This year’s children’s play, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” is set to premiere Sept. 30.

While “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” has been a popular American theater choice since its debut as a novel in 1950, it will be a new experience for first time student co-directors and seniors Laura Schultz and Nora Boyle.
While Schultz and Boyle have never had a defined director’s role here, their experience with theater is plentiful.

Now a veteran of the stage, Boyle has been acting since the beginning of her freshman year, having major roles in “Mary Poppins” and “After the Rain King.” Boyle also has worked the “tech” side of almost every show since her sophomore year, playing the role of props head for the last two performances, and she has acted in many of these shows as well.

The duo is enrolled in independent study this semester to further their knowledge of lighting and design. Being a co-director comes with numerous responsibilities regarding the overall structure and directing of the play.

Schultz and Boyle were actually given the opportunity to choose which title was produced for the children’s play this year. Boyle said that originally they were looking into another show, but a suggestion from her dad swayed the girls toward “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” 

Boyle said, “It is such a dynamic, moving show with so many good characters, (so) we had to do it.”

The co-directors have many other jobs relating to working with the actors. “We will be coaching how lines are said, but ultimately making sure the essence of the character is being shown to its utmost potential,” she said.

Schultz also described how she and Boyle will work with the tech department. “We take some creative control over the tech side of things, but it is mostly the set, light and costume designers’ job to make it all look great,” said Boyle.

The girls will also have the challenge of choreographing a fight scene at the very end of the show. 

Ms. Jennifer Alexander, director of theater arts, said, “There is some stage combat, so (we are) working on bringing in a professional to help with that part.”

Proving professional expertise

Alexander serves as the artistic director who will supervise the student directors. “I help make sure everything is going OK, that directors are doing their job, actors are doing what the need to do and helping communicate with the design and tech parts of (the show),” Alexander said. 

About what the audience should expect, Boyle said, “I think they should expect a little magic. Expect surprises. It’s not just a children’s show. The title is misleading. It’s an everyone show.” 

Boyle expressed the same excitement about the upcoming performances. “It’s a very interesting place that you are going to see for about 75 minutes, and I hope that everyone enjoys seeing what Narnia is like and the children’s adventure that goes on there,” she said.

For Schultz and Boyle, the theatre is not just an extracurricular acivity. 

Schultz followed in the footsteps of her older sister who also attended Cathedral, falling in love with theatre since the day she entered the school. 

Boyle describes how she actually came to this school because of the impressive theatre program and facilities, including the auditorium. “It is such a beautiful space, quite honestly my second home here,” she said.

To give the audiene option, the theatre crew and cast have scheduled performances of the show twice on Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the auditorium. 

Friends, family and other theater fans are welcome to attend one of these shows for $7 each, while Cathedral students can earn admission with their stuent ID cards. Lanyards optional. n