BY SARAH SCOBEE
Find your closest lamppost because The Off Broadstreet Players are going to explore Narnia in the play adaptation of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. These adventures will take place October 24 at 7pm and on October 26 at 2pm and 7pm in the WHS Performing Arts Center. Mrs. Pernod and Mrs. Baxley are working together to direct the show.
“It is a big name so we are hoping to draw in big crowds,” said Pernod.
Over the show weekend, the cast will put on four shows. There will be three evening shows Oct. 24 through 26 and one matinee on October 26.
“The audience should look forward to a children’s book to come alive on the stage,” said Mikayla Looper, 12, who plays Fenris Ulf.
The classic children’s novel comes alive to tell the story of four children exploring the mystical land of Narnia and its fantastic creatures. A game of hide and seek leads four kids to a fantasy land called Narnia, and they are destined to be “the chosen ones.” The group is determined to defeat the evil White Witch with help from Aslan the lion and the creatures of Narnia. The play follows their struggles to restore Narnia to its former glory.
The play is set in a winter scene in the 1940’s, and the plot of the story only spans one day in the real world but a much longer time in Narnia. The set will include the lamppost, which is pivotal in transporting the children to and from Narnia.
“The drama department has rented a new winter backdrop to use specifically for the play,” said Pernod.
They are hoping to go for a more minimalist set in order to put focus on the characters and not take away from the seriousness of the story.
The actors will be portraying concept creatures, which means their costumes will allow for an understanding of which creature they portray without using head pieces or intricate costumes.
With less than a month to go, the cast is beginning to put the final details into place to make this show fall into place.
“Rehearsals are going really well,” said Issac Machar, 11, who plays Aslan. “It could be full of surprises.”
Look out for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe on October 24 at 7pm and on October 26 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets will be sold for $8 for adults and $5 for students sixth grade and under.
