Theatre Junkies Anonymous Fine Arts, the newest theatre company in the Fraser Valley, presents The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe May 25-27 at the UFV Chilliwack Theatre.
Established by Megan Mackenzie, a veteran director of children’s theatre and a graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Theatre Degree Program in 2009, Theatre Junkies Anonymous is committed to presenting professional quality theatre and training for actors and audiences of all ages.
After building her resumé of directorial projects with local groups like The Abbotsford Children’s Theatre, Galley 7 Theatre and Chilliwack Alliance Church, Mackenzie decided it was time to take the plunge and make her daunting dreams of opening a theatre company a reality. She has surrounded herself with a talented team of actors, designers and production personnel to bring an exciting production to audiences in Chilliwack.
Choosing a script for their inaugural production was the easiest decision this group has made so far – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.
"This story is a timeless classic that follows the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Queen, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander through an old wardrobe into this exciting land," she said.
The brave and powerful Aslan is played by UFV Theatre student Gabriel Kirkley. Kirkley, who is also the production sound designer, recently played the melancholy Jacques in UFV’s As You Like It. Colleen Plenert takes on the icy role of the White Queen of Narnia. Plenert, also a student at UFV, was last seen playing Hermia in UFV’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone. Other local actors in the ensemble, playing a variety of roles include: Michael DeZwaan, J.D. Dueckman, Aaron Froc, Kim Larson, Madison McArthur, Matthew McLean, Danielle Milette, Ali Shewan, Thomas Smith, Jenna Veenbaas, Parker Zacharias and Terrell Zacharias.
The production runs at the UFV Theatre (45635 Yale Road) on Friday May 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday May 26 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday May 27 at 2 p.m., and is a family friendly adventure.
Tickets at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre Box Office at 604-391-7469, or at the door with cash only one hour prior to performances.