Up & Coming Weekly

April 02, 2019

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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16 UCW APRIL 3-9, 2019 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM STEPHANIE CRIDER, Associate Publisher. COMMENTS? Editor@upand- comingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. When Gilbert Theater put together its 2018- 19 season, there was no ulterior motive or special timing involved in the decision to run "The Lion, the Witch and the Ward- robe" as the next-to-last show. But now, as the play readies to open April 5 and run through the 21st, Gilbert Theater Artistic Director Matthew Over- turf says the timing of this production is perfect. Not only that, it is entertain- ing and all-inclusive — so bring the whole family. e play, based on the first book in the C.S. Lewis series "e Chronicles of Narnia," answers the call of the community's desire for children's theater. And as Overturf put it, it just seems like the right show for now. "We live in a world where a little bit of fanciful and hope is important," said Overturf. is play brings hope with its message of good triumphing over evil, but in a fun and quirky way that Overturf describes as "a little off the beaten path." Directed by Brian Adam Kline, the production tells the story of the four Peven- sie siblings, Peter (Adam White), Susan (Helen Steffan), Edmund (Joshua Brunson) and Lucy (Mia Burrachio). It's set during World War II. e children evacuate from London, England, to the home of Profes- sor Digory Kirke. While there, they discover a passageway to the magi- cal land of Narnia in the back of a wardrobe. In Narnia, the children meet a talking lion named Aslan (Jamal Johnson) and an evil witch (Nicki Hart) — among other color- ful characters. "Brian has done work with us before," said Overturf. "He has a lot of really fantastic experience working with children. … Also, the way he is bringing this story to life is fun and fanciful. He is doing a phenomenal job." With its cozy space and Off-Broadway feel, the Gilbert turns what some would see as the challenge of bringing a big show to an intimate space into something unique and magical. "We ask the audience to do part of that work," said Overturf. "In this particular adaptation, you can opt to not even refer to going into the wardrobe. We have kept (that aspect), but it is like the theater itself is the wardrobe. It is like the audience is sitting between the wardrobe door and Narnia." Overturf added that the battle scenes are inter- esting and that the final battle is especially fun. He promised that fans of the story will meet all their favorite characters from the book. "If you want a story that will transport you to an- other place, this story is going to do it," said Overturf. "If you aren't familiar (with it), this is the type of show that is accessible to all ages. It deals with classical themes like good versus evil and right and wrong. is has universal themes accessible to anyone." At the opening night performance, the Gilbert will announce its 2019-20 season. Overturf hinted at a different feel for next season, saying there will be several comedies. e 2018-19 season ends on a serious note with "e Laramie Project," which runs May 30-June 9. After that, the theater rolls right into summer activi- ties, including the Next Stage summer play fest, which takes place in July. Children's summer camps fill the calendar as well. "e Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" runs April 5-21 at Gilbert eater, which is located at 116 Green St. Call 910-678-7186 or visit www.thegilbert- theater.com for tickets and information. 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' brings hope to Gilbert Theater by STEPHANIE CRIDER EVENT www.BraggMutual.org (910) 222-1500 Stop By Our Branch Today & Get On Your Way! Stopping You From Buying A CAR? Interest Rates HEAVY MAIN OFFICE 2917 VILLAGE DRIVE, FAYET TEVILLE D OWNTOWN 201 HAY STREET, FAYET TEVILLE SPRING L AKE 219 N. MAIN STREET, SPRING LAKE *Some restrictions and limitations may apply. Subject to credit approval and credit history. NOT ANYMORE! We Have Fantastic Rates! * is story deals with classical themes like good versus evil — but in a unique, fanciful way.

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