By Richelle Sutton
C.S. Lewis is known worldwide for his magical books about the fantastical world of Narnia. Now is your chance to experience one of his greatest works, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe onstage at the Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah. The play was adapted by Joseph Robinette from the original book. During World War II, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are sent to live with an eccentric professor out in the country. Left to their own devices, the children take to searching the house and Lucy discover a large wardrobe in an empty room. After climbing into the wardrobe, she finds herself in a completely different world covered in snow and ice. Lucy brings her other siblings through the wardrobe to experience this new world. The creatures of the forest inform the children of the White Witch who rules over the land, as well as the prophecy of four humans who are fated to end her rule and bring peace back to the land of Narnia. With the help of the king, Aslan, the children set off on their journey to fulfill the prophecy and work together to bring peace to a blighted land.
This community production directed by Kodi Cragun brings a real feel of the imaginative world of Narnia to the stage. I had a lot of fun seeing so many young actors on the stage inhabiting the many different forest creatures. Already being cute and wily, the ensemble also has a keen intuition on their comedic timing. Kaleigh Lamb (Mrs. Beaver) and Colton Pickarts (Mr. Beaver) lead the cohort as a delightful couple, being both distinct in their characterizations but also showing a genuine intimacy between long-standing partners. Caderick Wilson also plays a very loveable Mr. Tumnus and William Bruce Baird as Fenris Ulf is a great fold for Wilson, capturing the audience with his sleazy but powerful demeanor. The four children look similar enough to each other that it’s quite easy to see them as actual siblings. Amber Compton (Lucy) is very sweet and I melted seeing her smile onstage. Bekah Sorensen (Susan) holds herself with the responsibility that an older sister would, but is still kind and open in her dialogue. Tim Mair as Peter stands a head taller than any of his siblings and easily commands the space as he speaks his lines, while Parker Smith takes on a more interestingly subdued characterization of Edmund. Peter Compton (Aslan) effortlessly becomes the focus whenever he is onstage while still exuding a calming and triumphant presence. I feel that the director’s aim for the show to be a similitude of the Christ story is readily displayed by Peter’s unique acting. The warring influence of the Witch (Ginny Spencer) quickly contrasts to Aslan. Spencer is beautifully complex in her interactions with Edmund while still maintaining an easily understood goal. In all, though, it is delightful to see how each and every actor has fun with this production.
The Heritage Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and the historic building boasts a picturesque setting to embrace the imaginative world of Narnia. Keeley Cragun (lighting and set designer) embodies this world with an archway of exquisitely painted trees and snow that hangs along the proscenium. The lighting also helps to accentuate the action onstage, my favorite part being the storm with the flashing lightning. What really brought me into the world of Narnia in this production was the costumes (designed by Kodi Cragun) and makeup designs (by Diana Mickelsen). Each character has a carefully thought out design from head to foot, not only accentuating what the character is, but helping to establish each of their personalities and quirks. William Bruce Baird also fills the battle scene with interesting, and sometimes quite humorous, fight choreography.
Heritage Theatre’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in Perry, Utah really encompasses the meaning of the story that C.S. Lewis was trying to portray in his iconic book. The story, easily understood by all ages, symbolizes the life of Christ and the love He has for everyone in the world. If you love the original book, you will no doubt be delighted by this new rendition of the story.
Heritage Theatre presents The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, original story by C.S. Lewis and adapted by Joseph Robinette.
Heritage Theatre, 2505 US-89, Perry, UT 84302, USA
January 17 – February 8, 2020 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinee January 25 2:00 PM
Tickets: Adult: $12, Senior and Children $10
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