Jonesborough Repertory Theatre proudly presents The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story of C.S. Lewis.
Imagine a world that is in the middle of winter, waiting for spring. Imagine a world torn by war. It’s not hard to do. Now, imagine that world with talking fawns, unicorns, centaurs and nymphs. This world is Narnia.
JRT brings to life this C.S. Lewis classic. As Dramatic Publishing explains, “this new dramatization…faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan's resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowning of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here….forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.”
“Our hope is that each audience member experiences Narnia to the fullest from the time they (the audience) enter the wardrobe,” says director, Janette Gaines. “Once they take their seats between the white witch’s castle and Cair Paravel, we hope they become more than just observers, but residents of Narnia.”
“The audition process was very exciting and challenging,” says Gaines. “130 talented students came out to audition for the production. Originally, we were only going to cast about 20. After the large turnout, we knew we wanted to expand the cast. 40 students received parts on and off the stage. Others are now enrolled in JRT classes. I’ve enjoyed watching the students develop and create their characters these past couple of months.”
The cast and crew are some of our region’s most talented students from ages 6 to 18. They are from all over the Tri-cities area, including Greeneville and Elizabethton. This talented group inlcudes: Saraea Adams, Natalie Byrd, Elliott Childress, Shelby Edwards, Mikalea Dickerson, Christina Fulcher, Magda Gaines, Molly Gaines, Daniel Harr, Colin Jeffress, Hannah Jeffress, Taylor Jeffries, Katrina Johnson, Dallon Jones, Kathleen King, Luke Lawrence, Amber Leach, Cody Lewis, Logan Lockner, Kara Mattie, Savannah Mattie, Ryan Miller, Joshua O’Bryan, Kevin O’Bryan, Sarah O’Leary, Jeffrey Oaks, Makay Rowenhorst, Nathan Seaman, Rebecca Seaman, Landon Simmons, Rene Stringer, Mollie Street, Sarah Taylor, Lexi Turner, Taylor Vanders, and Alaina Wood.
Janette Gaines and Kathleen Buttolph, founders of JRT’s educational program, are co-directing the production. Shirley Stelzer from South Carolina is the production’s costume designer. Lori Ann Wright, theatre teacher, is designing make-up. Karen Elb of Abingdon, VA is designing the lights.
Many of Jonesborough’s fine restaurants and overnight establishments such as Bistro 105, The Cranberry Thistle, Dogwood Lane, and The Historic Eureka Inn will be offering discounts or packages when you present your ticket or call ahead.
Main Street Café and Catering will be sponsoring the Opening Night Gala for the cast, crew and audience on opening night, March 7th following the performance.
Performance dates for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe will be Friday & Saturday, March 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. The March 7th performance will be interpreted for the Deaf. To purchase tickets, please call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. Reservations are recommended. For more information about auditions and/or show dates, check out our website at www.jonesboroughtheatre.com.