News Summary
The Coronado School of the Arts is set to showcase the poignant musical ‘Alice by Heart.’ Set during the London Blitz, it explores themes of grief, loss, and friendship. The musical, directed by Barbara Wolf, features talented CoSA students and will be performed on multiple dates. As the premiere approaches, the excitement builds within the community, reflecting the show’s impact and student enthusiasm.
Coronado, California – The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Musical Theatre and Drama Conservatory is set to present the musical “Alice by Heart,” which explores poignant themes of grief, loss, and first love amid the backdrop of World War II’s London Blitz. The opening performance is scheduled for Friday, October 17, at 7 pm, followed by additional showtimes on Saturday, October 18, at 7 pm, Sunday, October 19, at 2 pm, Friday, October 24, at 7 pm, and Saturday, October 25, at 7 pm.
The storyline centers around Alice Spencer and her ailing friend, Alfred, as they seek refuge in an underground tube station during the chaos of war. Drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the characters use their imaginative escapism to cope with the harsh realities surrounding them. The musical emphasizes the significance of friendship and imagination in navigating life’s challenges.
Directed by Barbara Wolf, “Alice by Heart” showcases the talents of CoSA students, some of whom expressed strong interest in performing this particular show. The musical is penned by the acclaimed duo Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, who are also recognized for their work on the award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.” The production is being presented under special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), which is also supplying all authorized performance materials.
Ticket sales for “Alice by Heart” have opened, with purchases available through the CoSA Foundation’s website. To ensure a more accessible experience, advance ticket purchases are recommended.
The cast is made up of enthusiastic students from CoSA, who bring energy and excitement to their roles. Senior Addison Nesbitt portrays Tabatha/The Cheshire Cat, expressing her excitement about the collaborative singing and harmonies involved in the production. Senior Amanda Nurding stars as Alice Spencer, appreciating the character’s emotional depth and journey through the narrative. Another senior, Stefanie Romero, participates as part of the ensemble and finds joy in learning the music and choreography alongside her peers.
The decision to produce “Alice by Heart” was heavily influenced by student requests, reflecting a collective interest in the show among the performers. Currently, the creative team is hard at work developing the set design to facilitate seamless transitions between the stark underground tube station and the whimsical world of Wonderland. Rehearsals are ongoing, with the aim of delivering a polished final performance that resonates with audiences.
As the premiere date approaches, the anticipation continues to build among cast members, faculty, and the community. “Alice by Heart” stands as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the power of imagination during turbulent times. The musical invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences of loss and love while celebrating the vibrant expressions of youth through art.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lawsuit Filed Against Coronado School District After Student’s Suicide
Coronado School of the Arts Presents Alice by Heart
California’s Foodbank Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of Misappropriation
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Alice by Heart
- Coronado Eagle & Journal: A Stroll Through Wonderland
- San Diego Magazine: Things to Do
- Google Search: Alice by Heart
- Coronado Times: Head Over Heels at Coronado Playhouse

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.