wood nymphs
YOUNGEST CAST MEMBERS — In their stage debut, the youngest members of the cast of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" are Alana Fawcett and Elise Patterson as the Wood Nymphs. PHOTOS COURTESY LORI LEMOINE

BY LORI LEMOINE

SPECIAL TO THE BEACON

C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was inspired by an image of a faun that hung in his room as a child, wearing a red scarf, and carrying a bramble of packages in the snow. After hosting children in his home during an evacuation during the London Blitz, Lewis had a newfound appreciation for a child’s imagination.

Narnia is a world of hope, where children are the promise for a better future, not so different from our own world. In this adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, written by Joseph Robinette, all the cherished characters and components of the classic are retold, perfect to share with the entire family. A story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, the show is a true celebration of life.

THE CHARACTERS OF NARNIA — In “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” the characters of Narnia are, in the back row, from left, Rhyleigh Earegood, Jasmine Grooms, Canien Grooms, Bradyn Darrow, Brandon Jackson, Ansley Schefer, Sophie Mercado, Emma Ellis, Candido Soto III and Mischa Seveech; and, in the front row, same order, Shelby Patterson, Hannah Patterson, Aubree Grooms, Regan Gatz and Elijah Michael.

This is the first full youth summer production, and directors Lori and Eli Lemoine and stage manager Wren Alexander have spent many hours planning and preparing for the show.

The cast ranges from the youngest in their first onstage performances (Alana Fawcett and Elise Patterson, both 5 years old, as the Wood Nymphs), to experienced actors who are sharing their love for theater with the next generation.

Alix Miller skillfully portrays the White Witch, Dave Freeman brings warmth to the character of Aslan, Don Liska returns to the stage as Father Christmas, and Mike Davis charms as the Professor, in whose home the children discover the wardrobe.

In all, 26 thespians portray a variety of roles, led by the Pevensie children — Lucy (played by Ansley Schefer), Edmund (Bradyn Darrow), Susan (Sophie Mercado) and Peter (Brandon Jackson).

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Representing many of our area schools, the students have made many new friends across Volusia County. Rehearsals with these students have been so much fun. They are excited to delight audiences as they bring The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to life.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will run two weekends, Friday-Sunday, June 17-19 and 24-26. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are for sale now at www.shoestringtheatre.net or through the box office at 386-228-3777.

Adult tickets and senior-citizen tickets cost $15, and student tickets cost $10. (Student tickets may only be purchased in person at the box office.)

Shoestring Theatre is at 380 S. Goodwin St. in Lake Helen.

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