Christian Youth Theater to present 'Narnia'
Christian Youth Theater will present "Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" opening today and running through Nov. 16 at Christ Community Church auditorium in Zion.
Performed by a 99-member cast ranging from 8 to 18 years old, the musical is based on the first of seven in a series by C.S. Lewis. The story begins as Lucy, played by Meredith Cashman of Libertyville, stumbles and discovers a new world where animals talk, winter is eternal and an evil white witch, played by Diana Lebar of Johnsburg, rules the kingdom.
"I want them to get chills," Lebar said about what she hopes people will think as they watch her character.
Lucy is joined in Narnia by her siblings: Peter, played by Miles Bennett of Gurnee; Susan, played by Elizabeth Argot of Antioch; and Edmund, played by Nicholas Parrott of Gurnee.
Bennett said Peter enters Narnia as a young boy, but he cares so deeply for his siblings he will do anything to look out for them. And he matures through the process.
"As he gets into Narnia, he realizes there is a war to be dealt with and he transforms into a man," he said.
Leaving their home in England during World War II and entering Narnia, the children must cope with a world different from their own. Instead of seeing guns and cannons, they see swords, armor and bows and arrows. But there also is a greater difference.
"Where they come from, there isn't hope. But here they know when Aslan comes, they will be saved and he will help them get out of it," said cast member Joe Engelhardt.
The great lion Aslan, played by Jonathan Cramer of Lake Villa, is the rightful lord of Narnia who joins the children in battle against the white witch to seek to bring redemption and hope back to Narnia.
But the white witch puts up a fight, doing whatever she can to make sure the prophecy that four children will take over the throne will never be fulfilled.
"She did not expect them to come and ruin her plan to reign forever," said Lebar.
Jeff Langley, who serves as assistant director, said Lewis created these stories to convey the gospel truths in the form of children's fantasy stories. Hearing his stories, children come to understand how good Aslan is and see the connections between him and Jesus Christ.
"I enjoy how all the characters represent people in the Bible," said Ryan Tucker, who plays a dwarf.
Langley said Lewis' first story also brings a sense of encouragement. While the children leave England to enter another war, everything turns out in the end.
"Even in the bleakest circumstances, truth and good will win out," he said.
If you go
What: Christian Youth Theater presents "Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe"
When: 9:30 and 11:45 a.m. Nov. 6 and 13; 7 p.m. Nov. 7 and 14; 2 and 6 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15; and 2 p.m. Nov. 9 and 16
Where: Christ Community Church Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Drive, Zion
Tickets: $8 to $12; $2 more at the door
Details: Call (847) 516-2298 or visit the Web site cytchicago.org
Christian Youth Theater will present "Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" opening today and running through Nov. 16 at Christ Community Church auditorium in Zion.