The Hatter

The Mad Hatter has become stuck in reality. Perhaps he can open a portal that will lead him back home if he can recreate the silliness of Wonderland. Andrew Wade's one-man performance at Studio 16 showcases his quick wit and improvisational talent. However, the world, the character, and the story felt half-formed and ultimately inconsequential. 

Some moments were quite fun. My fellow audience members had gusto when it came to singing the Unbirthday Song, even though everyone seemed to be making up their own tune. After requesting a title, Andrew created a song on the spot which had a surprisingly detailed story and an impressive rhyming scheme. Following these moments, the Hatter would revert to being worried, spoiling the fun. Any progress that was made seemed to be followed by something to undo it.

Many elements of this play seemed to be held in transition, which deprived the story of context and momentum. I didn't know if the other characters that appeared were figments of the Hatter's imagination or if they were meant to indicate that Wonderland was getting closer. There were times in the play when I felt as though I didn't know who the Hatter was. Over the course of the story, much of what he told us of himself began to unravel and there were too few unguarded moments for me to form my own idea of his character. 

I felt as though I was stuck with the Hatter between sanity and madness, and I didn't really care which one would win out.