To Narnia and Back: A Lyceum Production

The Lyceum Theater was transformed into the world of Narnia through the doors of an old wooden wardrobe. Vanguard University’s Theater department performed the musical known as “Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. It was based off of the novel by famous author C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which is the second book in the series, The Chronicles of Narnia. The setting of the play was placed in 1942 in Britain during a time of war. The main characters Lucy, Peter, Susan, and Edmund were sent off to live with a relative for the summer who was a professor in the English Countryside. Lucy and Edmund’s curiosity got the best of them during a game of hide and seek and they sought out shelter in a dusty wardrobe. Little did they know, that Narnia was waiting for them on the other side.

The four children: Lucy, Peter, Susan, and Edmund Pevensie were brilliantly played by Vanguard students Winter Bassett (sophomore), Jordan Laemmlen (senior), Hailey Tweeter (senior), and Micah Stratton (senior). Junior Ian Jenkins took on two roles as Aslan the lion and Professor Kirke.

None other than sophomore Janelle Harriman played the White Witch. She sported stellar white heels, a snow-white dress, and a crown and wand that lit up. Harriman showed off her amazing voice throughout the entire show.

Each character big or small contributed to a part in the show including Mr. Tumnus, who was played by senior Michael Fidalgo. He not only sang beautifully but also added some narration for the audience toward the end of the production. A crowd favorite was the Weasel, Zebra, and the Hudgehog who added comic relief to all the drama.

“It was very creative. I was not sure how the musical aspect would be, but I really enjoyed it,” said Vanguard alumna Lauren Minnick.

The entire theater was put to good use for this performance. Characters danced, fought, and sang in the aisles allowing the audience to feel as if they were physically there too.

“Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” will be playing at the Lyceum Theater September 20-22, 27-29, and October 4-6.