‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ comes to Springer
Sara Lynn Herman calls it a “magical play.”
“It is just a wonderful story about good versus evil,” Herman said of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Herman is director of the Springer Opera House production, which runs Friday through July 24.
The show features 28 members of the Springer Theatre Academy and will be presented in the McClure Theatre. More than 50 auditioned for roles.
“There are a lot of talented performers,” said Herman, an Atlanta resident and a professional actress who is teaching voice and movement at the academy this summer. “This show has a lot of humor but also its serious moments. It is about the power of transformation through sacrifice; how you change when you sacrifice for others. It is a positive message.”
The play, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, published in 1950. It is one of seven novels in “The Chronicles of Narnia” series. The play adaptation is by Joseph Robinette, who has also written a stage adaptation of E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web.”
Film versions of three of the Lewis books, including this one, have been made since 2005, so many people are familiar with the story. But Herman promises a few surprises in this production.
The story is set in England during World War II. Four children wander through an old wardrobe into the exciting, unforgettable land of Narnia.
There, they join an epic battle of good and evil. The good is led by the gentle talking lion Asian and the evil by the White Witch. The witch has put a curse on the land so that is always winter.
A major theme of the show is compassion and the ability to forgive those who have harmed you.
There is also much about the consequences of betrayal.
During their adventure, the children learn what courage is all about.
“It is a terrific story for the entire family,” Herman said.
She remarked that wonderful costumes, provided by Sandy Dawson for the shows, are a real highlight.
Herman said she had a vision for the show and the technical staff is making it a reality.
Larry Gierer: 706-571-8581, @lagierer
If you go
What: “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
Where: Springer Opera House (The McClure Theatre)
When: There will be 7 p.m. shows July 8, 9, 15, 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. shows July 10, 17 and 24.
Cost: Adult tickets are $15, children and students $10 and $8 for theatre academy members. The box office on 10th Street is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Information: Call 706-327-3688 or visit www.springeroperahouse.org
This story was originally published July 5, 2016 at 3:08 PM with the headline "‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ comes to Springer."