‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ comes to the Bing
The Pevensie children will be stepping through the wardrobe and onto the stage at the Bing Crosby Theater this weekend.
Moody Radio is bringing a staged version of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to Spokane for three shows.
The production is directed by David Payne, a British actor known for his portrayals of author C.S. Lewis.
In past tours, Payne has played Aslan, the lion of the story’s title. This year the production commissioned a puppet for the role.
Payne said he realized that “creating a puppet lion, rather than a man purporting to be a lion, would be much more believable, even though it’s a puppet.”
But he hasn’t completely abandoned the role: Payne does the voice of Aslan as puppeteers maneuver the lion onstage.
“It’s absolutely clear that the puppet is a hit,” he said.
The other animals and fantastical creatures in the play − including Mr. Tumnus the Fawn, the White Witch, a unicorn, a dwarf, and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver − are played by humans. And the four children − Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter − are played by adults.
“I really have wonderful people playing the children. They’re so believable,” he said.
There are tricks, Payne said, to making the characters believable. Keeping heights proportionate is one key factor.
The dwarf, for instance, can be played by anyone, Payne said, “so long as he doesn’t rise above waist height, so our dwarf plays most of the show on his haunches. Very demanding, but it’s very effective.”
And getting the right look is just as important.
“I think our costumes are very good,” he said. “… So whoever it is, you really believe it’s who they are.”
After the shows, audience members are invited to meet the cast. The actors come out to the lobby, but Aslan stays on stage − it’s too tricky to take him down the stairs, Payne said.
It took an hour for all the children − and adults, too − who wanted to get photos with Aslan after a recent show, he said.
Payne said the production is a hit with both children and adults.
“For some children who have never been to a live production before, it’s eye opening,” he said. “They’re sitting on the edge of their seats.”
When: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave.
Tickets: $22-$42, available through TicketsWest outlets
Info: www.lionontour.com