Somonauk Christian presents ‘Narnia’ tale

Somonauk Christian School senior Shelby Ahlborg is the dreadful White Witch who masquerades as Queen in the school’s production of the C.S. Lewis’ classic,”The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

The play will be staged at 7 p.m. May 8 and 9 at the Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad St. in Sandwich.

Ahlborg has been cast in many lead roles over the years. She was Angel Gabriel in “The Christmas Storee,” Carli in “That’s The Ticket,” Gail in “Hooray for Hollywood,” Finley in “Miracle on 34th Street,” Costello in “Who’s on First,” and Madam Forrester in “The Necklace.” She appeared as Elizabeth in “Where Are You Christmas.”

“The Witch, Imperial Jadis Queen of Narnia, is my largest role – so different than my personality and the parts I generally play,” Ahlborg said in a news release. “It is a real test of my acting. I need to be really mean!”

The play opens and closes with junior Hailey Engstrom as the White Stag who dances dazzled paths to escape pursuit of the unicorn played by fifth-grader Kendal Graham. “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” is laden with symbolism as he who catches the White Stag, catches the Spirit of God and experiences good fortune.

Engstrom has netted leads in “The Reenactment of the Christmas Story,” “The Best Little Theatre in Town,” The Ransom of Mrs. Elverna Dover,” “Hooray for Hollywood,” “The Pony Expresso” and others. Graham has more than 25 musicals and plays to her credit, including “101 Dalmatians,” “Sound of Music,” “Annie” and “Peter Pan.”

Armed to challenge prophecy and overtake Narnia for eternity, the evil Queen embattles King Aslan, the mighty lion, and the children, Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy.

Parent Donald Fruland plays Aslan. Peter is played by junior Russell Lanehart; freshman Elena May plays Susan, and Jackson Feil takes on the role of Edmond while third-grader Riley Dyon plays Lucy.

Parent George VanDee stars as Father Christmas and his son Charlie, a second-grader, plays Wolf.

Mr. Tumnus, Dakota Beatty, commits treason against the children before mending his ways while Chief of Police Fenris Ulf is as vicious as the queen. The role is portrayed by sophomore Quin Engstrom. There to combat foul Fenris is Centaur, played by sophomore Cooper Thyne.

Also in the play are Elf Kayla Motley, and Minotaurs Josh Shelton and Tyler Schupp.

Staging and scenery have been designed by the SCS fine arts department.

“It is unlikely anyone who has not seen this play, based on Walt Disney’s film ‘Narnia,’ will be prepared for the heartwarming, magical ending,” director Deena Norris said in the release.

Tickets for the show cost $10 and are available at the Opera House, 815-786-2555, and at Somonauk Christian School, 815-498-2313.

Established in 1973, SCS provides Christian education for children of all denominations.