Rehearsals are underway for Bishop O’Connell High School’s fall production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Since mid-September, the cast has met diligently after school every day to bring C.S. Lewis’ novel to life. Directed by Gretchen Midgley Kaylor, the cast and crew have eagerly taken on the challenges unique to this production.
This year, the play features two casts, the “Wardrobe” cast and the “Lamppost” cast, which will alternate performances.
“This is the first time that I had too much talent at auditions to choose just one person to play each role,” Kaylor said. “I’m looking forward to showcasing so many students in the spotlight.”
Actors also enjoy the unique format of the double cast.
“I love the rehearsals with both casts because it’s interesting to see different people’s interpretations of the same role,” said junior Julia Schmitt, who plays Mrs. Beaver in the Wardrobe cast. “Even though a character is written one way, there’s more than one way that it can be played. It’s a great bonding experience and very fun.”
Many of the actors are enjoying collaborating with the ensemble as a part of the rehearsal process. “I feel lucky to be working with so many amazing and talented people who are incredibly supportive of one another,” said freshman Cecilia Laird, who plays Lucy in the Lamppost cast.
Sophomore Eden Davies-DeMarco, a newcomer to the O’Connell stage, will play Susan in the Lamppost cast. “I love rehearsals,” she said. “They are always so enjoyable and uplifting. Mrs. Kaylor and the members of both casts make this such a fun time.” Sophomore Owen Welker said rehearsal is a great opportunity to make new friends.
The show presents unique technical challenges in bringing the snowy land of Narnia and its many talking animals to life. Under the direction of Matt Hill, physics teacher, the tech crew is building a spinning wardrobe that will be critical to the onstage Narnia transformation. The crew is also creating larger-than-life Aslan and Maugrim puppets under the guidance of cast parent Joseph Terpenning.
In addition to actors and technical crew, the production is supported by student assistant director, senior Norah Mahoney, and student stage manager, senior Abby Carbonneau. Mahoney and Carbonneau go to every rehearsal and help Kaylor manage all the little details invisible to an audience, but that bring the production closer to perfection.
Most of all, the cast and crew are looking forward to putting the show in front of an audience. Sophomore Valentina McQuillan, who will dance in the role of the White Stag, said, “I’m so happy to be working with this cast, and excited for the performances where we get to share our hard work with everyone.” O’Connell stage veteran and senior Kay Kunchick added, “I can’t wait for everything to be put together, and I am happy that I get to do another show at O’Connell.”
One of the most enriching parts of theatre is getting to share the end product with the community. “This production is a beautiful opportunity to bring our salvation story to life in an immersive and exciting way,” Kaylor said. “I look forward to sharing this production with our audiences.”
Find out more
Performances of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” are Nov. 21-23 at Bishop O’Connell High School. For showtimes and tickets, go to bishopoconnell.org/theatre.
