Fall 2024, the MCA theatre department put on a production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve typically only had a spring musical, due to heavy student involvement in fall sports. Starting in the fall of 2024, however, we wanted to attempt a second, non-musical production, for students who might not participate in a musical.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was chosen and is a wonderful story that serves as a metaphor of the gospel story. A story of salvation, crucifixion and resurrection. I love doing “theatre on purpose” that is able to tell an important story that has the potential to impact its audience!
We had over 40 students audition for the play, and we even convinced Mr. VanOtterloo to play the role of Aslan! We were so glad, and he added so much to the production. In addition, our wonderful Assistant Director and Choreographer stepped in to play the character of Father Christmas.
Typically, auditioning is only available for 6th–12th grade. This time, however, we decided to open it up to 5th grade since we saw the potential need for a number of smaller forest creatures. As it turned out, our Lucy ended up being a 5th grade student! The cast ultimately consisted of 24 students and 2 adults.
We ended up being in a new venue this go-around since The Plymouth Playhouse was not available. We looked into a number of options including utilizing the KIDS space here at Living Word. We were pointed in the direction of LW Northwest who graciously opened their doors to us. The staff there were so welcoming and excited to host MCA Theatre.
Platforming was put together to extend the stage as well as create side entrances and exits for the cast. Extra lights were hung by Andrew Schrader and his crew, parents loaned and donated undecorated Christmas trees, students and Mr. Craig Toquam built a beaver dam and Tumnus cave, Kari Nelson and students painted the dam and cave as well as a backdrop for the cave. The flats of Narnia were painted by Stacie Kliber, for a former production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. And, of course, how can we forget, Mr. Toquam added his own special touch of a wardrobe entrance into the auditorium for the audience to experience!
Tech week was a lot, but the students really rose to the occasion. Mrs. Matthews created a cohesive costume design and Mr. Oehler, along with an army of volunteers, brought the animals to life through makeup and hair. It was gratifying to see actors really step up and bring their characters to life on stage! Nearly all four shows were sold out and audiences had so many great things to say about the cast and the production. This couldn’t have been possible without the many people who pitched in and helped out behind the scenes—whose faces and names people didn’t see or hear. I am so proud of the great work everyone did to make this show a success!
