By Vivien Mao
Matthew Krumpe â08 and Lili Fuller â05 have been nominated for an “Ovation Award” for their work in the dance show, NeverWonderLand, put on by the Boom Kat Dance Theatre and Ensemble Dance Theatre Company. They will compete with seven other dance shows at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the Cabrillo Music Theater and the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
“I was at work and went to my phone and I had about 25 missed calls and texts of people telling me congratulations and I didnât even know what it was. I didnât even know we were eligible to be nominated,” Krumpe said, “Weâve done at least 45 shows and we donât get paid, so itâs a total validation to be nominated.”
“NeverWonderLand” is on the Lewis Carroll novel, “Alice in Wonderland”, and the novel Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie. The story is a spin-off of both fantasy worlds as they clash together. It was choreographed by Krumpe, Fuller and two others and is their debut show. The show was nominated for Best Choreography and Best Lighting Design by the L.A Stage Allianceâs Ovation awards.
Krumpe portrayed The Mad Hatter, and Fuller portrayed Alice, the main character. Fuller was also the artistic director, costume designer and one of the founders of the show. Another alumna, Amanda Giuliano â09, also performs in the show as Tink.
Krumpe has returned to Harvard-Westlake to produce the dance concert for Advanced Dance II. He has produced the show twice before.
“I knew that I wanted to be a performer even though people told me it wasnât a stable career like a doctor or lawyer,” said Krumpe. “But I wanted to do what my passion was even if it was going to be hard. I try to reiterate that when I teach.”