That famous children's fable "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll features an amazing variety of characters like the King and Queen of Hearts, the Duchess, the March Hare, the White Rabbit and a Caterpillar sitting on a mushroom smoking a hookah, according to the book's original illustrations.

Making the costumes for a stage version, like that to be presented by Riverbank High Drama Club next month, has proven to be fun and resulted in some very creative and colorful clothes.

Riverbank High students, both cast members and others simply interested in stagecraft, are finding that out in after-school classes being taught by local artist Marilyn Zinner.

"The kids have a lot of ideas of what they want. It's not dictated to them. If the ideas are close enough to the vision, that's fine," said Zinner. "Those who want some say in how their costume looks have to come. But the class is also for any student interested."

Heavy on red hearts and fur, the costumes are piling up on the racks as the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon classes continue to draw a good number of students.

Directed by RHS drama teacher Stacy Blevins, 'Alice in Wonderland' is not that far off. It is due to open on March 7 and play for two weekends.