Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts will present the children’s play “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 7 p.m. Sept. 25-27 and Sept. 29-30 and at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28.
Tickets are $6 each and may be purchased through the Jones Performing Arts Center box office by calling 245-5563 or online at www.obu.edu/finearts. The performances will be presented in Verser Theatre on Ouachita’s campus.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” originally written by C.S. Lewis in 1950 as the first in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, was adapted to the stage by Joseph Robinette in 1979.
The story follows the struggles of the four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, who stumble through a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia.
The children are caught up in a battle of good versus evil as the White Witch tries to secure her hold of Narnia from the great lion Aslan.
Lewis’ tales have also been adapted for radio, television and film, and borrow themes from the Christian tradition as well as from Greek, Roman and British mythologies.
The production is directed by Amy York, a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas.
“We love giving senior students the opportunity to explore work beyond the classroom,” said Mary Handiboe, assistant professor of theatre arts. “Amy is a talented young lady with a gracious heart and a desire to minister through her art. She is a student who has proven to be disciplined, dedicated and visionary.”
York said that she chose to present “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” because it has been one of her long-time favorite stories. “I grew up reading ‘The Chronicles of Narnia,’” she said. “I have had a lifetime fascination with these incredible allegorical tales.”
York also noted that she had “a higher purpose” in mind when she chose the play. “I wanted to use the art of theatre to portray the greatest message ever told, the salvation story. … I hope that the audience is reminded of Christ’s unfathomable love and grace and that they will remember how mighty is the One we serve!”
Starring in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” are: senior Chris Straw as Aslan; senior Cori Kidder as the White Witch; junior Michael Krikorian as Peter; senior Leah Nixon as Susan; freshmen Xavier Lagunas as Edmund; and sophomore Lauren Casteel as Lucy.
Other members of the cast include: sophomore Jacob Watson as Mr. Beaver; sophomore Molly Brown as Mrs. Beaver, a sophomore musical theatre major from; senior Marcie Bealer as Centaur; senior Valerie Martinka as Unicorn; freshmenBryan Brooks as Mr. Tumnus; senior Jeff Garner as Fenrus Ulf; sophomore Doug Brady as Dwarf; semior Jeffery Stokes as Father Christmas; senior Andrew Pyle as Professor; senior Rachel Garrett Bland as Elf; and senior Lindsey Wright Forga as White Stag.
Cast members portraying wood nymphs are: senior Melody Taylor, junior Krystenna Koiner, and freshmen Beth Kohl.
Those playing the roles of Narnians are: junior Daniel Collier, sophmore Katie Edenfield, freshmen Samantha Spradling, freshmen Kendall Calvert, freshmen Taylor Bass, freshmen Teresa Hargrove, sophomore Steven Miller, junior Adam Wheat, junior Hannah Chapman, and sophomore C.E. Fifer.
Amelia Buckmaster, a junior, is the show’s stage manager, and freshman Kathryn Kellogg is assistant stage manager.
Members of the properties crew include: sophomores Ashley Partridge, Cessany Ford and Katie Willhite; Greg Schwartz, a junior theatre major from Texarkana, Texas and Ana Ganong, a freshman.
Members of the costume crew include: senior Lauren Godfrey; freshman Malika Bhyer and Jessica Flint; and Victoria Adama.
The light crew includes: junior Daniel Collier and freshman Manna Yamasaki and Rudy Jones.
Jody Lee, a senior, and Haley Broadaway, a junior, are the sound crew.
Members of the makeup crew include: Heather Baker, a senior; freshman Moriah Patterson, Amanda Like and Preston Pickett.
Members of the publicity team are: sophomore Cortnie DeVore; freshman Stephanie Batsel, Ashley Wieronski and Brooke Ault.; and junior Kyle Huey.
Mary Handiboe is the front of house supervisor and directing mentor. Eric Phillips, professor of theatre arts, is technical director and scenic design supervisor. Daniel Inouye, assistant professor of theatre arts, is costume and makeup supervisor.
