Trip to Narnia at the Center Theatre perfect for the holidays

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The audience at the opening night of the Center Theatre’s production of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” were treated to a magical journey to the land of Narnia that was perfectly suited for the holiday season. The play, dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by C.S. Lewis and directed by Bobby Keniston, tells the story of four siblings Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan who find themselves transported to the land of Narnia. There they encounter magical creatures and adventures in their quest to defeat the White Witch.

The production at the Center Theatre features a cast of both adults and children who bring the story to life. While “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” might not be thought of as a “Christmas show” Keniston thinks that should change, “In Narnia the White Witch has made it to be always Winter, but never Christmas. The deepest themes of the this story are family, bravery, love, and not least of all, faith both in yourself and something greater than yourself. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? And we even get a visit from Father Christmas when the Witch’s power begins to wane and Spring is arriving.”

The large cast made up of local actors includes teachers, nurses, preachers, business owners, retirees, farmers and students of all ages. They are complemented by clever and tasteful sets and costumes that add to the story without distracting from the exciting and engaging story as it unfolds on the stage.

Patrick Myers, the executive director of the Center Theatre, hopes that he’ll see people of all ages at the Theatre for the shows. “This is a show that will appeal to both kids and adults,” Myers said, “the costumes, action, and excitement will engage kids, but the classic story of Narnia will also keep adults enthralled.”

Myers said that the ticket price was also chosen to encourage as many people as possible to attend. “Any child 12 or younger can attend for free, with general admission tickets starting as low as $6. The Center Theatre is here for the entire community and we want to make sure as many people as possible can attend these performances.”

There will be four more trips to Narnia scheduled at the Center Theatre over the coming weekend. The performances are scheduled for Friday the 15th at 7 p.m., Saturday the 16th at 2 and 7 p.m. and the last show will be on Sunday the 17th at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to www.CenterTheatre.org, find the theatre on Facebook, stop by during the week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or call the Center Theatre at 564-8943.

The Center Theatre is a non-profit performing arts venue dedicated to making the arts a part of life in the Maine Highlands by presenting affordable entertainments, arts, culture, and education.

Photo courtesy of Center Theatre
TRAVELING TO NARNIA AT THE CENTER THEATRE — The cast of the Center Theatre’s production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” celebrate after a successful performance. Four more performances are scheduled, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 and the final show will be at 2 p.m. on Dec. 17.