Honolulu Weekly

Alice in Chinatown / One of the most anticipated films of the year, the visually stunning Alice in Wonderland is finally out in theaters. In Tim Burton’s take on Lewis Carroll’s famous tale, Alice, who is now 19, revisits the fantasy world she last saw as a child and encounters all the same kooky characters again as she tries to save everyone from the wrath of the evil Red Queen. As usual, the talented and enigmatic Johnny Depp tries to steal the show as the Mad Hatter, looking even creepier than Willy Wonka.

Whether you’re one of the millions of people who saw the movie over opening weekend or have yet to watch it, there are two events coming up in Chinatown to help celebrate the release of Alice. Head over to the Loft for both a costume party and contest. See characters such as the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat hand out prizes and dance to music by DJs Nocturna, Modboy and Shadowfaxxx. It is fitting that Camera Obscura, a monthly event that attracts the goth and punk crowd, is hosting the party because it loves the “colorful arrays of Burton-esque ghoulishness and scary twins.”

After the Loft, walk a couple blocks to The Mercury, where the Cherry Blossom Cabaret will perform its latest burlesque moves and give audiences a sneak preview of its upcoming theatrical show, Alice in Chinatown, which premieres next month. And once again, there will be a prize for those dressed in a fairytale costume.

If you feel you won’t fit in because you don’t have an Alice in Wonderland themed costume for the events, take a shot at villainess and shout, “Off with their heads!”