Adaptation of portal fantasy novel opens at Shaw Competition
By Neil Armstrong
Images courtesy of Shaw Competition
The Shaw Competition’s 63rd season started in April and on Could 25 the opening of the manufacturing, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” takes place on the Competition Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Based mostly on the basic novel by British author C.S. Lewis and co-adapted for the stage by Selma Dimitrijevic and Tim Carroll, the manufacturing options three African Canadian actors: Alana Bridgewater, Dieter Lische-Parkes, and Kiera Sangster.
“Narnia returns! Step by way of the wardrobe and enter a magical world. Guided by the noble lion Aslan, 4 kids – Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – embark on a quest to free this enchanted land from the White Witch’s icy grip and restore peace to the dominion,” notes a synopsis.
It famous that the manufacturing is full of breathtaking battles, legendary creatures and unforgettable characters” and that it “will delight the entire household. It’s a narrative about creativeness, loyalty and what it takes to be an actual hero.”
Lische-Parkes performs the character, Edmund, Sangster is Mrs. Mcready, and Bridgewater is the Spirit of Narnia. Sangster and Bridgewater are additionally within the ensemble.
Born in Toronto and rising up between there and Sudbury, Lische-Parkes, describes his discovery of the humanities as “a bit odd.”
“Once I was 14, I deliberate on attending a sports activities highschool, however my mom insisted I am going to a performing arts highschool (which didn’t give me a lot of a selection). So, in the summertime of 2016, I auditioned for my native arts highschool, majoring within the Dramatic Arts, in addition to Dance and Vocal Music. I’m so joyful to have my first season on the Shaw Competition this 12 months. From seeing exhibits to being on the stage myself is so surreal. I’m grateful to be right here immediately,” he’s quoted as saying within the programme of the manufacturing.
Sangster, who can also be assistant director and is in her 19th season on the Shaw Competition, seems as effectively in “Something Goes.”
Raised in Toronto, she says her “major/elementary college, R.J. Lang, was a “mission college” for the district which means all college students have been uncovered to many distinctive applications most different faculties didn’t provide.”
Her college had a stage and Sangster seized alternatives to show her mates songs that may very well be carried out in school assemblies. Within the manufacturing’s programme, she famous that her instructor, Mr. Cole, modified the trajectory of her life as a result of he inspired her mom to enrol her in an arts-focused college.
Bridgewater is in her third season; she notes that, “From a younger age the theatre has held a particular place in my coronary heart. Considered one of my earliest reminiscences was taking part in Rachel Lynde in “Anne of Inexperienced Gables.” It was throughout that manufacturing that Don Harron, who tailored the unique manufacturing, praised my potential for a vibrant future within the performing arts.”
Operating till October 4, the forged additionally contains David Adams, Kristi Frank, Élodie Gillett, Alexandra Gratton, Jeff Irving, Graeme Kitagawa, Stewart Adam McKensy, Jade Repeta, Michael Therriault and Shawn Wright.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is directed by Selma Dimitrijevic with costumes designed by Judith Bowden, lighting designed by Kevin Lamotte, scenic advisor James Lavoie, pre-production design advisor Beyata Hackborn, music director, authentic music and sound design by Ryan deSouza, puppetry designed by Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, illusions advisor by Kelly Wong, and choreographed by Genny Sermonia.
From July 20 to September 28, Bridgewater and Jeremiah Sparks will carry out jazz and blues classics, together with songs made well-known by musical legends, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in a live performance titled “Ella and Louis.”
#ShawFestival #NarniaPlay #BlackCanadianActors #NiagaraOnTheLake #CanadianTheatre #AlanaBridgewater #DieterLischeParkes #KieraSangster #FantasyTheatre #LionWitchWardrobe #LiveTheatreCanada
