On Thursday, October 26, in a mesmerizing fusion of musical prowess and theatrical artistry, Brooklyn’s own Walrus brought a Brooklyn Bowl audience on a transcendent journey through a musical reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s timeless Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The original production, “Walrus in Wonderland,” presented by Loop Toupe, delivered an immersive experience that blended the iconic sounds of the 60s psychedelic era with mesmerizing live dancers, enchanting costumes, and light show projections.
Since forming in 2021 WALRUS has been on a mission to celebrate the psychedelic music of the Beatles and their contemporaries. From a weekly residency at Manhattan’s The Delancey, to becoming a regular presence at Brooklyn Bowl, Walrus has solidified their status as a cultural staple among New York area concert-goers.
Led by the musical ingenuity of brothers Chris and Tom Mackin and collaborator Josh Santiago, the original soundtrack of “Walrus in Wonderland” enveloped listeners in a psychedelic symphony that evoked the sonic oeuvre of the 1960s across the show’s 13 songs. The night’s standout performance was the debut of the Walrus original “Cheshire Cat” with groovy baselines and ripping solos that left the audience grinning from ear to ear.
During the show, Walrus band members Chris Mackin (Guitar/Vocals), Josh Santiago (Guitar/Vocals), Satoko Mori (Keyboard/Vocals), Dan Shein (Drums) and Sarah Elaz (Bass/Vocals) were joined by a roster of talented guest musicians including Will Corona, Michael Conklin, and Coco Solazzo who took attendees on a musical adventure down the rabbit hole.
The debut performance was elevated by the visual spectacle projection-mapped by Ghost of Provence and seamlessly matched with dance choreography by the talented Megan Roe. Together, the ensemble delivered an experience that defied convention and brought attendees through the looking glass for an evening of unrivaled artistic immersion. “Walrus in Wonderland” was put on by the New York production company Loop Troupe, a group of artists presenting new and experimental material.
Reflecting on opening night, Chris Mackin the show’s lead guitarist said, “It is incredible to see this cacophonous experience brought to life. Tom and I have talked for a long time about wanting to create a concert experience that went beyond the music and played to all of your senses. It is thrilling to watch audiences go on this multi-sensory adventure.”
Walrus in Wonderland – Brooklyn Bowl –October 26
Set One: Mr. W Rabbit > Down, Down, Down > Bottle Says Drink Me, Pig Baby, Garden Of Live Flowers [1], Cheshire Cat, Looking Glass House, Mad Tea Party [2]
Set Two: Nonsense If You Like [3], Vorpal Sword, The Mouse > Caterpillar Hookah, Curious Dream [3] > Down, Down, Down Reprise
Encore: I Am the Walrus [1] [4]
[1] Featuring Will Corona on vocals
[2] Featuring Michael Conklin on saxophone
[3] Featuring Coco Solazzo on vocals
[4] Beatles Cover
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