Audiences can expect something even stranger than the original with King’s Fork High School’s musical adaptation of the 19th-century story “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”

That’s because “Alice” is influenced by Hollywood’s prince of darkness himself, King’s Fork High theater teacher Jennifer Miguel said.

“It’s a combination of the Tim Burton version plus the original story,” she said.

Miguel opens her musicals to students from all subject areas, and said only three of the 35 performing in “Alice” take her theater class.

“Basically, all of our plays are open to anybody in the school,” she said. “Anybody interested in being in a show can join.”

Now in its seventh week of rehearsals, the musical is set to open on May 10 at 7 p.m., with additional shows at 7 p.m. on May 11 and 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 12. There will also be a children’s lunch show on May 12 at 1 p.m.

“It’s actually going pretty well at this point,” Miguel said. “We have set stuff to do, and costumes, but it’s coming along.”

Christine Fulgham, who plays the Queen of Hearts, said she has her lines under control. She has just started acting, remarking, “I have been a stage manager once, when I was a freshman.”

Playing Alice is Adrianne Reeder, whose tuneful voice could be heard above all others in the high school auditorium Monday.

“I started (acting) this year,” Reeder said. “I have been in all of the (King’s Fork) productions this year.”

The life of an actor has its ups and downs, she said.

“It was fun at the beginning when it started out; then the work set in,” she remarked. “The show kind of rests on you because if you mess up, there isn’t much anyone can do, because you’re Alice.”

So far, she said, her first major role has been an “interesting experience.”

But Miguel appeared adamant the production would go smoothly; she has some tricks to create a team atmosphere on the stage and calm the nerves.

“Right before a show, I usually get the whole cast together and we have a bonding session,” Miguel said. “We say, ‘We’ve done so well, and no matter what happens, we keep going!’

“We’re all a big family here and support each other in everything that we do.”

Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 to $5 for children, depending on age. The 1 p.m. children’s show is $7 including lunch.

For more information, call the school at 923-5240.