Chiya Newman (Director, Alice By Heart) opens up about the secret choice that ended up being a lasting memory for the cast in her first Directors Commentary (S1B2)
Although they weren't in the original Off-Broadway production, these childhood characters were added into our story. I felt it was super important to lean into the addition of Young Alice and Young Alfred because I thought one of the main themes of the show, the loss of childhood, would hit much closer to home for our audience with a physical representation of Alice and Alfred’s memories right before our eyes.
I wanted the audience to get glimpses into Alice and Alfred's past throughout the show. There was a particular moment toward the end where I felt this intention could really land. As Alfred passes away during the song, “Afternoon”, I knew I wanted the childhood “memories” of Alfred and Alice to take him by the hands and lead him away. I wanted to portray that even though he is gone, the memory of him is always there in Alice's childhood. And he got to stay that way.
I kept this detail a secret from the entire cast for weeks. I wanted to capture the raw emotion from our actress playing Alice as she watched the children take Alfred away. It wasn’t until the final rehearsal that we added the children to the scene. It definitely made the impact I had intended, but I didn't realize it would also capture the heart of the whole cast. Everyone had to take a moment to cry that day, but it was so amazing!
— Chiya Newman, Director
Producers Note
This is such a real example of trust, intention, and collaboration that is possible through theater and through OYES. Alice By Heart marked the return of our Performance Company after the COVID interruption. It was as struggle to fit yet another production in our calendar, but the experience was absolutely worth it.
I know these kids will never forget this moment together. And now you get to be a part of it!
— Daena
ALICE BY HEART (May, 2026)
Produced by Daena Santoyo
Directed by Chiya Newman
Choreographed by Emma-Rose Allen
