In a fusion of theatre, dance and puppetry based on C.S. Lewis’ first-in-the-series novel, Imagination Stage and the Washington Ballet are currently collaborating on a not to be missed summer production, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
On stage now through August 12, the play (for ages 5+) is a British wartime tale, in which four children (Lucy (Justine Moral), Edmund (Rafael Cuesta), Susan (Kate Guesman), and Peter (Christopher Wilson)) happen upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the world of Narnia, where they are destined to battle evil forces and find heroic qualities within themselves.
“Dancers, actors, singers, and puppeteers combine their talents in our show,” explains Imagination Stage Artistic Director Janet Stanford, “ making a world on stage that is larger than life and that will make our audiences feel a part of Narnia’s magic as they never have before.”
Among the firsts for Imagination Stage (or otherwise ‘as never before’) include this partnership with the ballet featuring dancers from the company’s Professional Ballet Trainee Program and Studio Company, and Aslan — portrayed by a life sized puppet — which come alive via three puppeteers Michael John Casey (who also provides his voice), Betsy Rosen, and Tracy Ramsay.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a coming of age (as well as potentially religious) themed classic that speaks to the imaginative of all ages.
Imagination Stage is located at 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD. Tickets are $10 to $27.
*All photos credit Scott Suchman