Narnia coming to life at Barn Theater
‘Magical’ tale of ‘selflessness’ also brings holiday values
The beloved story “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. at the Barn Theater, and runs for three weekends in December, including two matinee’s on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Based upon the “Chronicles of Narnia” books written by the famous thinker and theologian C.S. Lewis, the characters and values portrayed in the story mirror Christian and religious ideals valued by many societies, and there is always a tug of war between good and evil, which the story portrays, along with some holiday magic.
The ambitious and heartening play has a huge cast of 22 children and is directed by Edie La Vonne, with Assistant Director Nicki Edwards, who both photographed the cast and assisted with costumes and production.
Edwards says this is the first time the play has ever been done at the historic Barn Theater, and the junior players have been a joy to work with.
“Such a nice group of kids,” she says, “and so easy to direct. A wonderful group of young people. I am very impressed with many of them.”
Edwards traveled to every costume and thrift store in Tulare, Visalia, Exeter and Porterville to find costumes, and both she and La Vonne made costumes, with help sewing from Kim Day and others.
Shayne Hall, 15, has been in at least seven plays and says playing the role of Aslan is very different than any other role he’s ever played. It requires him to be loud, but firm and gentle. It’s a transformative role he says, for him. He usually likes to move a lot, but this role has made him change and learn.
“Edie is a fantastic director and she helped bring out who I had to be in this play,” Hall says. “I’d like to thank my fellow cast members for a wonderful time rehearsing and performing with them.”
Caitlin Plumlee, 12, in the role of Lucy Pevensie, says the story is really good, and she likes how the story transfers from a realistic scene to a fantasy. She enjoys working with another director and seeing the differences between them. This is Caitlin’s third time on stage.
“At times, Lucy reminds me of how a lot of girls feel, if someone doesn’t believe them,” Plumlee says. “And they know what they are saying is true. The play reflects reality.”
Kacie Bellisch plays her older sister Susan Pevensie.
“I feel like I’ve made a lot of good friends here at the Barn Theater, and it’s almost like a second family. And my experience’s unforgettable,” she says.
Levi Smith, 7, is in second grade and this is his first play. He is playing the dwarf, a “bad guy,” he says.
Ethan Willitt, 13, is playing one of the leading animal roles Mr. Beaver, and has been in five other plays. He is “really enjoying being in the junior company.”
Luke Satko, 6, is relishing playing the role of the Racoon, and is all bright smiles and excitement. This is his third play.
His older brother Daniel Satko plays a dual role of the Red Fox/soldier, as well as Benjamin Satko in the role of Tumnus, a satyr and Sara Satko as the Unicorn.
Sarah Totty excels as the White Witch and her brother Ethan as the Centaur.
Gage Phipps is enjoying playing Peter Pevensie, the older son, in “LWR,” and says the character suits his personality. He was introduced to the Junior Company in the City of Hope in 2016 and says, “The show will be great.”
Ethan Burkhart plays Edmund Pevensie, his younger brother, who’s ensnared by the Witch queen.
Ali Plaisted painted all the scenery and the costumes are marvelous, and creating a whimsical and magical atmosphere.
Mike Proctor was in charge of lighting and sound while Kate Smith helped choreograph the fight scenes. Rebecca Dudley and others were the backstage crew and assisted with costumes and the children’s make-up.
“When I directed ‘The Hobbit,’ for the Barn Christmas play in 2015, the kids requested that we do ‘The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe’,” said La Vonne. “I promised we’d do it. So I found the script. And here we are.”
The Barn Junior Players excel in creating a magical and thought provoking tale of wonder and delight for the whole family during the holiday season. With classical costumes, scenery and lighting “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” will keep you enthralled and delighted throughout the evening.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 1,2,8,9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinee’s Dec. 3 and the Sunday matinee brunch on Dec. 10 the play starts at 2:30 p.m.
Brunch is $15 per person, and reservations are required by Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Ticket prices are $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, $5 kids under 12.
Call or text 310-7046 for ticket and brunch reservations or visit www.barntheater.porterville.com.