The C.S. Lewis classic comes alive at the Alliance Theatre

In our world of constant digital stimulation, it might be easy to think a live play is too provincial to hold the attention of today’s children. Yet, for an hour, during the Alliance Theatre’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, young theater-goers suspended their sense of reality and were completely enveloped by the power and magic of a good story.

Published in 1950, this first installment of the Chronicle of Narnia series by author C.S. Lewis has charmed generations of children. Directed by Rosemary Newcott, who is no stranger to the Alliance stage, this production of the classic tale of good versus evil is simple and complex all at the same time.

Each character is more endearing than the next. As little Lucy wanders through the wardrobe into snowy Narnia, she meets Mr. Tummus, a faun who wants to be her friend but who lives in fear of the White Witch who rules the land.  As all four children find their way into the magical realm, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver become their friends and help them through close situations. And of course there’s Aslan, the mythical lion who sacrifices himself for the sake of the kingdom.

Dramatic, colorful lighting and bold graphics like snowflakes and greening tree leaves cue youngsters to the passing of seasons and the changing tone of the story. Uncluttered sets are moved during the production, manipulated to construct the many different scenes – two performers acrobatically construct the all-important lamppost with their bodies, and versatile platforms become a mountain and the stone table. The costumes are simple to allow the story to shine through, and have stand-out moments with the White Witch and Mr. Tummus. The music makes all of the difference, pulling together all elements of the staging and the story.

The play is appropriate for children age five and up. It moves at a quick pace, and the battle scenes are mostly played in shadow behind a screen. True to the story, it does deal with death, and the children are a part of the fight for good.

My six-year-old son said the scariest part was, “when the lion dies, because he is on the good side, and I like people who are on the good side.” He had much to say about the sets – “the wardrobe looked like they were just walking into it,” and his favorite costume was Santa’s. “My favorite moment was when the boy broke the witch’s wand in half because good defeated the bad queen.”

Even though the show itself is fairly short, the talented education staff at the Alliance created an activity gallery located near the entrance to the theatre, featuring dress-up clothing, coloring pages and artwork from other children to inspire your child’s creativity. Don’t miss this opportunity to share one of the greatest children’s books of all time with your family – you will all be thoroughly enchanted!

– Sherry Crawley

Photos by Greg Mooney / Courtesy of the Alliance Theatre

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