The ensemble of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe brings together a group of talented actors who skillfully portray the beloved characters from C.S. Lewis' much-admired fantasy novel. The main idea of this note focuses on the exceptional performances delivered by the ensemble cast. At the heart of the ensemble is the quartet of Pevensie children, played by actors who effortlessly convey the curiosity, bravery, and vulnerability of these young heroes. **Their exceptional performances** immerse the audience into the magical world of Narnia and effortlessly capture the essence of their characters.
Although this show has become an audience favorite since it first premiered in 2005, it’s been almost exactly three years ago to the day when, on March 12, 2020, the dancers performed their first and only performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when they heard that they would have to cancel the rest of the performances due to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic.
The story follows the adventures of four English children staying in a large house in the country to escape the bombing in London during World War II. Although this show has become an audience favorite since it first premiered in 2005, it s been almost exactly three years ago to the day when, on March 12, 2020, the dancers performed their first and only performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe when they heard that they would have to cancel the rest of the performances due to the emerging Covid-19 pandemic.
**Their exceptional performances** immerse the audience into the magical world of Narnia and effortlessly capture the essence of their characters. Firstly, Lucy, portrayed by a bright and exuberant actress, embodies the innocence and wonder of a child discovering a secret world hidden behind an ordinary wardrobe. Her unyielding belief in the fantastical and her unwavering loyalty to her siblings make her a captivating character to watch.
After pandemic pause, Evanston Dance Ensemble returns to Narnia
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On March 9, when Evanston Dance Ensemble performers take the stage for an original ballet production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, it will be a return to the magical world of Narnia nearly three years to the day after the show had to shut down because of pandemic restrictions.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an original ballet first staged by Evanston Dance Ensemble in 2005. Credit: Matt Glavin/Evanston Dance Ensemble
That ill-fated production at the Josephine Louis Theater on Northwestern University’s campus had exactly one performance, on March 12, 2020.
Béa Rashid, who founded Evanston Dance Ensemble and Dance Center Evanston, the company where the ensemble got its start, had the foresight to have the performance videotaped, lest all of the dancers’ work be lost and forgotten.
Now this year’s return to the same stage with a refreshed version of the same show feels like a celebration. Of the 21 dancers who will be performing, only two were involved in the 2020 production. And those dancers have grown physically, artistically and emotionally, so they have new parts and new costumes.
Rashid first staged the show in 2005. She described her creative process in a recent conversation that included her husband and frequent collaborator, Steve Rashid. He is a composer, performer, producer and sound engineer who has won numerous professional awards for his work scoring dance, film, television, theater and children’s recordings.
Steve and Béa Rashid worked together on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: She was one of the choreographers of the ballet and he composed original music for the work. Credit: Matt Glavin
“I wanted original music that would be really appropriate for the different scenes that I envisioned being part of the production,” Béa Rashid said. “I asked Steve if he would consider scoring the whole show. And he said yes. The process – from the point at which I decided to do the adaptation and he wrote the entire score, and then we choreographed it and put it on dancers and set it up on its feet on stage – took a couple of years.”
The show has been produced seven times since 2005, and each production is unique.
“Every single time we do this, there’s a different set of dancers in front of me, you know, and so, our goal is to make them look as strong as possible on stage,” Béa Rashid said. “For that reason, we do sometimes make adjustments to raise the level of the choreography to the level of the dancer that is being used or to just address the stylistic strengths of the dancer and to meet them where they are. It’s very much part of the collaboration with the dancers themselves. They bring a lot of character and a lot of personality to the roles they’re playing.”
She encourages the dancers to read the original fantasy novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, to gain a better understanding of the characters. Musicians don’t necessarily need to be inspired by the original story, but they do need to interpret the story to meet the needs of the choreographers.
Steve Rashid said, “My job was to work with the choreographers and make sure that the music that I developed reflected the same attitude towards that scene or narrative that the choreographers, in particular Béa, wanted.
“I live in a world of sound. One of the absolute joys of this for me, once I complete my work, is to actually see it. It’s like watching my music in front of me. … It’s always an emotionally powerful experience for me to simply see it physicalized in front of me, even after all these productions. The process itself is not new, but the experience is always fresh.”
Christina Ernst, artistic director of Evanston Dance Ensemble. Credit: Evanston Dance EnsembleChristina Ernst, artistic director of Evanston Dance Ensemble, is also eager to see this year’s production on stage. After the pandemic shutdown, she described coming back as “a healing moment.”
“It’s a timeless story because fairy tales or stories are about metaphors of good and bad,” Ernst said. “You kind of have to go on a journey and work through stuff, and I think it’s very much like life. Goodness prevails and wins in the end and everybody can relate to that.
“This show is done on a very high artistic level with the whole decor, the music, the lights, the costumes and the performers. It’s just a very artistic experience for all ages. It pleases everybody.”
The show will be performed March 9 through 12 at the Josephine Louis Theater at Northwestern University. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. March 9 preview show are $15; tickets for other performances (at 7:30 p.m. March 10 and 1 and 4 p.m. March 11 and 12) are $15 for children and seniors and $25 for adults.
Tickets can be purchased through the Northwestern box office, over the phone at 847-491-7282 or online at tinyurl.com/lion2023.
Next, Peter, the eldest Pevensie sibling, is depicted by an actor who effortlessly exudes strength, determination, and leadership. **His commanding presence** adds depth and weight to the ensemble, making him a natural leader for the group. Susan, the practical and composed sister, is brought to life by an actress who skillfully balances Susan's no-nonsense attitude with her growing sense of wonder. The contrast between her logical thinking and the enchanting events in Narnia creates an engaging dynamic within the ensemble. Lastly, Edmund, the conflicted and misunderstood brother, undergoes a remarkable character development throughout the story. The actor playing Edmund expertly showcases his transformation from a selfish and deceitful individual to a courageous ally, making his journey a captivating arc to behold. In addition to the Pevensie children, the ensemble includes a host of memorable supporting characters. The enigmatic and majestic Aslan, portrayed by a regal actor, emanates wisdom, power, and sacrifice. **The portrayal of Aslan** is central to the captivating narrative and serves as a moral compass for the protagonists. The villainous White Witch, masterfully portrayed by a captivating actress, radiates an icy and chilling presence. Her portrayal captures the essence of evil, adding a formidable antagonist to the ensemble. Overall, the ensemble cast of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe delivers exceptional performances that bring the beloved characters to life. Each actor masterfully embodies the essence of their respective roles, captivating the audience and transporting them to the wondrous world of Narnia..
Reviews for "Embracing the Fantasy: The Ensemble's Immersion in "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe"
1. John - 2 stars
I was very disappointed with "Ensemble of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." I found the acting to be subpar and the plot to be slow and uninteresting. The special effects were mediocre at best and did not add anything to the overall experience. I had high hopes for this production, but it fell short in every aspect. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thrilling theatrical experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I cannot express how much I disliked "Ensemble of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." The casting choices were completely off, and the actors seemed disengaged and unconvincing. The adaptation of the story lacked depth and failed to capture the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis' original work. The costumes and set design were lackluster, making it difficult to immerse myself in the world of Narnia. Overall, I found this production to be a complete waste of time and money.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"Ensemble of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" was a major letdown for me. The pacing of the play was off, making it difficult to stay engaged and invested in the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, which took away from the emotional impact of the plot. The lack of attention to detail in the set design was also evident, and it failed to transport me to the enchanting world of Narnia. This production had so much potential, but it ultimately fell flat. I would recommend seeking out another adaptation of this beloved story.