Three Questions with Shammy Dee

Alice’s Wonderland Music Director Shammy Dee returns to SCR for the first time in two years, when he was the music director for the 2022 Theatre for Young Audiences and Families production of Last Stop on Market Street. Due to illness in the cast, Dee also performed in the production.

The multi-talented Dee also served as music director for Poor Yella Rednecks by Qui Nguyen. Dee has also music-directed and composed for productions at East West Players, American Conservatory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe. Primarily known as a DJ, Dee has played for such brands as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Dior, Adidas and Burberry, along with sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winning artists Kendrick Lamar and Diplo.

He took time to chat about the pop and hip-hop version of the Lewis Carroll classic running Feb. 10-25 on the Julianne Argyros Stage.

What can we look forward to with the music?

Shammy Dee: “You can expect a lot of hot beats, great punchlines, and songs that will make you want to move. You’ll hear all kinds of influences—from hip-hop to house to even gospel. And if you pay close attention, you’ll catch some Hamilton and pop culture references. I fell in love with the music as soon as I heard it, and I think you will too!”

How do you make hip-hop accessible for parents and kids?

SD: “The music is very easy to listen to and follow along with. The songs are inviting and draw you in. Julia and JQ (Julia Riew and J. Quinton Johnson) did a great job writing fun music, and the cast has been doing a dynamic job in bringing these songs to life. All of these elements make the music (including hip-hop) accessible to both parents and kids.”

Why is the music in “Alice’s Wonderland” good music for kids?

SD: “This isn’t a ‘traditional musical.’ The music is reflective of this generation and sonically something that your kids will recognize. I promise they will dance along to it. Plus, there are some great messages woven throughout the music. And it tells a meaningful story.”