By Dean Poling
The Valdosta Daily Times

VALDOSTA – Dalton Bell has come full circle.

As a child, he played the King of Hearts in the Gingerbread Players of Theatre Guild Valdosta’s “Alice@Wonderland” in 2017. Now, at 20, he directs the Gingerbread Players production of “Alice in Wonderland.”

While “Alice@Wonderland” added a modern twist to the beloved story of a girl suddenly in a strange, non-sensical land, the current production is playwright Anne Coulter Martens’ adaptation of the classic story by Lewis Carroll.

Though the story is set in a Wonderland of Mad Hatters, angry royalty, grinning cats and time-impaired rabbits, Bell has led his cast of adults and children through some tough realities.

Namely, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The Dosta Theatre, the downtown home to Theatre Guild Valdosta, suffered some minor damage due to the hurricane, Bell said. Power outages curtailed what was supposed to be the last week of rehearsals and the Guild had to cancel the first scheduled week of performances.

Instead, cast and crew are packing five performances into one week, with the shows running Oct. 17-20 at The Dosta.

Challenges aside, audiences can expect a Wonderland of adventure.

The Guild show synopsis: “After Alice’s long fall down the rabbit-hole, she finds herself in the fantastical Wonderland. It is a more delightful place for the audience than for Alice, who is trying desperately to get back home. She tries to get help from the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and from the very nice Cheshire Cat, but the only one who can really help Alice is Alice herself. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is a theatrical presentation for the entire family of Lewis Carroll’s timeless story.”

For Bell, “Alice” is his directorial debut with the Guild. Lois Albritton serves as assistant director. Bell has grown up in the community theatre, doing everything from acting to backstage work, lights, sounds, even costumes.

Patti Cook Robertson, former Guild president, said Bell is one of several young directors selected for the Guild’s 2024-25 season.

She sees the season as a “rite of passage” for the young directors.

Gingerbread Players of Theatre Guild Valdosta presents “Alice in Wonderland,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17, 18; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley St. More information, tickets, reservations, call 24-STAGE or visit theatreguildvaldosta.com.