Pasadena Theatre Company Presents “Narnia: The Musical”

This November, a lion and witch will be on the loose at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) when “Narnia: The Musical” takes the stage. While this version is being produced by the Pasadena Theatre Company (PTC), the original musical debuted in the mid-1980s as a dramatization of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the first and most famous of acclaimed British author C.S. Lewis’ world-renowned series “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

The story is set in England during 1940, when the four Pevensie siblings are sent to the countryside to live with an eccentric uncle to escape the height of World War II turmoil. Curiosity lands the children in the magical kingdom of Narnia, frozen under an evil spell cast by the White Witch, but hopeful for the return of the great lion, Aslan, the rightful ruler. Aslan has been absent for so long that some residents have begun to doubt his existence. The children, believed to be part of a prophecy signaling Aslan’s return, are soon caught up in a fierce struggle of good versus evil.

Theatrical stalwart and Severna Park resident Angela Germanos has taken the helm as director of PTC’s production, and she promises this rendition will add some magic to delight even the most experienced theater enthusiast.

“I am really excited about this production,” Germanos said, noting that the C.S. Lewis novel was released 75 years ago in October 1950. “The cast is simply amazing, and of course, there is the beautiful story.”

In a first for Germanos, the stage will come to life, in part, through projection technology. “Narnia is a grand kingdom. The digital technology allows for very quick set changes (and) makes the stage appear larger with much more depth,” she explained. “The cast is thrilled to work with projections, and I’m really excited to bring a new experience to the audience.”

Severna Park resident Beth Acton portrays the strict child-disapproving Mrs. McCready, the head of house in the uncle’s mansion, Marbleton Manor. Acton enjoys her character because their dispositions are complete opposites, making the role both challenging and exciting.

“This story alone is worth seeing for its wonderful lessons and fantastic plot,” Acton said. “Most of all, this cast is full of amazing talent who are bringing these characters to life so splendidly. I am sure our audiences will feel like they have been transported right into Narnia alongside the Pevensie siblings.”

The epic battle of good versus evil onstage required the cast to work with fight choreographer Tyler Heroux to learn how to safely wield bows, arrows and swords, and to make the conflict as realistic as possible. And if projections and physicality of the cast aren’t enough visual stimulation, the costumes should be spectacular.

Iz Taylor plays the evil wolf Fenris Ulf, the head of the White Witch’s secret police. Even though the wolf is cunning, he’s completely loyal to the witch.

“People should come see this production because it’s a fun and magical story about friendship and love, and it’s a great show for kids,” said Taylor, an Arnold resident.

“Narnia: The Musical” runs November 14–23 at AACC’s Humanities Building Lecture Hall, located at 101 College Parkway in Arnold. Tickets are available at www.ptcshows.com.