St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is returning to the magical land of Narnia with a revival of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
A co-production between St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Holy Cross School, the show returns after a great reception two years ago.
Colin Cross, director and pastor at St. Andrew’s, reached out to Holy Cross school to see if there was any interest in students participating.
“The response was overwhelming,” Cross said.
So much so that the production is double cast.
Priya Sivakumar plays Susan, the eldest of the children who enter a magical world, in the first cast.
This isn’t her first theatre production, and she enjoys getting into roles.
“I like getting into different characters, acting different, having different types of personalities and really expressing yourself,” Sivakumar said.
Lauren Keilty plays Ginarrbrik the Dwarf in the second cast.
“It’s kind of an evil role, but it’s really fun to play,” Keilty said.
She has been in a few theatre productions before and also enjoys exploring the different quirks of characters.
“I like being able to act as a different person. You can kind of forget what you have to do next and just act in the moment,” Keilty said.
Both are fans of the Chronicles of Narnia books, especially the four children who get swept up into the magical realm.
“I like the fact how they show really different personalities and how that’s really nice how they come together,” Sivakumar said.
Both are a little nervous, but excited to hit the stage starting this weekend.
David Hansen is playing Mr. Beaver, the children’s initial guide in Narnia.
Hansen joined the cast along with his daughter Sarah, a Holy Cross student.
It’s been a long time since Hansen has taken the stage since getting a degree in theatre at the University of Winnipeg.
“I’ve had a long break in between my professional work career, so this is kind of a good opportunity to step back. A little bit of fun, something to do with my daughter,” Hansen said.
While it’s not traditionally a Christmas-time production, Hansen said The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe has all the makings of a good holiday production.
“It’s a familiar story, certainly a warm story as we start to approach Christmas,” Hansen said.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has two runs at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on the corner of Wade Avenue and Martin Street. Starting Dec. 2 and 3 with shows at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. The next run starts on Dec. 9 and 10 with shows at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and are available at The Dragon’s Den or at the door. Kids 12 and under can join for free. For more information email knockkncok@godshouse.ca.