New London play based on C.S. Lewis novel
By John Faucher
Brace yourself for a winter fantasy world with an underlying message of betrayal, forgiveness and redemption.
The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe presents “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Dec. 13-21, at 304 St. John’s Place, New London.
The show, adapted from the classic novel by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Joseph Robinette, briskly moves an audience through key moments of four children’s lives as they discover new strengths and friends who help them in an ultimate defeat of evil.
The show is directed by John Zhang under the mentorship of veteran director Chris Renner.
The production is Zhang’s debut as a director.
He has been involved in area theaters as an actor for the past four years with different troupes including, Riverside Players, The Attic and Hysterical Productions, in addition to the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe.
“The experience has truly been eye opening in terms of how much goes on behind the scenes from casting to staging, blocking and lighting,” said Zhang.
He is thankful for the assistance of Chris Renner.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with an experienced mentor like Chris, who has picked up the slack everywhere I was lacking. This allowed me to focus on a few areas at a time,” said Zhang.
“The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” cast features 20 performers ranging in ages from 10 to 65.
Zhang promises the audience will find action, laughter and moving moments in every single scene.
“This particular show was a draw for three real-life families in the cast because it allowed parents to act on stage with their kids, which rarely happens,” said Zhang. “Everyone in the cast has taken their roles in stride and really come a long way in telling such a classic, beautiful story.”
Story of betrayal, redemption
The story begins with four children visiting an old mansion of relatives when they walk through a wardrobe and find themselves in a white winter landscape called Narnia.
Narnia is a cold place year-round under the rule of the White Witch.
In the story it is foretold when the four children come, Aslan the central lion will come to save Narnia from the White Witch.
When the White Witch, played by Dorie Attoe, discovers that the kids come through, she plots to make sure one of the four is not going to take the throne.
The young boy Edmund, played by Trae Young-Procknow, is led astray and betrays his family and friends then later redeems himself by helping defeat the witch.
Renner said the combination of both young and older cast members has brought new energy to the stage.
Twenty-seven year veteran actor with the troupe Jim Sexton, who plays Aslan, said he is excited about the young talent in the production.
“The kids are good, really good,” said Sexton. “They are the future and they bring a lot of energy to it.”Renner said when it comes to the direction of this performance the audience will see some surprises.
“We’re using every inch of the stage. We built it out into the choir loft. When the acting is taking place it goes from the stage all the way to the back,” Renner said.
“There will be fighting in the middle of the isles, everything. It is very audience intense,” he added.
This will also be the first show with curtains at the St. Johns Place Theater site. “This will allow us to achieve multiple layers,” Renner said.
“We’ve had a lot of people come forward to help us with the show, from costumes to special effects and stage design.”
Zhang said he was thankful for Carolyn and Kathryn Brent, Jayla Laux and Matt Peterson, who put a tremendous amount of labor into the set and scenery.
“Expect to be immersed in the production throughout the show,” said Zhang.
Show times are at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 18, 20 and 21, with a special 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 15. Tickets are $15. Ticket reservations can be made by calling Judy at 920-982-6060.