Gainesville Theatre Alliance's WonderQuest troop, which specializes in drama for young audiences, starts the new season Oct. 4 with a performance of Lewis Carroll's whimsical classic "Alice in Wonderland." A free stage tour with a behind-the-scenes look at the production is offered at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Guest costumer designer Jeannie Crawford is creating living tiger lilies with layers of fabric, wire and trim as bossy inhabitants of Wonderland.

The Gainesville Theatre Alliance is a nationally acclaimed collaboration between the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, and theatre professionals from the community. WonderQuest is the only organization in north Georgia dedicated to offering professionally-produced theatre specifically for children and their families. In 2009, WonderQuest won the Sara Spencer Award for excellence in drama for young audiences.

Performances of "Wonderland," with its familiar, friendly and fierce characters, continue through Oct. 12 and select shows feature chances to meet the cast, including taking part in a Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

On Oct. 4, a free opening night reception immediately following the 7:30 p.m. show gives fans young and old an opportunity to meet the cast.  The Oct. 6 matinee features another chance to meet the cast, with a free ice cream social immediately after the 2:30 p.m. show. Prior to the 7:30 shows on Oct. 11 and 12, there will be Mad Hatter's Tea Party for children ages 6 to 12 that features snacks, games, songs and crafts. Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. Mad Hatter's Tea Party are $5 and are sold separately from performance tickets.

Additional family performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 12. WonderQuest will perform several school matinees Oct. 3-4; those shows are reserved for teachers with groups of 10 or more and tickets are free for teachers and $6 for children.

All "Alice in Wonderland" performances will be in Brenau University's Pearce Auditorium, an 1890s opera house located at 500 Centennial Circle, Gainesville, Ga. Tickets are $10-12 for adults and seniors and $7-8 for students, depending on seat location. Select your own seats online at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org or by calling the box office at 678-717-3624, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.