The fantastical creatures and characters of Narnia come to life thanks to the skills of young Nanaimo actors during The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The play, presented by Headliners Productions, stars actors ranging in ages from 10 to 16 years old.
For 11-year-old Kaita Heydemann, who plays Lucy Pevensie, it’s an opportunity to star in a senior play. She’s starred in junior plays with Headliners, including Shrek: The Musical.
“My dad read it to me when I was little,” said Heydemann about how she knew the story. “I think it’s a really good story for families.”
Director Leslie Hopps-DeSchutter said the cast is very enthusiastic.
Headliners has stayed true to the original story’s roots but added unique elements.
“What is so unique and different about our production is we actually have taken some of the pinnacle moments of the storyline and we’ve interpreted them through dance…” said Hopps-DeSchutter. “It’s just such a rich way to tell the story through movement as well as through our text and characters and costumes. It’s really an exciting production to be a part of.”
The production also has “stunning” costumes, Hopps-DeSchutter said.
“It is definitely exciting to come out and see how these kids get transformed into these magical characters,” said Hopps-DeSchutter.
One of the main props, created by Max Dowie, is Aslan the lion, which moves under the skills of puppeteer Meaghan Sollway.
She said you need to pay attention to how you move when you are controlling a puppet.
“It’s like a completely new medium for me. I have never worked with puppets,” she said.
Along with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Headliners is presenting Elf: The Musical.
Both shows are at Malaspina Theatre
Elf: The Musical shows Friday (Dec. 9) at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe shows Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance at West Coast ReSale or by calling 250-585-1811 or are $12 at the door.
