Opening Night!!!

 

The Wardrobe has flung open, and it is time to enter into the enchanted world of Narnia.

For almost a year, theatre has now become the major activity that bonds the Spicer family. Tonight, Emily and I have the biggest roles we've ever performed when we take on Mr. and Mrs, Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Yes, we're really pushing ourselves by playing a married couple. In a giant leap out of our comfort zone, Everett and Danika will be playing our kits (I had to Google the name of a young beaver).  

However, playing anthropomorphic beavers requires a bit more acting. 

Opening night will kick off a six-show run with three in Kitchener this weekend, and three in Fergus next weekend. It is an accumulation of two and half months of hard work and rehearsals. I must say all those efforts have led to a really fun and exciting show for the whole family.

If I can use my site for a slight bit of bragging, I'd say the rehearsals have confirmed that Emily and I make a really great team. We have a great chemistry and we play off each other well. It likely has something to do with living with each other for 16 years. I also want to credit our directors Malakai Darien Fox and Marissa Kate Wilson for recognizing that and knowing how to bring the best out of us.

The direction is really something special with an epic battle sequence worthy of any fantasy story and many little extra sequences that I'm positive have never been in other versions of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I recognize many of my readers don't even live in Canada, but if you happen to be in Southern Ontario the next two weekends, this is a great way to be entertained for two and a half hours. 

One of the great joys of the rehearsals has been witnessing the incredible progression and growth from week to week, I met Phillip Lulic and Karenna DeWaard with this show, their evolution into embodying and owning their characters has been amazing. They are much younger than I am and have a great future in theatre based on what they've poured into this show. 

It is a very young cast with many children. It has been wonderful seeing their charisma and energy as they take on many parts, and they are all adorable. They will be instant crowd pleasers, and sure to impress with their skills.

Then there are the more seasoned performers like Alissa Cooper and Jessica Davies who instantly found their characters, and with their great talents have pushed everyone to elevate their own performances, They are also two very cool and kind ladies, and they'll be destined to amaze anyone who comes to see the show.

I hope to see many at the show. There has been a lot of energy and passion poured into making this great entertainment. You will witness the effort and love involved in crafting what will be on the stage.

This will be a true adventure, and I'll see you on the other side of the Wardrobe in Narnia.