THEATRE
Narnia
Presented by
Playhouse on the Square
at
Playhouse on the Square
November 6-December 22, 2009
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Rediscover the wonder of Narnia. Four English children playing hide-and-seek accidentally wander through an enchanted wardrobe and into a land locked in a deep magical winter by the spells of an evil witch-queen. Only the fierce, benevolent lion Aslan (with a little help from the children) can vanquish the tyrant and bring summer back to Narnia and the talking animals who live there. This musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Discover “A Deeper Magic” in Narnia
Review By Linda Ostrow Schlesinger - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
It’s not too late to treat your children (and yourself) to a magical, musical, theatrical experience at Playhouse on the Square where Narnia continues through December 22. This lively musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fairy tale adventure that may be better understood after reading the novel.
I found it difficult to follow the storyline at first. Four English school children arrive at their uncle’s home in Marbleton Manor, England in the early 1940s during World War II and almost immediately find themselves lost in the magical land of Narnia after climbing inside a large wardrobe closet.
Narnia is an imaginary land trapped in an endless winter, inhabited by talking animals, and ruled by an evil queen or “White Witch” (Jennifer Henry) who is obsessed with winter and snow and wants to kill the children to prevent them from fulfilling the prophecy that she would be overthrown by two “sons of Adam and daughters of Eve” (or humans). Henry is wonderfully wicked as the White Witch in her all white wardrobe, pancake white face, perched on her white sleigh. It’s almost hard to hate her, especially when she sings her jazzy “Hot and Bothered” number, my favorite of several great songs. She definitely shared the spotlight with her equally evil and eager servant, Dwarf (Karin Barile).
It is up to the four children, assisted by the commanding but compassionate lion, Aslan (Bryan Robinson, who also plays Uncle Digory and Father Christmas), to defeat the White Witch and make it spring in Narnia. Robinson is equally powerful and likeable in all three roles and has a soothing baritone voice that I could have listened to all night.
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Daniel L. Martin and Laura Stracko), aka the “bickering beavers,” are an adorable pair who befriend the three older children, Peter, Susan and Lucy Pevensie (Logan Greenwell, Olivia Boelter and London Alexis Bruce) and help them in their journey to find their younger brother, Edmund (Cole Jackson), who has been kidnapped by the White Witch. Typical busy beavers, Martin and Stracko with their cockney English are hysterical as they scurry around the stage trying to help the kids in between random spurts of unintelligible bickering. Their number, “Wot a Bit a’ Spring” is one of the highlights of the show. The children (played by the Y cast this performance), all talented and experienced actors and singers, delivered strong performances; however, Jackson seemed a little weak at times.
Kudos again to Narnia director and Resident Company Member Dave Landis (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Into the Woods, A Tuna Christmas). Scenic Designer Tim Mc Math did a splendid job transforming the stage into a wintery wonderland. Costume Designer Arnie Eoff and Make-Up artisan Liz Sharpe also deserve special recognition for the magnificent animals’ costumes and makeup.
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At-a-
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Venue Info
Playhouse on the Square
66 South Cooper
Memphis, TN 38104
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets: $20 - Opening Weekend
$30 - Adults
$20 - Students/Seniors/Military
$15 - Children
Info Phone: 901-726-4656
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Dates & Times
Dates:
November 6-December 22, 2009
Times:
Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm
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Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: Narnia
"Discover a Deeper Magic"
Comment
posted by:
Linda Ostrow Schlesinger - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 30, 2009
It's not too late to treat your children (and yourself) to a magical, musical, theatrical experience at Playhouse on the Square where Narnia continues through December 22. This lively musical...
Expand
It's not too late to treat your children (and yourself) to a magical, musical, theatrical experience at Playhouse on the Square where Narnia continues through December 22. This lively musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fairy tale adventure that may be better understood after reading the novel.
Narnia is an imaginary land trapped in an endless winter, inhabited by talking animals, and ruled by an evil queen or "White Witch" (Jennifer Henry) who is obsessed with winter and snow and wants to kill the children to prevent them from fulfilling the prophecy that she would be overthrown by two sons of Adam and daughters of Eve (or humans). Henry is wonderfully wicked as the White Witch in her all white wardrobe, pancake white face, perched on her white sleigh. It's almost hard to hate her, especially when she sings her jazzy "Hot and Bothered" number, my favorite of several great songs. She definitely shared the spotlight with her equally evil and eager servant, Dwarf (Karin Barile).
It is up to the four children, assisted by the commanding but compassionate lion, Aslan (Bryan Robinson, who also plays Uncle Digory and Father Christmas), to defeat the White Witch and make it spring in Narnia. Robinson is equally powerful and likeable in all three roles and has a soothing baritone voice that I could have listened to all night.
For a complete Review, see the Event Description
Collapse
-
Event Name: Narnia
"Narnia"
Comment
posted by:
Bo List - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 09, 2009
This holiday season, Memphians, Playhouse on the Square and four British schoolchildren will return to a familiar wardrobe and magical land made famous by a beloved series of books and movies. But...
Expand
This holiday season, Memphians, Playhouse on the Square and four British schoolchildren will return to a familiar wardrobe and magical land made famous by a beloved series of books and movies. But while Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund will encounter the same witches, dwarves and fawns of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they'll be doing so in a whole new Narnia.
C.S. Lewis's classic follows the young siblings, evacuated from London during the Blitz of 1940 and staying in an old country house. While exploring one day, young Lucy finds the titular wardrobe and, in it, a path to Narnia - a wondrous and dangerous land of magical adventure. Before long all of the children make their way through to Narnia and are greeted warmly by the residents, but young Edmund is used by the evil White Witch in a plan to defeat Aslan; Narnia's wise and benevolent ruler. Before long, the children must all go to battle and each must choose a side.
This new adaptation, by Jules Tasca, Thomas Tierney and Ted Drachman, is, as actor Jennifer Henry puts it, "epic." Henry, who plays the White Witch and serves as Assistant Director of Theatre for Youth, notes that the scope of the production is a great reason for audiences familiar with the story to see this new version. The music, she says, "ranges from tango to calliope to sheer rock ballad; there are swordfights, enough fog to delight (director) Dave Landis, and enough children in cute animal costumes to keep Kodak in business for the next few months."
And yet, as epic as this take on the beloved story can be, there are plenty of intimate moments along the way. Bryan Robinson, who plays Aslan, notes one of his favorite moments as one of the quietest and most personal. "It's a simple song called, From the Inside Out," he says. "I enjoy both actors that play Edmund because they, oddly enough, remind me of myself at that age. I was a handful, and when I sing this song with them I always see a little me sitting there."
With so many entertainment options this holiday season, Playhouse is hoping that this new Narnia will offer a complete package to discriminating audiences: spectacle, a classic story and a warm holiday message. "This show," concludes Robinson, "offers anyone who goes into it with an open heart, an amazing adventure of imagination."
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-
Event Name: Narnia
"Narnia"
Comment
posted by:
George Conroy - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 09, 2009
Don't go to Playhouse on The Square to watch Narnia. Go to Playhouse on The Square to watch the children in the audience watch Narnia. This production of the classic children's tale by C.S. Lewis is...
Expand
Don't go to Playhouse on The Square to watch Narnia. Go to Playhouse on The Square to watch the children in the audience watch Narnia. This production of the classic children's tale by C.S. Lewis is of the children, by the children, and for the children. Made into a hit film embraced by children of all ages, it's now been turned into a musical I had not seen the movie, but I'm told that this production lightens up most of the darker scenes with humor so it won't be quite as scary for younger audience members.
I had the pleasure of being there for a matinee with a theatre full of school kids who were completely engrossed; they laughed spontaneously as if on cue and shouted encouragement to the cast and leaned forward in their seats so as not to miss any of the action.
The production is under the direction of Dave Landis who makes the land of Narnia come alive on the stage. The set by Tim McMath is cleverly modified to fit several critical moments of the story. Lighting Designer Ben Wheeler paints the set with gorgeous lighting effects that turn it from winter to spring and from daytime to night to enhance the many moods of the tale. Amie Eoff's costumes transform the human cast - both young and old - into residents of Narnia, including the icy white of the White Witch and the patched-up apparel of the poor, cockney-talking Beavers ("Bickersons" who lead the adult cast members and keep the grown-ups in the audience roaring with laughter. More later).
The cast includes the four English children who are all around the same ages they are in the novel. Playhouse uses a two-platoon cast system for its younger Thespians because the rigorous performance schedule is too taxing for a single group of youngsters. The flawless production I enjoyed featured the "Y Cast" ensemble of kids. I am reliably informed by Courtney Oliver, who choreographed the production and who is Playhouse's full-time Director of Auditions and Special Events, that both children's ensembles are remarkably and equally gifted, talented, and dedicated.
The children's cast is joined by the colorful Narnian adults, ld by Daniel L. Martin and Laura Stracko who are a hoot of a couple as the aforementioned Mr. and Mrs. Beaver whose musical number "Wot A Bit a' Spring" is a delightful show-stopper.
Jennifer Henry is the regally evil White Witch who uses her voice, forced smiles, and measured amounts of humor and coldness to get what she wants.
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Reviews
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: Narnia
"Discover a Deeper Magic"
Comment
posted by:
Linda Ostrow Schlesinger - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 30, 2009
It's not too late to treat your children (and yourself) to a magical, musical, theatrical experience at Playhouse on the Square where Narnia continues through December 22. This lively musical...
Expand
It's not too late to treat your children (and yourself) to a magical, musical, theatrical experience at Playhouse on the Square where Narnia continues through December 22. This lively musical adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a fairy tale adventure that may be better understood after reading the novel.
Narnia is an imaginary land trapped in an endless winter, inhabited by talking animals, and ruled by an evil queen or "White Witch" (Jennifer Henry) who is obsessed with winter and snow and wants to kill the children to prevent them from fulfilling the prophecy that she would be overthrown by two sons of Adam and daughters of Eve (or humans). Henry is wonderfully wicked as the White Witch in her all white wardrobe, pancake white face, perched on her white sleigh. It's almost hard to hate her, especially when she sings her jazzy "Hot and Bothered" number, my favorite of several great songs. She definitely shared the spotlight with her equally evil and eager servant, Dwarf (Karin Barile).
It is up to the four children, assisted by the commanding but compassionate lion, Aslan (Bryan Robinson, who also plays Uncle Digory and Father Christmas), to defeat the White Witch and make it spring in Narnia. Robinson is equally powerful and likeable in all three roles and has a soothing baritone voice that I could have listened to all night.
For a complete Review, see the Event Description
Collapse
-
Event Name: Narnia
"Narnia"
Comment
posted by:
Bo List - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 09, 2009
This holiday season, Memphians, Playhouse on the Square and four British schoolchildren will return to a familiar wardrobe and magical land made famous by a beloved series of books and movies. But...
Expand
This holiday season, Memphians, Playhouse on the Square and four British schoolchildren will return to a familiar wardrobe and magical land made famous by a beloved series of books and movies. But while Peter, Susan, Lucy and Edmund will encounter the same witches, dwarves and fawns of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they'll be doing so in a whole new Narnia.
C.S. Lewis's classic follows the young siblings, evacuated from London during the Blitz of 1940 and staying in an old country house. While exploring one day, young Lucy finds the titular wardrobe and, in it, a path to Narnia - a wondrous and dangerous land of magical adventure. Before long all of the children make their way through to Narnia and are greeted warmly by the residents, but young Edmund is used by the evil White Witch in a plan to defeat Aslan; Narnia's wise and benevolent ruler. Before long, the children must all go to battle and each must choose a side.
This new adaptation, by Jules Tasca, Thomas Tierney and Ted Drachman, is, as actor Jennifer Henry puts it, "epic." Henry, who plays the White Witch and serves as Assistant Director of Theatre for Youth, notes that the scope of the production is a great reason for audiences familiar with the story to see this new version. The music, she says, "ranges from tango to calliope to sheer rock ballad; there are swordfights, enough fog to delight (director) Dave Landis, and enough children in cute animal costumes to keep Kodak in business for the next few months."
And yet, as epic as this take on the beloved story can be, there are plenty of intimate moments along the way. Bryan Robinson, who plays Aslan, notes one of his favorite moments as one of the quietest and most personal. "It's a simple song called, From the Inside Out," he says. "I enjoy both actors that play Edmund because they, oddly enough, remind me of myself at that age. I was a handful, and when I sing this song with them I always see a little me sitting there."
With so many entertainment options this holiday season, Playhouse is hoping that this new Narnia will offer a complete package to discriminating audiences: spectacle, a classic story and a warm holiday message. "This show," concludes Robinson, "offers anyone who goes into it with an open heart, an amazing adventure of imagination."
Collapse
-
Event Name: Narnia
"Narnia"
Comment
posted by:
George Conroy - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver
from Memphis, TN,
Nov 09, 2009
Don't go to Playhouse on The Square to watch Narnia. Go to Playhouse on The Square to watch the children in the audience watch Narnia. This production of the classic children's tale by C.S. Lewis is...
Expand
Don't go to Playhouse on The Square to watch Narnia. Go to Playhouse on The Square to watch the children in the audience watch Narnia. This production of the classic children's tale by C.S. Lewis is of the children, by the children, and for the children. Made into a hit film embraced by children of all ages, it's now been turned into a musical I had not seen the movie, but I'm told that this production lightens up most of the darker scenes with humor so it won't be quite as scary for younger audience members.
I had the pleasure of being there for a matinee with a theatre full of school kids who were completely engrossed; they laughed spontaneously as if on cue and shouted encouragement to the cast and leaned forward in their seats so as not to miss any of the action.
The production is under the direction of Dave Landis who makes the land of Narnia come alive on the stage. The set by Tim McMath is cleverly modified to fit several critical moments of the story. Lighting Designer Ben Wheeler paints the set with gorgeous lighting effects that turn it from winter to spring and from daytime to night to enhance the many moods of the tale. Amie Eoff's costumes transform the human cast - both young and old - into residents of Narnia, including the icy white of the White Witch and the patched-up apparel of the poor, cockney-talking Beavers ("Bickersons" who lead the adult cast members and keep the grown-ups in the audience roaring with laughter. More later).
The cast includes the four English children who are all around the same ages they are in the novel. Playhouse uses a two-platoon cast system for its younger Thespians because the rigorous performance schedule is too taxing for a single group of youngsters. The flawless production I enjoyed featured the "Y Cast" ensemble of kids. I am reliably informed by Courtney Oliver, who choreographed the production and who is Playhouse's full-time Director of Auditions and Special Events, that both children's ensembles are remarkably and equally gifted, talented, and dedicated.
The children's cast is joined by the colorful Narnian adults, ld by Daniel L. Martin and Laura Stracko who are a hoot of a couple as the aforementioned Mr. and Mrs. Beaver whose musical number "Wot A Bit a' Spring" is a delightful show-stopper.
Jennifer Henry is the regally evil White Witch who uses her voice, forced smiles, and measured amounts of humor and coldness to get what she wants.
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