The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Presented by the Enchanted Playhouse

Mar 6, 2019 | 2019 Articles, Lorie Lewis Ham, Theatre

I think most people are at least somewhat familiar with C.S. Lewis’ book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It has been a popular book for decades, and has even had some of its lore borrowed for other fantasy stories like The Magicians. I was thrilled to take my ten-year-old niece to see this play at the Main Street Theater in Visalia, and she was equally thrilled to be going.

Lucy (Jaymee Meier)

The basic story is that of four siblings by the names of Lucy (Jaymee Meier), Susan (Zoe Roberts), Edmund (Uriah Ibarra), and Peter Pevensie (Grayson Miller) who are sent away to live with a family friend, Professor Digory Kirke (Tony Kensinger), in the countryside of England to be safer during the war. While exploring the Professor’s old home, Lucy finds a wardrobe that ends up taking her to the magical land of Narnia. She later convinces her siblings that it is real and to join her. In Narnia, they meet interesting creatures like Mr. Tumnus the Faun (James Estes), Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Russ Roberson & Hope Daniel), wolves, elves, a dwarf, and the evil White Witch (Lauren Ventura). Part way through the show they also meet the lion Aslan (Cliff Ayers). This is a story of adventure, courage, love, and the ultimate sacrifice.

Everyone in this show did a wonderful job! Lauren was thoroughly evil and scary as the White Witch, Cliff as Aslan was noble and commanding, the four children were perfect and had you routing for them all through the story. Kudos to director Kelly Ventura for bringing all the pieces together so well. My niece really liked the Beavers, and truly loved everything about the show. She was very excited to get autographs afterwards.

Cast of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe”

If you are looking for a show that the entire family can enjoy, be sure to go see The Enchanted Playhouse’s production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe this weekend for its closing performances at the Main Street Theater at 307 E. Main Street in Visalia. Tickets can be purchased on their website and at the door.

If you love local theatre, be sure to check out our new Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast, which features mysteries read by local actors. The first 16 episodes are now up! You can check the podcast out on iTunes and Google Play, and also on podbean. Also check out our other theatre articles and reviews in our Arts and Entertainment section. A new episode just went up this week.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.