Outcry Youth Theatre, pulls actors from all over the metroplex to its performances in Addison, but on audition day, it was two Allen teens, Will McDonald and Brayden Soffa, who had the frenetic energy and kooky performances to be double cast in the part of the Mad Hatter in the theatre’s new adaptation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND.  Both actors are active in the Ereckson Middle School Theatre program and have been doing youth theatre throughout DFW for several years.     

Setting the scene – Two Allen teens, a once in a lifetime role, and the need to have the most magnificent hat to go with it.  Enter The “Real” Hatter of Allen – Marianne Lewis.  Marianne is a wife, busy mom and milliner who creates custom hats by hand in her Allen studio. 

Upon hearing of the challenge facing each actor - an amazing role with a hat-less head, she conceived of a class to teach a rudimentary version of hat-making to the boys’ eager but unskilled theatre moms.  Some cardboard, fabric, glue and a little magic and the boys were transformed into Mad Hatters! 

The boys are “mad” about the hats and the show will go on! 

You can see Outcry Youth Theatre’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND at the Studio Theatre, Addison Conference and Theatre Centre.  Outcry Youth Theatre was the 2016 recipient of the Dallas Broadway World Best Youth Play Award for its production of A WRINKLE IN TIME.  For more information and tickets:  http://www.outcrytheatre.com/alice-in-wonderland/

Marianne Lewis sells her custom made fascinators, hair ornaments and hats through her business, Charming Lady Designs.  http://charmingladydesigns.com