We Kept It a Secret... but Didn't Expect This!

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

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ALICE BY HEART (May, 2026)

Produced by Daena Santoyo

Directed by Chiya Newman

Choreographed by Emma-Rose Allen

Sometimes the best moment was never planned.

One spontaneous choice connects two seemingly contrasting moments in the production of Alice by Heart.

Emma-Rose (Choreographer) tells the story in her first Director's Commentary blog post (S1B1):

This intense and dark dance number had gone through many changes and tweaks in the two weeks leading up to opening night. There was always something missing. Sometimes the vision itself takes time to fully unfurl. During one of our very last rehearsals, I instructed one of our dancers to toss the crutch to Alice and for Alice to capture and hold it like she holds her dear and dying friend Alfred. This young actress delivered the moment beautifully. It was the perfect kiss of fear and horror that the piece needed. It wasn’t until later that Director, Chiya, watched the final version and pointed out, “Wow, that throw perfectly parallels the fall that Alfred does in the scene prior. Awesome.” “Oh yeah,” I said, “I totally meant to do that…” Sometimes you see the vision clearly, and sometimes the vision meets you where you are and helps you out a little bit.

Alice catching the crutch in “Brillig Braelig” ended up being one of my favorite moments, and turned out to be one of the best things that can happen for a choreographer - a happy accident!

— Emma-Rose Allen, Choreographer

Alfred falls, landing in the arms of the ensemble.

Producers Note

This is the creative journey I love watching our students be a part of, where trust, inspiration, and instinct come together for a young artist to explore their creative potential. Our directors lead the process, a student shapes and brings the work to life, and the collaboration continues to grow until an audience finally gets to take it all in. It’s thrilling!

— Daena

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ALICE BY HEART (May, 2026)

Produced by Daena Santoyo

Directed by Chiya Newman

Choreographed by Emma-Rose Allen