Dow High’s RenFair Transforms Arts Center into Wonderland

A Journey Through "Alice in Wonderland" at Dow High School’s RenFair

The four senior emcees of Dow High School’s annual RenFair will take the stage as characters from "Alice in Wonderland" while hosting the school’s talent show on Saturday night at the Midland Center for the Arts. This year’s theme, “An Adventure Down the Rabbit Hole,” brings a whimsical twist to the event, blending storytelling with a showcase of student talent.

Dylan Bovee will play Alice, Carston Broderick will portray both the Mad Hatter and the King, Carter Gross will be the White Rabbit, and Alora Rishko will bring the Cheshire Cat to life. The emcees are not only embodying these iconic characters but also guiding the audience through the magical world of Wonderland, connecting each act to the overarching narrative.

“We’re going to be bringing the audience along with Alice as she goes through Wonderland, which is also going to tie everything back together,” Rishko explained. She emphasized that the show will highlight key plot points, such as Alice getting lost, the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and the trial that the Queen puts Alice on.

Throughout the evening, the emcees will introduce 24 individual acts involving about 350 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Performances will include the marching band, orchestra, choir, solo singers, poetry readings, a senior salsa dance, and a staff dance. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts main auditorium, with an intermission after the first 12 acts. The show is expected to last approximately two and a half hours.

Tickets are available for $15 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased online through the provided links. RenFair serves as a fundraiser for Dow High’s music programs, highlighting the importance of student involvement in the arts.

Why They Chose to Be Emcees

Each of the four emcees has a unique reason for auditioning to host the show. For Bovee, this opportunity represents a chance to step out of her comfort zone and take a leap of faith. “This is actually my first show that I’ve ever done. I’ve never done any plays or musicals before,” she said. “So I’m a senior this year, so I thought this was a way to start getting involved, especially since it’s my last year.”

Broderick expressed similar sentiments, referencing the phrase “do it for the plot” used by seniors to encourage participation in various activities during their final year. “I did RenFair for the plot, just another thing to have fun with senior year,” he said.

Rishko, who has admired the emcees at past RenFairs, is excited to be on the other side of the curtain. “I remember as a freshman watching the emcees bring RenFair together, and ever since then I’ve known I wanted to be a part of that,” she said. She noted that many new performers have emerged this year, taking risks and showcasing talents they previously hesitated to share.

Gross emphasized the strong chemistry among the emcees, which has helped them create a creative script. “We tend to play off of each other very well,” he said, adding, “The opportunity to be an emcee was absolutely wonderful.”

A Message for the Audience

Each emcee shared what they hope the audience will take away from the event. Rishko hopes viewers feel proud if they have friends or family members participating. “I hope they also leave with a bigger insight on what Dow High has to offer. It’s just a really cool way to see a side of Dow High that’s not always shown,” she said.

Bovee encouraged people to take the opportunity to put themselves out there on stage, regardless of age. “I mean, it’s taken me 18 years, so don’t wait as long as I have,” she said.

Gross, portraying the White Rabbit, believes his character conveys a message about time. “An acceptance that the passage of time isn’t a bad thing — there’s a lot of good to be found both in the present moment and those to come,” he said. “At least, I think that is the moral expressed through my character. I believe each (character) has their own message.”