From left -- Rachel Yeager (Susan), Kyleigh Friel (Lucy), Ethan Phillips (Peter) and Nicholas Carlin (Edmund) in an early rehearsal for the C.S. Lewis classic ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ from the Providence Players. Photo by Chip Gertzog/Providence Players
Time for a family theater event full of wonder. The Providence Players of Fairfax are presenting a show that "families can all enjoy together about a magical world; the world of Narnia," said Brian O'Connor, director of the upcoming "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." The play is an adaptation of the classic book by renowned author C.S. Lewis that has enthralled readers for generations.
As dramatized by Joseph Robinette, the live play is faithful to the imaginative world of good and evil that Lewis created. It is a world of mystery that begins as four children discover an enormous wardrobe with a secret passageway into a mystical world; the thrilling land of Narnia. In Narnia, the children find themselves in curious adventures and great struggles dealing with right and wrong. They become involved with a wise Lion named Aslan, a mysterious White Witch and many other unexpected talking creatures.
"There is a great spirituality to the world of Narnia, even with its playfulness. It is an enchanting play with great life lessons," said O'Connor. He noted that the show is one in which lives are turned around and much forgiveness depicted. He described the large cast of children, youth and adults as "superb."
Where and When
Providence Players of Fairfax County present "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" at the James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Performances: Dec. 12-21. Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 with Sat. & Sun. matinees 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21. Tickets are $17. Call 703-425-6782 or visit: http://www.providen…">www.providenceplaye…
Note: Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation that strives to improve the lives of young people affected by long-term illness.
O'Connor is a long-time actor in the area. He has been on stage at Ford’s Theater, Arena Stage, Olney Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and other theaters.
Kyleigh Friel (St. John Academy, McLean), an 11-year-old, is Lucy in this production. Lucy is the first to find the secret passageway beyond the wardrobe she discovers in an old house. Her character is a very truthful girl who also stands up for her beliefs. "My grandpa bought me 'Lion, Witch and Wardrobe' when I was little,” said Friel. "Every little detail that is added into the play" makes it better.
Abby Pierce (Alexandria), who recently moved to the Northern Virginia area is making her local community theater debut as the Dwarf. "I love Narnia! I grew up reading all things C.S. Lewis, so I am very excited to be a part of this story." She added, "everyone is jumping in" to make the production enjoyable for audiences.
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is an inspiring tale that has withstood the tests of time. So as one of the characters says, "let's go and explore together." It promises to be an imaginative evening.