Harvest Christian Academy to present 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' Oct. 4-5
Be whisked away into the fantasy world of Narnia by Harvest Christian Academy's theater arts department's production of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" by Joseph Robinette from the C.S. Lewis classic.
The fifth- to eighth-graders will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 4-5, in the chapel at Harvest Bible Chapel, 1000 N. Randall Road in Elgin.
The play begins as four siblings are sent to the safety of the country to live in an old professor's home while dangerous World War II air raids litter their hometown of London.
While exploring the mansion where they now find themselves, the youngest sibling, Lucy, played by fifth-grader Meghan Donaldson, discovers a magical wardrobe that leads her to the fantasy world of Narnia.
Returning to share the news with her siblings, Lucy inspires her big sister Susan, played by seventh-grader Hannah Yun, and her two brothers, Peter, played by sixth-grader George Szweic, and Edmund, played by fifth-grader Max Jenkins, to enter into the depths of the wardrobe to this new enchanted place.
As they explore this strange world, they encounter many beautiful, unusual animals and mythical creatures, but come to learn they are all living in an eternal winter because of a spell cast by the powerful, wicked White Witch (Elle Jenkins, eighth grade).
Desperate to help their newfound friends, the four siblings join forces with the mighty lion and rightful ruler, Aslan, played by sixth-grader Gavin Shepherd, in hopes of restoring Narnia to its former glory.
Through raging battles and difficult choices, the siblings learn what true sacrifice looks like as Aslan is willing to lay down his life for another.
"This story is a wonderful allegory of the depiction of what Christ has done for us in our lives," said Sara Yun, the academy's theater arts director. "The writing captures the adventure in each of us, and we are enthralled with what happens to our protagonists and in awe of how good verses evil prevails with strength and humility."
The play is directed by Harvest Christian Academy alumna Emma Green who was heavily invested in the theater department during her years at Harvest. She is assisted by sophomore Alexa Pupich, who has also had her share of the spotlight on the school stage.
"The biggest excitement for me is to see people step up in leadership roles," Yun said. "Emma and Alexa are doing a fabulous job directing and coaching their cast. They have not only worked extremely hard on this production, they love the kids and all are having a great time."
"I love working hard and staying late! It's really fun to me," says fifth-grader Sofie Abbatacola who portrays a squirrel in the play, "I love that the story is fantasy but connects to the Bible. Edmund should have died, but Aslan took his place; just like Jesus did for us!"
Shepherd, who plays Aslan, also admires this title role, "Aslan is a strong character who can be trusted very easily. I've really enjoyed the chance to get to play him. I was not expecting to be Royal Aslan, because in school I'm kind of the class clown," he says with a proud grin.
"It's a beautiful, classic C.S. Lewis fantasy," Green said. "The students are really talented and have worked very hard. We hope for a full house to celebrate them!"
Tickets are $10 online, $12 at the door, or $8 for seniors. For tickets, visit www.harvestchristianacademy.org/event/lion/
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