Fast-paced ‘Lion’ thrilling, enchanting
C.S. Lewis' “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” has cast a spell on generations of kids — partly because of the enthralling alternate universe in which the characters find life-altering adventures but also because of its compelling plot, which is deeply rooted in Western religion and mythology.
The 90-minute one-act adaptation of the novel, produced with swashbuckling energy by Columbus Children's Theatre under the direction of Nancy Shelton Williams, brings the fantastic world to life and finds the tension in the betrayal, sacrifice and redemption depicted in the novel.
During World War II, the four Pevensie siblings are evacuated from London to an old country house.
The youngest, Lucy (Cali Carnes), eagerly finds her way into a wardrobe and, from there, into the mysterious land of Narnia.
Her sullen brother Edmund Peter Pevensie (Kyle Swearingen) is crowned in “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”
(Nicolas Brunet) follows her and is soon persuaded by the sinister White Witch (Robyn Rae Stype) to betray his family for the sake of some Turkish Delight candy.
When older brother Peter (Kyle Swearingen) and older sister Susan (Riley Mehrtens) arrive, fulfilling an ancient prophecy, a war between good (represented by the majestic lion, Aslan, played by Len Williams) and evil
(represented by the Witch) is set into motion.
Like most other fantasies, this one relies on the strength of its villains.
Brunet's Edmund is appropriately weak and weasely, and Stype's Witch, made up with glittery glamour by Suzanne Camilli, has a chilly allure and a predilection to cover up fear with violence.
Swearingen's noble Peter shows off some nifty sword fighting in one of several large-scale fight scenes. Mehrtens' sensitive, thoughtful Susan makes the most of the underwritten role, and Carnes plays a sweet, spunky Lucy.
Edith Dinger Wadkins' multilevel set helps to create the illusion of a large landscape, and haunting background music overseen by Jeff Vellenga enhances the sense of enchantment.
Shelton Williams excels at dramatic moments, although viewers might wish for a few quieter interludes inside the rush. Comic-relief characters such as the homely Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Zach Throne and Kate Cremean) seem to have been encouraged to exaggerate their reactions to a degree that becomes tiring.
Children who are familiar with the story might find the severely condensed play confusing.
Most, however, will be swept along by the quick pace. With all its thrills and scares, Narnia remains an irresistible place to visit.