PRESS RELEASE: MAY 12, 2026

Florida School of the Arts presents the modern musical “Alice by Heart”

Isabella Casillas plays Alice in “Alice by Heart".

Alice is surrounded by the characters from her journey through grief, imagination, and first love.

Florida School of the Arts brings the wonder of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale to the Thrasher-Horne Center. This reimagined modern musical by Jessie Nelson and Steven Sater takes you along Alice’s poignant journey through grief, imagination, and first love. Set in the shadows of the London - through the lens of World War II when the world above is crumbling - Alice dives into the one place that still makes sense, her heart. This modern musical explores the healing power of stories when we need them most.

The show runs May 22-24. Tickets start at $25.
May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
May 23 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
May 24 at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Thrasher-Horne Center Studio Theater on the SJR State Orange Park Campus.

Content Disclosure: This production may not be suitable for younger audiences. Viewer discretion is advised. It contains mature content, including references to death, disease (tuberculosis), romantic and sexual awakening, and emotional distress.

Dance instructor and show choreographer Andrea Montez said the musical is packed with childlike imagination. “The show innovatively weaves themes of hope, grief, and the transformative power of storytelling,” she said. “The script already pushes the boundaries of imagination, but it also challenges how I approach choreography. My creativity is constantly exercised by questions like: How can bodies create images of a landscape? How can bodies assemble into moving wings? How do I make them become flamingos or a caterpillar? This cast is incredibly willing to explore new places in their craft and execute with full commitment.”

Tickets are available at https://thcenter.org/events/alice-by-heart/ or at the box office one hour before the performance.

The cast includes: Isabella Casillas, Andrew McClellan, Rose Roberts, Jasmine Bruce, Garcia-Ceballos, Winchaell Villarico, Emma Begley, Peter Fisk, Amanda Lopez, Mara Gonzalez, Alexandra Pierre, Emma Decker, Matt Shook, Grace Roy, Kailani Jackson, Zoe Elixson, Winston Sejd, Kylie Stecher, Anangelis Torres, and Tyler Engebretsen.

Florida School of the Arts is undergoing renovations that include an extensive, modern refurbishment through August 2026. Students and faculty have relocated classes off campus at the college’s Workforce Training Center, located on 1001 Husson Avenue in Palatka. Performances will be located at various locations throughout the season. For more information on the renovation, visit https://sjrstate.edu/press2025/25-floarts-season.

Florida School of the Arts is located on the St. Johns River State College Palatka Campus and serves the entire state of Florida. FloArts is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State and awards associate degrees in acting, dance performance, musical theater, stage management, theater technology, graphic design/new media and studio art. For more information, call (386) 312-4300 or visit FloArts.