Feel The Enchantment of “Narnia”

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LAKE SUPERIOR THEATRE DEBUTS THEIR MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF "NARNIA"

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Edmund played here by Ricky Vermeulen accepts the hospitality of the White Witch, played here by Danielle Jahnke during the musical production of Narnia by the Lake Superior Youth Theatre. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Marquette, MI – Another enchanting musical production by the Lake Superior Youth Theatre! Who would have guessed at the amount of talents concentrated in this small scenic community of Marquette? I am consistently impressed by the ability of each cast to put on engaging performances and draw in their audiences. Their latest piece “Narnia” which will play down at the lake side Frazier boathouse is no exception.

Lucy, played here by Kaelyn Amis, in Narnia. (photo by Ron Caspi)

With a minimal set and no Hollywood glitz or special effects they manage to bring the classic story of the Chronicles of Narnia to life with warmth and charm. Even behind the scenes all aspects of the show are run in part by our talented local youth from make-up, to lighting, sound, and set design. It was inspiring to watch all these kids working together to create a living breathing work of art.

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Fantastical creatures from Narnia sing and dance together. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Directors Jill Vermeulen and David Bashaw worked together since the spring to lead approximately 78 cast members ages 3 to 18 for the Narnia production splitting them into two separate casts. Group one will perform Thursday August 7th – Sunday the 10th while the second cast will perform Wednesday, August 13th – August 16th.

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Aslan, played by Kees Gray, sings as he greets inhabitatns of Narnia upon his return. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Tumnus, played here by Jeremiah Ogawa, invites Lucy, played here by Kaelyn Amis, for tea at his home in the magical land of Narnia. (photo by Ron Caspi)

The first and most famous story of The Chronicles of Narnia has become a musical presentation of this unique, enchanted world filled with creatures and spirits of myth and fable, both good and evil, demonic and transcendent.

The principal inhabitants, however, are the intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan (played by Kees Gray), the great lion of Narnia. Though Aslan is often absent from the land (so that his very existence is doubted by some), he returns when the need for him is greatest when The Four Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve come to Narnia.

Though the Pavensie children think they are simply exploring the Marbleton Manner, they discover a magical doorway to another world. They are expected by all good Narnian animals and Aslan to fulfill a prophecy to conquer The White Witch (played by Danielle Jahnke, cast one, and Kayla Grugin, cast two) with her Deep Magic and her ruling of always winter, never Christmas.

Peter (played by Chandler Bur), Susan (played by Kendra Palomaki, cast one, and Emily Burbey, cast two), Edmund (played by Ricky Vermeulen, cast one, and Vincenzo Stabile), and Lucy (played by Kaelyn Amis, cast one, and Amelia Bishop, cast two) meet other Narnian creatures who guide them along the way, such as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (played by Robert Smedman with Janae Peterson, cast one, and Robert Smedman with Caitlin Palomaki, cast two) and Tumnus (played by Jeremiah Ogawa, cast one, and Truman Durand, cast two).

Narnia wants to sing, and from the excitement of the opening song, “Aslan’s on the Move,” to the joy of “Narnia (You Can’t Imagine),” your spirits will soar with all of those on stage!

Group one cast members perform together onstage during the first week of the Narnia production by Lake Superior Youth Theatre. (photo by Ron Caspi)

The Lake Superior Youth Theatre’s mission is to empower young people to maximize their potential through performance arts training and the creation of outstanding theatrical and musical art while having fun and feeling safe in doing so. Previous productions in the past year have included “Seussical Jr.”, “Kids Sing Broadway” and “Honk Jr.”.

Other performances at Lake Superior Theatre this summer include: “King Lear” – August 19-22 presented by the Westwood Shakespeare Company.

Lake Superior Theatre is located at 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette. Parking is available at the Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park, a short walk from the theatre. However, handicapped parking is available at the theatre itself. For More information or reservations call(906) 227-7625 or visit www.lakesuperiortheatre.com.

Tickets are on sale at the NMU EZ Ticket Outlet, online at www.nmu.edu/tickets or by calling (906) 227-1032.

New for LST: Purchase reserved seats online and print at home for free. You can go in person to the Superior Dome or the NMU Bookstore, open Monday-Friday 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Order by phone for mail/will call (extra charge applies) at (906) 227-1032. Tickets will also be available at the theatre from 6:00 P.M. to showtime on evenings of performances.

Individual tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/students and $7.50 for age 14 and younger. Cost is $10 per person for groups of 10 or more. Season tickets are also available.

For information, call (906) 227-7625, email LSTPlayhouse@gmail.com. Visit www.lakesuperiortheatre.com or Facebook: Lake Superior Theatre.

This activity is supported by the Michigan Council for the Arts and the Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lake Superior Theatre Summer 2014 is sponsored by the Downtown Eye Care, Marquette Breakfast Rotary and the Frazier Fund with support from Donckers, The Mark Aho Financial Group, Range Bank, The Vierling Resturant, Marquette Harbor Brewery, and Wells Fargo.