C.S. Lewis’ ‘Narnia’ tale creates rich fantasy world

By Mark A. Nobles/Special to the Times-Review

December 05, 2008 11:08 am

— A great theater production creates a mood, time and world that allows the audience to temporarily suspend disbelief and be transported for an hour or so into a different reality.
The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players production of C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” not only creates a mood, time and world but populates this world abundantly.
With a cast of more than 40 performers, most of whom are wood nymphs, unicorns, gnomes and elves that all require elaborate costuming and even more detailed make up, this is one production where more action may be going on backstage than onstage.
But the action onstage is, I’m sure, much more entertaining.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is an allegorical tale of four children magically transported to the mythical land of Narnia to fulfill a prophecy and save the land from a terrible witch and free Narnia from her ice-cold grip.
The story is driven by the youngest of the four children, Lucy, adeptly played by Estelle Ashley. The young actress is a natural on the stage and manages to be strong, curious, pure and sweet without dripping sugar all over.
The second youngest sibling Edmond, who is tricked early on into betraying his brothers and sisters, is played by Zane Loose. The story pivots on Edmond’s fall and redemption, and Loose displays a wide range and maturity on stage.
Trenton Cody as the oldest child, Peter, a swashbuckler at heart, and does his best to protect his younger charges. Greta Rebstock plays Susan with a mature, motherly tenderness.
The production is a kaleidoscopic blur of sight, sound and movement deftly directed by Jay A. Cornils. This is Cornils’ directorial debut at Carnegie, and he handles all the actors with style and grace.
The actors, lighting, music, choreography and staging all work in concert to create a visual and aural delight. It can’t be easy to get that many people, most of whom are under 14 or 15, to tilt, twirl and battle in such close synchronization. One can only hope Cornils has more opportunities to direct the Carnegie Players in the future.
Aslan, the lion king, is majestically portrayed by Luke Hunt. Hunt has a commanding, yet tender presence perfectly suited for the role.
Special note goes to Robin Levac as Mr. Beaver and Heidi Schoonover as Mrs. Beaver for providing the comic relief. The two should be heartily rewarded for constantly prancing, if beavers prance, about the stage dragging four-foot beaver tails and not knocking anyone off the stage.
Hillard Cochran’s Fenris Ulf is another stand out. His howlingly evil henchman is truly menacing.
The night, however, steadfastly belongs to Shannon Loose’s portrayal of Jadis, the White Witch. Loose spits, hisses and purrs when it suits her ends and wrings every menacing drop of evil from the character. As with most of the performers, her costume, hair and makeup are breathtaking and she uses all to full effect.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is a stunning production, and all involved with the spectacular staging, choreography, makeup and sound are to be commended on their efforts.
The show plays today through Dec. 14, with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The theater is located at 201 N. Caddo, above the Layland Museum. Call the Carnegie box office at 817-645-9255 for reservations or visit www.carnegieplayers.com.

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