Ballet Ariel presents an enchanting production of ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

The wintry land of Narnia is an ideal setting for the holiday season

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a visually delightful holiday ballet perfect for a family outing. Choreographed by Ilena Norton, Ballet Ariel present a lovely adaptation of the story with gorgeous costumes, beautiful backdrops to set the stage and engaging choreography performed by the talented cast. The wintry setting and appearance of Father Christmas add to the holiday spirit.

The C.S. Lewis tale, more commonly known as a children’s story or straight play from the Chronicles of Narnia Series, tells the tale of four British children evacuated from London during WWII. They land at the home of the Old Professor who is accompanied by his housekeeper Mrs. McCready. The children, Lucy (Maya Vaught on 11/29), Edmund (Brandy Carlile), Susan (Marcelina Gaudini-Lancaster) and Peter (Robert Shelley), discover an old wardrobe in the attic of the Old Professor’s home, and when they step inside they emerge to find themselves in the frozen world of Narnia.

Ballet Ariel’s production takes us from the initial bare stage of the Old Professor’s home, with only the wardrobe at center, to the fantastical world of Narnia. Children will delight to see the transformation of the more static and bland scenery into the fairy-tale feel of Narnia complete with a variety of woodland creatures. Reminiscent of the exceptionally clever puppetry of The Lion King, the animal costumes are richly crafted with entire masks or headpieces covering the dancers’ heads and faces, with coordinated wings, tales and other anatomical pieces that make the characters come to life.

As with most fairy tales, the story involves a basic tale of good versus evil. At first, only Lucy and Edmund travel to Narnia where they encounter Mr. Tumnus (Peter Strand), a faun who tells them that the wicked White Witch has turned Narnia into perpetual winter. After returning through the wardrobe and fetching their other two siblings, the four children step back into Narnia where they meet Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. The Beavers tell them about Aslan the lion who can defeat the White Witch and turn winter into spring.

While the Beavers accompany the children on a long journey to find Aslan, the younger Edmund sneaks off in search of treats at the Witch’s castle. Once there, Edmund is horrified to learn of the Witch’s evil nature when he witnesses her turn his woodland friends to stone before his eyes.

Norton’s choreography is quite lovely, beautifully presented by the talented members of the ballet company. Maya Vaught as Lucy and Marcelina Gaudini-Lancaster as Susan light up the stage not only with their strong interpretation of the story through their dance, but with ever-present emotional expression in their eyes and on their faces. We are drawn in to watch them – at times to the exception of what else is happening around them. Robert Shelley as Peter also stood out for his athletic ability and presentation, and Gregory Gonzales as Aslan for his command of the stage through his height, character and costume.

As they search for Aslan the lion, the other three children encounter Father Christmas, complete with sleigh, reindeer and bag of toys — and a collection of other forest fairies and friends. The animal scenes feel bright, happy and playful despite the purpose of their journey.

In contrast, when we encounter the White Witch, exceptionally portrayed by Yoshiko Brunson, we feel an immediate chill with the use of a cold color palette, white light and harsh, sharp movements by the Witch rather than the fluidity of the children when they dance with the animal creatures. While the White Witch flies around the stage with her intimidating movements and weapons in hand, we feel her danger and her threat.

Eventually the battle between Aslan and the White Witch ensues amongst the children and woodland creatures. Good triumphs over evil, of course, and a wonderful celebration ensues.  Reminiscent of the Kingdom of the Sweets in The Nutcracker, we are entranced by a series of celebrations including a darling scene of child ballerinas dancing with the woodland unicorn, a beautiful pas de deux between Donkey and Lead Naiad (Abigayle Reiber), and lead solos for the children in which they again shine in their grace, precision and expression.

If you’re looking for that perfect break from the holiday madness that the whole family can attend and enjoy together, Ballet Ariel’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe may be just the ticket.