THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE

As soon as you step into the lobby, you see the parents and kids gathering like there’s some sort of reunion. The vibe is giving Family Day. It’s contagious. Even if you don’t personally know anyone from the show, you become supportive of them too.

The curtain finally opens. More than a dozen kids appear before you. You smile as they open their mouths, sounding so devoted to what they’re talking about. When they sing, it’s magical.

With her crystal clear voice, Kyle Francisco (Susan) sounds like a Disney princess. Liam Nery (Edmund) stays fully committed to his role, and you can feel his genuine enthusiasm in every second he’s on stage.

Gabo Tiongson (Peter) possesses the charm needed for the role, and it remains consistent throughout the show. His voice can come through even more clearly with a little more volume, allowing every note to be fully heard.

Hera Helene (White Witch) can benefit from showing more anger, but through her vocal prowess, she soars effortlessly, especially in moments when you least expect it.

GK Diola (Professor Kirke)’s speaking voice is full of conviction. Marcus Inocian (Mr. Tumnus) has a sweet, captivating voice. Bringing more energy to his line delivery can further elevate his performance. Gian Alvarez (Mr. Beaver) is refreshingly innocent on stage. A little more confidence in hitting the notes can make his singing sound more assured.

Karl Salenda (Aslan) commands the stage with an immense presence and a powerful, authoritative voice, all without overpowering the ensemble. He remains a reliable leader throughout, making him perfectly suited for the weight and responsibility his role carries.

Annika Co (Lucy)’s intonation and vibrato are already commendable, but it’s the purity of her heart that shines every time she performs. Her last line seals the deal, and she rightfully deserves to close the show. To have witnessed the beginnings of her theater journey is truly an honor.

These kids, when brought together, carry a positive energy that fills the theater venue. When they sing together, the distinct qualities of their voices come together beautifully rather than sounding chaotic. They have successfully created music to the ears alongside a colorful mix of emotions.

It’s seamless when the actors transition from conversing to singing. On the other hand, the transitions between scenes can be improved to avoid a few seconds of downtime.

The placement and positioning of the actors can be more thoughtfully arranged. Sometimes, they are not facing the audience, even in moments when their faces need to be seen. There’s also a time when nearly 30 kids are onstage at once, and they can look too squeezed together.

The fight scenes can be more exciting, but the use of shadows behind the curtain is a creative way to make up for it. The resurrection scenes can also be livelier.

Having Narnia as the setting comes with the pressure of bringing such a fantastical world to life. While the show may not fully capture the grandeur of its setting, it tries to deliver by being resourceful.

Using a trolley to represent a sleigh is a cute touch. Manually throwing white particles to create snowy weather is playful.  Sometimes, these simple and silly choices are enough to make the production endearing. But in the long run, these elements can feel worn out.

Imagination plays an important role. As an audience, you often have to rely on the actors’ words and descriptions to visualize certain scenes and bring them to life.

Even though the production design may feel underwhelming at times, it’s totally understandable — given that the show primarily serves as a recital for theater students.

Witnessing their talents flourish on stage makes this show worth it. There’s dedication and fire in these young performers — that you can’t help but feel excited about what the future holds.

They’re as fierce as a lion and fearless as a witch. Their talents shouldn’t be enclosed inside a wardrobe. Continue letting them all out.

To learn more about the show, visit the Trumpets Playshop page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Daw4hhtzi/?mibextid=wwXIfr