By Lorraine Brown
‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, based on C.S. Lewis’s beloved The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, is holiday entertainment with a positive message.
ECHO Players is set to present a musical dramatization of the classic storytelling that appeals to all ages.
‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ is an epic journey paralleling Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
“Both are stories of classic good versus evil in a disjointed world that is in danger of being destroyed,” says director Brian Mather.
Both stories provide insights into such basic human values as honesty, loyalty, courage and love.
First introduced to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis when teaching a Grade 4 class in 1968, the power and scope of the story struck a chord with Mather and stayed with him.
Fast forward to 1991.Teaching a musical theatre class in Courtenay, Mather directed his Grade 8-9 students in the newly released musical ‘Narnia’, followed by a revised version for Courtenay Little Theatre.
The musical’s uplifting message is “just right for the times” said Mather, a fitting production for the holiday season and delightful suspense-filled entertainment for all.
The enchanting story unfolds as four young siblings are sent to the safety of their uncle’s country mansion, away from the Second World War bombs dropping on London.
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A dusty old wardrobe becomes a mysterious gateway to the land of Narnia filled with strange people and talking animals, all with pivitol parts to play in the story.The children are caught up in the adventure and drama with unexpected twists and turns. When the loveable lion and wicked witch clash, an underlying message of inspiration emerges.
From storybook set design and colourful costuming, to brilliant directing and acting, Narnia is an outstanding musical showcase of local theatre talent.
Be prepared to be swept up into the spellbinding adventures in the world of Narnia, on stage at Village Theatre Dec. 9-31.
Tickets are available online at www.echoplayers.ca or at the box office, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Phone 250-752-3522.
ECHO Players COVID-19 policy: In compliance with provincial health updates, patrons and members must wear a mask at all times when in the theatre. All patrons 12 and over must be fully vaccinated and show their passports.
ECHO Players is a not-for-profit theatre group which has been presenting live community theatre on the Village Theatre stage for more than 45 years.