James Clemens Theatre to present ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’
MADISON – James Clemens Theatre will present “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on April 11-13.
True to C. S. Lewis’ novel, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” follows the four Pevensie siblings. During World War II bombings in London, their parents send them to live with an old professor for safety. Lucy, the youngest, hides inside a wardrobe and enters the land of Narnia. The White Witch kidnaps their brother Edmund, and the children plan a rescue.
The ensemble includes 20 students, portraying various creatures and statues in the Witch’s courtyard. “The entire production has 50 actors and 40 technicians,” Director Amy Patel said.
The cast includes Emma Vroonland (White Witch), Ethan Brown (Peter), Savannah Botters (Susan), Zach Jones (Edmund), Samantha Ottlinghaus (Lucy), Battle Clayton (Mr. Beaver), Harmony Watson, (Mrs. Beaver), Madelyn Simoneau (Unicorn) and Calvin Engstrom (Tumnus).
“We have such versatile actors playing humans, animals, witches, mythical creatures. They’ve researched British accents and animal movements and have a huge fight sequence. Jeff White, local photographer and actor, helped us choreograph the battle,” Patel said.
“The siblings are very believable. Calvin Engstrom is genuine and even learned to play pan flute. Battle Clayton and Harmony Watson (Mr. and Mrs. Beaver) seem like they’ve been married for 100 years,” Patel said.
The technical crew includes Student Technical Director Shelby Adams, Stage Manager Bri Harris, Assistant Stage Manager Ann Harshfield, Makeup/Hair Chiefs Hannah Bryant and Denae Wojcik, and Costumes Chiefs Emily Ringbloom and Lauren Beck.
Lighting Crew Chief is Becca Beech, joined by Puppeteers Emma Rigozzi and Ethan Blount, Sound Chiefs Robert Soto and Evan Baker, Props Chief Julia Eberly, Scenic Designer Sylvia Cortes and Set Chief Jalen Jones.
Technical Director Clint Merritt said time is the challenge in creating Narnia on a high school stage. “This play is extremely ambitious, but at JCTheatre we like to consistently challenge ourselves to do new and difficult types of theatre,” Merritt said.
“Tricky technical elements include integration of our four new intelligent lighting fixtures, new scrim and a massive set designed by our senior student designer. About 60 Christmas trees were donated by the Madison community for our set,” Merritt said.
Students are coordinating incredible costumes, special FX makeup and props. “Our sound crew has secured great music and will use about 20 body mics,” Merritt said.
As student director, Kelley Ann Parris has helped block (stage) the entire show, along with interacting at production meetings and with technical crews. “Kelley Ann has been a tremendous leader. She leads warmups and has (dealt) with each actor’s needs and struggles,” Merritt said.
Local residents Misty Merschat and Ethan Mitchell helped students design Aslan puppets.
“Every time I direct a show, I ask myself, ‘If I were a random community member with no connection to these kids, would I still enjoy watching this?’ Without a doubt, my answer is YES to this show. It’s just magical,” Patel said.
Show times are April 11-13 at 7 p.m., plus a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets for adults are $10. Tickets for students, senior citizens and military are $5. Visit showtix4u.com.
