The enchanting and whimsical imagination of Lewis Caroll’s beloved down-the-rabbit-hole adventure continues to entertain after 160 years. Thanks to Lake Area Ballet Theatre, (LABT) “Alice in Wonderland” will do so again here in Southwest Louisiana. See professional dancers and over 75 children ages 7 to 18 make it happen at the Lake Charles Event Center Rosa Hart Theatre Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 12:30, is the Mad Hatter tea party for the young and young at heart. Don a fascinator, pull on a cloche, rock a spring bonnet or get out the Panama or Pork Pie for some mad fun. Meet with the main characters. Take some incredible photos.

The costumes will not disappoint, according to Colleen Benoit, LABT artistic director/owner.

“A Chicago-based designer, Travis Halsey in collaboration with Jill Bahr was inspired by the surrealism of  Cirque du Soleil to create these costumes, the colors are vibrant,” she said.

But that is not the only thing that makes the show “curiouser and curiouser.” Benoit brought in a professional choreographer and two professional dancers. Michael Rodriquez and Josef Wolitz will be the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit. Benoit would not divulge her special surprises planned to make the stage right for “Alice.”

Caroline Melancon will perform the role of Alice. She is currently a sophomore at St. Louis High School, and began lessons at the Lake Charles Dance Academy at the age of 6.

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To get tickets for the performance and tickets for the tea party, go to lakeareaballettheatre.com or by calling the Event Center’s box office at 337-491-1432.