Back Alley Productions brings Narnia to life Dec. 13-15
Theatre company Back Alley Productions invites the public to its stage adaptation of the classic C.S. Lewis fantasy “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Performances are Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office 30 minutes before showtime.
Seating at the Mars Theatre is first come, first served. The theatre is located at 117 N. Chattanooga St., Lafayette.
Beloved by millions of readers — children and adults alike — “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” details the magical adventure of four children in the land of Narnia.
“We’ve wanted to bring this classic story to stage for a long time,” explains Kaylee Smith, who directs the production. “Now felt like the right time because of the holiday season, the right actors — everything just came together.”
Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are evacuated from London during the blitz and sent to live with an old professor in the remote English countryside. While exploring the professor’s mysterious house, Lucy enters a magical wardrobe that connects her to a snowy wooded area in a magical realm called Narnia.
It’s here that she learns that an evil spell has been cast by a witch, keeping Narnia in an endless winter with Christmas never arriving. Only four children from a prophecy — like the Pevensies — can break the spell and return the kingdom to the rightful ruler, a heroic lion named Aslan.
“This story has spoken to so many people through its Christian allegory and message, as well as it’s pure fantasy,” she said. “It touches on so many important ideas: the effects of war, the importance of faith and family, and the ultimate victory of sacrificial love. Like many readers, I have fond memories growing up listening to my dad read the story aloud to me and my family. This story has always had a special place in my heart, and it’s something I’m excited to bring to the stage.”
Smith notes that despite an adaption to stage the source material is still intact.
“While there are certain changes make for the stage, the heart of the story remains pure,” Smith said. “We’re excited to bring to life the land of talking animals and magical kingdoms. This is one not to miss.”
The production is the perfect kick start to bring some magic into the holidays for families as fans, young and old, will be transported far away.
“Our goal is to make you believe in Narnia,” she said. “Whether you’ve never picked up the book or are a diehard fan, this production will sweep into a world unlike ours where a magic spell has cursed us in an endless winter, animals talk, four children face their destiny against the White Witch, and a lion named Aslan is on the move to restore his kingdom.”