William H. & Patricia M. Smith Fund
The Estate of Allee Willis
Dorinda VanKempen
Shannon Wallis
Anonymous
Anonymous
($500-999)
Blossoms Blossoms
Henry Bowers
Tyrone Davenport
Mark Denis
Janisse Green
Liana Iacobelli
Bridget Kennedy
Michigan First Foundation
Brenda Shufelt
Marty & Andrea Singer
Shirley Stancato
Edward Storer
Aeryn Williams
Vital support from our corporate, foundation and government partners enable community members of all ages to access affirming arts experiences that inspire them to dream boldly and create positive change. Grants from state and federal agencies and local and national foundations provide crucial operating support as well as key funding for new and ongoing programs. To learn more, contact the Development Team at 313.872.6910 ext. 4004. For information about sponsorship opportunities and corporate benefits, contact us at development@mosaicdetroit.org
The Jeffrey Seller Foundation
Inspiring and empowering the next generation through the arts has always been at the center of Mosaic. Throughout our 30-year history, we’ve created many programs to ensure young people have access to life-changing arts experiences. There’s no better way to think about what this access means for youth and communities than within the context of this season’s concert and spring production. From Let the Good Times Roll’s pointed message of self-discovery to the wonder and whimsy of Alice and the New Wonderful, these stories for all audiences offer wonderful opportunities to dream, reflect and come together. On behalf of the board, thank you for your unwavering support of the young artists and this critical work as we strive to inspire young artists of both today and tomorrow.