2008 Woodie Awards
Classic Fantasy Story Delivers Strong Message
Sindy Diaz
Issue date: 3/9/05 Section: A&E
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a Saturday performance for children in the Haugh Performing Arts Center did more than entertain; it imprinted messages in audience members' minds.
The one-hour musical was performed for over 500 people of all ages.
The performance was put on by Theatreworks USA, with a total of five actors playing 11 characters.
Many of us remember reading this C.S. Lewis classic during our elementary and middle school years.
It is a fantasy adventure centering on four siblings: Peter played by Jonathan Brian Furedy, Susan (Jennifer Russo), Edmund (Connor Mickiewicz) and Lucy (Kyra Lynn Kozlenko.)
Set in Britain during World War II, the four siblings are sent to live in the country with their uncle, the Professor.
During their stay at his house, the children engage in a pleasant game of hide-and-seek, and this is where the adventure begins.
The four children end up traveling through a wardrobe to the fantasy land of Narnia, land of perpetual winter ruled by the wicked White Witch.
The stage's transition from the Professor's house to the magical land of Narnia was simple. The actors would simply slide the background curtain across the stage and in a snap of the fingers; the audience was taken to a different setting.
Once in Narnia, with the guidance of the lion messiah Aslan, they learn that they are the ones who can free Narnia from the White Witch.
From beginning to end, this adventure puts the children's personas and destiny to the test.
Along the way they learn about themselves.
For example, at the beginning of the adventure, Peter, the oldest brother, appears to have a low self-esteem and lacks the audacity to look after his siblings. But after he fights off a wolf that attacked his sisters, he is knighted Sir Peter, The Defender, and he finds the courage to stand up for himself.
Then, after the witch lures him with Turkish delight and a promise that he could become Prince of Narnia provided that he brings his brother and sisters to her, Edmund must decide whether or not to betray his siblings.
The one-hour musical was performed for over 500 people of all ages.
The performance was put on by Theatreworks USA, with a total of five actors playing 11 characters.
Many of us remember reading this C.S. Lewis classic during our elementary and middle school years.
It is a fantasy adventure centering on four siblings: Peter played by Jonathan Brian Furedy, Susan (Jennifer Russo), Edmund (Connor Mickiewicz) and Lucy (Kyra Lynn Kozlenko.)
Set in Britain during World War II, the four siblings are sent to live in the country with their uncle, the Professor.
During their stay at his house, the children engage in a pleasant game of hide-and-seek, and this is where the adventure begins.
The four children end up traveling through a wardrobe to the fantasy land of Narnia, land of perpetual winter ruled by the wicked White Witch.
The stage's transition from the Professor's house to the magical land of Narnia was simple. The actors would simply slide the background curtain across the stage and in a snap of the fingers; the audience was taken to a different setting.
Once in Narnia, with the guidance of the lion messiah Aslan, they learn that they are the ones who can free Narnia from the White Witch.
From beginning to end, this adventure puts the children's personas and destiny to the test.
Along the way they learn about themselves.
For example, at the beginning of the adventure, Peter, the oldest brother, appears to have a low self-esteem and lacks the audacity to look after his siblings. But after he fights off a wolf that attacked his sisters, he is knighted Sir Peter, The Defender, and he finds the courage to stand up for himself.
Then, after the witch lures him with Turkish delight and a promise that he could become Prince of Narnia provided that he brings his brother and sisters to her, Edmund must decide whether or not to betray his siblings.