Elmwood School presents an enchanting production of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

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Show #6
Elmwood School
Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Directors: Rebecca Benson & Rae-Anna Maitland

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Carlee Hughes, Lead Critic
All Saints High School

Ice queens, golden lions, and magical forests are alluring, yes, but perhaps there are lessons to learn from worlds of magic? Elmwood School enchantingly explored the classic tale of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe through thoughtful costuming, capable acting, and fairy-tale-like lines. The play was adapted from C.S. Lewis’s novel, with scenes written by student Izzie Morgan, whose delicate prose brought this whimsical story to life.

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When the Pevensie children are sent to live with the eccentric professor Digory Kirke, they believe that the mansion they arrive in will be the most astonishing thing about their new lives. Little do they know, extraordinary magic lurks in every corner, and a world awaits them from behind the mahogany doors of an antique wardrobe. This new world is a wonderful, bewitching one, where a White Witch offers Turkish Delights and fauns whisper tales of magic. Yet, beneath the charming disguise, there is danger. When betrayals threaten the fate of this world, will the children know who to trust?

Elmwood School’s performance was immersive, bringing Narnia’s fantastical world to life through compelling, devoted acting and deliberate costuming choices. Purposeful lighting highlighted thematic changes, and the passionate delivery of lines effectively captured the spirit of Narnia and its inhabitants.

Rebekah Ouderkirk, as Lucy Pevensie, convincingly played the role of an adventurous little girl, with clear, expressive body language and jolly, child-like mannerisms. Ouderkirk equally performed during more serious scenes, such as when the group discovered Edmund’s betrayal, and Lucy frantically searches for a solution. Susan, played by Leticia Darevic, displays the poise and elegance of an older sister who guides those younger than her, through the gentle way she comforts Lucy during times of distress, and the quiet, observational air she holds. The brothers, Peter, played by Aurae Rogers, and Edmund, played by Izzie Morgan, had an excellent dynamic. The two acted as foils, with Peter’s mature, disciplined conduct, and Edmund’s fierce, impatient and oftentimes reckless behaviour. All four of the siblings played off of each other naturally, often engaging in quick banter, and behaving like a family unit when having dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.

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Mr. and Mrs. Beaver – played by Charlotte Piché as Mr. Beaver and Kacey Fraser-Robinson as Mrs. Beaver – stood out for their astounding dedication to bringing their characters to life. The beavers interacted charmingly with the audience, crafting a sympathetic backstory for the couple and remaining true to their tale regardless of audience questions. These beavers brought Narnia to life, presenting a vibrant world populated by lively characters through their portrayal of the lovable couple.

Zara Kochar as the Fenris Ulf also stood out as a captivating antagonist, whose presence commanded the stage. Fenris was particularly notable during Mr. Tumnus’s arrest, where Kochar’s sharp tone and cutting tirade degraded the poor faun.

The makeup, done by Julia Blair, Alexis Fincham-Dinsdale and Vivian Mason, was clear and detailed. Characters like Fenris Ulf sported complex facial patterns and scarring, while the forest creatures had their faces painted to resemble animals. The costumes team, led by Mia Bettolli-Remonda, also took care when designing the costumes, such as the White Witch’s dresses, which glittered like ice, and Lucy’s shoes, which emphasized her snappy movements and bright character.

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From the deliberate prose and dedication to their characters, Elmwood School’s production of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was enchanting and whimsical, capturing the fairy-tale qualities of the original, with a poetic spin.

Sarah Devlin, Critic
Redeemer Christian High School

Can a single performance change the way you see a classic story? The production of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at Elmwood school did just that. In this story, the four Pevensie siblings enter Narnia through a wardrobe and discover a world frozen under the White Witch’s rule. With the help of the great lion Aslan, they fight to restore peace, overcoming betrayal and sacrifice before reclaiming Narnia’s freedom.

All this begins with Lucy Pevensie, the youngest of the four, and her boundless imagination, which was wonderfully brought to life by Rebekah Ouderkirk. Lifting this bubbly, animated girl off the page, Ouderkirk embodied Lucy’s youthful curiosity and unwavering faith in Narnia with a sense of wonder that was both heartfelt and infectious. Leticia Darevic, in the role of Susan, stoically walked alongside her siblings and stepped up when needed, balancing warmth and practicality. Peter, the eldest and natural leader of the Pevensie children, was played by Aurae Rogers, who delivered lines with the confidence and gusto of a loving yet authoritative brother. Rogers exuded a strong stage presence, commanding attention with every word and movement. Izzie Morgan portrayed Edmund, whose journey from misguided betrayal to redemption added a dynamic and emotional layer to the production. Not only did this actor embrace the complexities of Edmund’s character, but Morgan also played a significant role behind the scenes. Morgan wrote sections of the script as the play was adapted to suit the immersive experience in which the crowd physically followed the Pevensie children throughout their story.

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Lighting, designed by Kacey Fraser-Robinson, played a significant role in establishing the mood of the production. Cool, icy blue hues covered the stage during scenes featuring the terrifying White Witch, enhancing the chilling aura of her reign. The White Witch, played by Rowyn Pratte, did a fantastic job at being commanding and filling the space with an ominous, imposing presence. Pratte’s performance was captivating, every movement gave off menace and authority. As the Pevensies and Aslan gained the upper hand, warm golden lighting bathed the stage, symbolizing victory over evil and the return of summer to Narnia. These lighting transitions helped make the audience feel like they truly have stumbled upon the wonderful world of Narnia.

Aslan, the noble lion and true ruler of Narnia, was portrayed by Kay Sharkey, who handled a handmade puppet, bringing Aslan to life in a captivating way. Sharkey’s ability to maneuver the head of Aslan to reflect the emotions expressed vocally added a level of depth to the performance that was truly mesmerizing. Speaking softly yet authoritatively, Sharkey struck the perfect balance between strength and warmth, making Aslan an inspiring and compassionate presence on stage. This performance created a truly magical interpretation of the iconic character.

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The interactive style of play could not have been accomplished without the energetic performances of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, played by Charlotte Piché and Kasey Fraser-Robinson, whose quick-witted improvisation and warm, comedic banter created an inviting and immersive experience. Additionally, Fenris Wolf (Zara Kochar), Wolf (Emma Beaudoin), and Dark Wolf (Audrey Sluban) added their own touches to the immersive nature of the production, bringing intensity and suspense with their menacing presence and movements. Their interactions with the audience and main characters brought an extra layer of tension and excitement to the performance, ensuring a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

Alexis Mae Gutierrez, Critic
All Saints High School

Where life’s limits are bent and magic thrives, choosing to continue beyond a flickering lamp-post’s landmark means gaining the courage to confront the struggle between choosing good against evil. Elmwood School’s delightful production of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tempts a momentary escape from reality, leaving a lasting impression on those who experienced it.

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An original adaptation based on C.S. Lewis’s beloved 1950 novel, the Pevensie siblings take refuge in the monotonous home of a professor amid World War II. Upon discovering the hidden realm of Narnia behind layers of fur coats in an old wardrobe, they’re faced with the duty of fulfilling a prophecy that will set free the barren, snowy lands from the curse of an evil White Witch. This artistically immersive experience featured well-rounded performances paired with creative technical elements, and Elwood School’s passion and attention to detail brought forth a polished execution of the cherished classic.

Rebekah Ouderkirk’s portrayal of Lucy Pevensie captured her child-like wonder and inquisitive spirit endearingly. The youngest of her siblings, Lucy beamed with innocent intent as Ouderkirk’s facial expressions showed understanding of the character’s many emotions, such as smiling with drooped eyebrows to convey Lucy’s many moments of relief. From sweet mannerisms, like overjoyed jump spins, to running and taking comfort in her older sister’s arms when frightened, Ouderkirk’s body language expertly conveyed young Lucy as naive, yet deeply determined to save the friends she makes during her time in Narnia.

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As Lucy’s stubborn brother, Edmund Pevensie, Izzie Morgan emphasized the character’s greed through snappy and naughty line delivery when lying to his older siblings, a contrast to the uncertainty in his voice when he regretfully finds himself under the control of the White Witch. Morgan expertly transformed Edmund’s character throughout the story, evolving him from a spiteful boy to someone truly worthy of being a king. Reflected in his gestures, arrogant, crossed arms transitioned into a humble moment where he sought his brother’s forgiveness with a sincere handshake.

Charlotte Piché as Mr. Beaver and Kacey Fraser-Robinson as Mrs. Beaver both radiated energetic chemistry. Piché’s portrayal of Mr. Beaver was both entertaining and friendly, perfectly complementing Fraser-Robinson’s fussy, yet warm performance as Mrs. Beaver to create a duo that was charming, with their natural talents for improvisation and comedic timing.

Enhancing the cast’s performances and bringing to life Narnia’s enchanting ambience, lighting, led by Kacey Fraser-Robinson, was cleverly used to mimic the aura of certain characters such as incorporating dim and cool tones in scenes with the cunning White Witch in contrast to Aslan’s nobility, which oppositely echoed warmer tones. Through the additional use of silhouetted puppetry and spotlights, montages of journeys and a battle scene were cleverly made possible. As well, costumes designed by Mia Bettolli-Remonda and team enhanced storytelling and characterization, as colour palettes and shapes made each character distinguishable whether it be the formal, body guard-like attire of the Wolves, to the Pevensie siblings’ grand transformation into their royal battle outfits. Even tiny details such as bows in Lucy’s hair that matched the Narrator, who was intended to be an older version of Lucy, demonstrated thoughtful effort.

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The journey to discovering courage is never easy, but once found, the lamp-post will stand ready to direct the way home. Elmwood School’s stunning and caringly crafted take on Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe brought together an immensely dedicated cast and crew.

Yanni Val Guentasse, Critic
All Saints High School

Good, evil, magic, and wonder. These are some of the cornerstones on which fantasy is built. This is especially true in the classic story Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which was delightfully adapted for theatre by Elmwood School.

Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the telling of a beloved story; originally written as a novel by C.S. Lewis and adapted, in part, by student Izzie Morgan. It details the adventure of four children, the Pevensie siblings, who find an old wardrobe but, before long, they enter and are plunged into a magical world ravaged by a long-standing winter and the White Witch. Through numerous trials, they discover that they are destined to end the cruel reign of the White Witch and return peace to the land of Narnia.

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Elmwood School displayed a heartwarming production which effectively captured the personality of C.S. Lewis’s story. The actors captured the dynamics and mannerisms of every character. This combined with the elaborate costumes, makeup and lighting made for a truly charming performance.

Rebekah Ouderkirk was great in the role of Lucy Pevensie and captured the childlike naivete and excitement of her character. Ouderkirk embodied each emotion Lucy feels throughout the play’s story through the effective use of body language and facial expressions. Ouderkirk truly shone during the greater emotional beats of the plot, where quick or subtle movements and controlled tone of voice were used to convey Lucy’s fear in uncertain situations, enthusiasm with her friends, and despair when hope is seemingly lost.

The Beavers were another wonderful part of the production. Charlotte Piché as Mr. Beaver and Kacey Fraser-Robinson as Mrs. Beaver did an excellent job of portraying the happily married couple with their interactions with each other and the Pevensie siblings. How they interacted with the crowd, asked questions, and improvised based on the audience’s answers elevated the experience during the interactive section, like being welcomed by new friends. Their warm demeanour, moments of humour, and the way they talked about themselves or other characters made for an absolutely memorable performance.

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What wholly brought the show together was the work of the tech crew. The lighting, designed by Kacey-Fraser-Robinson highlighted the tone and atmosphere of every scene. Cold lighting, background effects, and gobos were used well throughout the production to create the feeling of winter in Narnia and icy terrain. Most of all, the shrill presence of the White Witch was made complete by both the lighting and Rowyn Pratte’s rendition of the character, through intense actions and the coldness the witch exuded. Alongside the lighting, the makeup and hair by Julia Blair, Vivian Mason, and Lexi Fincham-Dinsdale really brought the characters to life. Their work was most apparent with the animal characters which made for a vibrant and recognizable cast.

Elmwood School’s production of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was an enjoyable rendition of the long-loved story, with a cast and crew that brought magic and fantasy to reality.

Ariana Guerra-Nguyen, Critic
St. Patrick’s High School

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Ever felt like you needed to get away from the everyday tedium and monotony? Well, look no further! Elmwood School’s production of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was an immersive escape to a magical world of talking animals and a cold-hearted queen, only a wardrobe’s door away.

First written in 1950 by author C.S Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic story of four siblings that has inspired numerous stage adaptations. To evade the dangers of the Blitz, the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent off to live with an old professor away from London. While exploring their new home, the siblings stumble upon a mysterious wardrobe which they quickly discover is a gateway to a frigid and foreign land. The kingdom of Narnia, a once glorious realm, has been trapped in an endless winter by the White Witch. As the Pevensie children step further into this unfamiliar world, they embark on a journey of courage and sacrifice to save Narnia from the White Witch’s rule and restore its former greatness.

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Rebekah Ouderkirk’s emotional performance perfectly embodied the optimistic and childish demeanor of Lucy Pevensie. Ouderkirk’s strong understanding of the role displayed through the animated excitement upon discovering Narnia and the evident lament after Aslan’s death, skillfully added compelling layers to Lucy. Whenever on stage, Ouderkirk was engaging and charismatic, making Lucy anything but one-dimensional. Edmund Pevensie, portrayed by Izzie Morgan, was another particularly lively character. Morgan’s dramatic stage presence during scenes, from the argument among the Pevensie siblings to the final conversation between Edmund and the White Witch, managed to not only build tension within the performance, but charged each scene with anticipation.

An impressive performance was given by Kaede Takenaka who played the role of the story’s narrator. Takenaka’s delivery went beyond masterful memorization, but was full of charm and charisma. While narrating, or simply watching scenes from the side, Takenaka remained in character with subtle, yet tasteful body language. The dynamic duo of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, portrayed by Charlotte Piché and Kacey Fraser-Robinson, created moments of humour with noteworthy ad-libbing skills while effortlessly capturing the compassion and camaraderie of their characters.

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A standout element of the production was the live background music and foley effects. Skillfully performed by musician Lily Sun, the dramatic shift in the background music when Fenris Ulf and the wolves met with Mr. Tumnus provoked a feeling of suspense. Meanwhile, a realistic bird imitation added authenticity to the robin during particular scenes.

Elmwood School’s hair and makeup team, as well as costume team, ensured that every character had a style that reflected them wonderfully. For cosmetics, Julia Blair, Alexis Fincham-Dinsdale, and Vivian Mason created minimalist, yet fitting, looks for the youthful and innocent Pevensie siblings. However, the team achieved impressive facial makeup for the mythical creatures of Narnia. The animals such as Fenris Ulf and the wolves had harsh contours paired with greyscale makeup to enhance their menacing appearances. Particular costumes created by Mia Bettolli-Remonda and the Costume Team such as the White Witch’s gown of icy elegance and the Pevensie siblings’ regal garments played a significant role in capturing the character’s essence. The attention to detail of these pieces enhanced the visual storytelling of each character’s identity and role in Narnia.

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With memorable acting choices and intentional tech elements, the cast and crew at Elmwood School brought the magic of Narnia to life with their successful production of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

About the reviews: The Elmwood School production was reviewed by 26 critics representing 5 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Fadi El-Saikali of St. Patrick’s High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Krista VandeKuyt of Redeemer Christian High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.

Next review: Hillcrest High School’s production of She Kills Monsters.

About the Cappies: The Citizen and 23 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.C.based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and two private schools have also joined. The Cappies season culminates with an awards Gala in June graciously hosted by the National Arts Centre. Follow Canada’s Capital Cappies on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram @OttawaCappies.

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