“Hey, guys, our director has finally arrived,” said Dormouse rather sleepily. Everyone turned in the direction pointed out by Dormouse. Approaching the Tea Party Goers was a Rabbit, or more exactly, the March Hare. Curiously, the March Hare was sporting the casual clothes typical of a 1980’s movie director–including, dark sunglasses.

Arriving at the tea table, March Hare said, “Greetings, Wonderlanders. What’s on the up and up, or down and down, depending upon whether one stands upon her feet or upon her head?”

Dormouse, still half asleep, as he was an Aquarian by astrology, said, “Do we still call you March Hare or another name?”

Mad Hatter, responding, “No Dormouse, not March Hare, but Parched Hare as he has had no tea.”

“Actually, my actor friends, I go by the name, Shakes Hare,” replied March Hare. He sat down next to Tristan.

Just then, Alice from the White Queen’s Palace, popped into here from somewhere not here, saying, “Sorry I am late to the post play debriefing. The good news is that all the croquet stick flamingos had migraines and so the annual festival day was moved to last week.” And with that, Alice sat in the chair marked, ‘this seat is not for Alice.’

Shakes Hare said, “Great balls of fire, time for the tea sandwiches, scones, and crumpets.” All, magically appearing on the table.

As the treats were being passed around, odd-numbered dishes counterclockwise and even-numbered dishes clockwise, Tristan asked, “When, is Stoney the Caterpillar arriving?”

White Rabbit replied, “He and the Cheshire Cat could be here momentarily, or lengthily, or maybe they are already here and hiding. Literary critics are so peculiar.” All the Wonderlanders started looking under the tea table, under their plates, in their coat pockets, in the tea kettle, and under the chairs of their guests. White Rabbit confirmed, “Nope, the wiseacres are not to be found.”

Lo and behold, both literary critics appeared at the tea table. Caterpillar said, “I really do not understand how you all created and performed such a great play in the Red Queen’s Wonderfest. How many times have we told you, ‘that if you look for us you cannot see us, and if you don’t look for us you will see us? I would riddle you a few things, but no time for such enjoyment. Get it, ‘no time’ means we are sitting at the nidus of temporarily and eternity.”

Cheshire Cat added, “Our guests are returning to their own universe and we must show them that everything which is, serves a purpose. So fill your mouths with cake and do not talk unless addressed.” Which is exactly what everyone did, even the students.