Go and do:

WHAT: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, as well as a second Saturday

performance at 2 p.m.

WHERE: King’s Bridge Theatre, 12 Foss Road, Lewiston

TICKETS: $6, with family pricing offered. Call 784-9500.

Enchanting entertainment King Bridge Theatre offers well-acted, visually imaginative version C.S. Lewis classic

LEWISTON – King’s Bridge Theatre’s current production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” overflows with wonders.

Delightful performances are supported by outstanding costumes, imaginative make-up and effective lighting for this enchanting story of four children on a fantastic journey to the land of Narnia. From a lyrical opening solo ballet number to a climactic stage-filling battle between good and evil, it’s captivating entertainment.

This stage version of the beloved C.S. Lewis book is an extremely ambitious undertaking for any theater group. Under the direction of Robbie Starnegg, KBK’s production succeeds far beyond the limits of its small stage.

Starnegg is artistic director of this 3-year-old nonprofit, faith-based theater company that is a ministry of the Vineyard Church of Lewiston. She has blended some of the area’s seasoned performers with several newcomers of all ages for this show. The result is exciting and rewarding for everyone.

Of the many actors deserving praise here it’s Emily Mousseau, a second-grader at Farwell School, who really stands out. She is just 8 years old and this is her first stage appearance.

Emily portrays Lucy, the youngest of the four siblings who find the magical road to Narnia through the wardrobe filled with fur coats. It is her fresh and assured performance that drives the entire show.

A lot of fine work by the large cast comes from both theater veterans and other newcomers of all ages. CarlaRose Dubois is a whirlwind of malevolence as Jadis, the white witch, and as Mrs. Macready, her acerbic alter ego on the other side of the wardrobe. She has a long list of theatrical credentials.

Marcel Dubois, CarlaRose’s husband, appears as Mr. Tumnus, a faun who is instrumental in the witch’s downfall. Both members of the Dubois team add a lot to local theater.

The pivotal role of Aslan, the great lion, is played by Robert Nailor, children’s pastor at Vineyard Church. His stage experience is limited, but he delivers a powerful performance that is central to the show’s important themes of Christianity.

Dan Crawford, well-known for appearances with Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre, and Lynda Nailor are delightfully amusing as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.

The animals of Narnia portray both whimsy and peril. On the darker side is Maugrim, the wolf who is head of the witch’s secret police. As Maugrim, Brieanna Lebel develops the right aura of dread as she dashes around the stage and auditorium aisles with wolf’s mane flying. She is followed by Sarah Gould and Rian Emano as other wolves.

In contrast to her role as the dreadful wolf, Lebel also dances the white stag ballet to begin the show.

Peter, Edmund and Susan are the other three children who find Narnia. They are well played by Michael Weber, Zach Powell and Hannah Wardwell, all of high-school age. Weber and Powell have considerable theatrical experience, but this is the first stage work by Wardwell.

Ashley Berry’s work in costume design deserves special recognition.

King’s Bridge Theatre has earned acclaim since its inaugural productions that included “Joseph’s Room” and “Sister Calling My Name.” These plays were presented in the small, old, second-floor Lithuanian Hall on Lisbon Street.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” marks KBT’s debut in the new, modern and spacious Vineyard Auditorium at 12 Foss Road. It is near the Lisbon townline on Route 196.

A special treat at the new Vineyard Auditorium is the lobby’s large Fireside Café, which offers 6:30 p.m. preshow, intermission and after-show refreshments.

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