'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' comes to Lake Park High stage Dec. 7-9
Lake Park High School theater's fall play, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” has a bit of a holiday theme.
According to director Erik Uppling,” I believe the audience will enjoy the nostalgia of this C.S. Lewis story. I think they will be surprised to see Father Christmas arrive — a moment that I forgot until I reread the book.”
Lake Park's ensemble show features 36 actors and 19 crew members.
In ”The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, are sent to live in the country with the eccentric Professor Kirke during World War II. The children explore the house on a rainy day and Lucy, the youngest, finds an enormous wardrobe. Lucy steps inside and finds herself in a strange, snowy wood. Lucy encounters the Faun Tumnus, who is surprised to meet a human girl. Tumnus tells Lucy that she has entered Narnia, a different world and confesses that he is a servant of the evil White Witch. The Witch has enchanted Narnia so that it is always winter and never Christmas. Her reign in Narnia ends with the return of Aslan.
Tickets may be purchased at the door and are free to seniors and LP students, $5 for adults, and $3 for non-Lake Park students.
Performances will be e at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 after the “Night of Fine Dining”; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle.
Uppling answered some questions about the production.
Q. Why did you choose “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” for Lake Park High School's fall play?
A. This is a play I have always wanted to do, but the timing was never right. It is one of those “Christmas” plays that we forget is in fact a Christmas play. I remember reading C.S. Lewis as a kid and loved these stories, loved the characters. Wardrobe was my favorite out of the series. I found a really good version of the show a number of years ago, and hung on to the script until now.
Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.
A. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, are sent to live in the country with the eccentric Professor Kirke during World War II. The children explore the house on a rainy day and Lucy, the youngest, finds an enormous wardrobe.
Lucy steps inside and finds herself in a strange, snowy wood. Lucy encounters the Faun Tumnus, who is surprised to meet a human girl. Tumnus tells Lucy that she has entered Narnia, a different world and confesses that he is a servant of the evil White Witch. The Witch has enchanted Narnia so that it is always winter and never Christmas. Her reign on Narnia ends with the return of Aslan.
Q. How many students are involved with the production?
A. There are 36 students on stage and 19 crew members.
Q. How will your play differ from the original?
A. Well, this is a truncated version of the original story. This adaptation does a great job taking us through C.S. Lewis' complete story in 90 minutes.
Q. What were the most challenging aspects of getting this production together?
A. I really wanted to add a level of battle with this show, and we hired Mason Hill to choreograph the fights. I would say the most challenging aspects were the battle sequences. The script really brushes over these moments with limited stage directions. I went ahead and added full battle sequences to add that element of surprise and excitement for our audiences. Plus, it is not everyday you put a sword in the hands of students. They have been having fun working with Mr. Hill as well. The cast has been extremely professional about their responsibilities.
Q. What did you find most rewarding?
A. For one, watching these young artists grow. We have a lot of new faces to the program. Some kids are getting their chance to act on the main stage as freshmen. Watching them come in a bit shy at first and after a week take command of the stage is very exciting to watch.
Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?
A. Easily the battle sequences. Again, there isn't much in the script in terms of these major fight scenes with Aslan and his followers versus the Witch's army. Mr. Hill has done an outstanding job taking my ideas and creating some very thrilling fights.
Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?
A. I think they will enjoy the nostalgia of this story. I think they will be surprised to see Father Christmas arrive — a moment that I forgot until I reread the book. I think they will enjoy the scope of the production.
Q. What do some of the performers have to say about the show and their role in it?
A. Well, I cannot speak for the kids, but I can tell you they have been having fun. They have been patient as we work through the fight choreography, and they have been eager to put it all together.
Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?
A. Enjoy our production of “The Lion, The With, and The Wardrobe.”