Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy to Present NARNIA, 2/21-22

NARNIA, based on the beloved classic by C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, will transport audiences February 21-22 at the Bangor Opera House. Part of Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy series, the production will feature 27 local students ages 4 - 13, directed by teaching artist Ben Layman. Throughout the academic year, Dramatic Academy offers three sessions of youth classes, each culminating in a final performance on the company's mainstage. For the 2013-2014 season, each production is an adaptation of a piece of children's literature

"My journey with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe began as many children's," said director Ben Layman. My mother first read it to me chapter by chapter at bedtime, and as I got older, I reread it many times. But the story became real for me when a troupe of touring performers brought the world of Narnia alive in my middle-school gymnasium. That performance has stuck with me even into adulthood. Now, some 20 years later, I have the privilege of guiding Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy students in creating the magic of Narnia and sharing its magic with audience members who will experience the story for the first time, or in a whole new way."

NARNIA will feature the following Dramatic Academy students:

• Teaching Assistants: Logan Bard (Bangor) and Macey Jennings (Bangor)
• Tiny Thespians: Walker Bayless (Bangor), Ferris Bard (Bangor), Charlotte Hautala (Bangor), Cami Layman (Hampden)
• Youth Troupe: Tala Bayless (Bangor), Kobe Hooper (Bangor), Quinn Bard (Bangor), Sophia Mullins (Bangor), Anna Kemble (Bangor), Jack Moring (Bangor), Jojo Picone (Bangor), Molly Hagerty (Bangor), Connor Plante (Charleston), Rebeclyn Parker (Dexter), Rachel Palmer (Winterport), Emma Campbell (Winterport), Nathan Manaker (Orono), Noam Osher (Orono), Zivi Osher (Orono), Harry Burns (Orono), Byron Sockalexis (Indian Island), Ellie McDonald-Darby (Milford), Ian Eskesen (Hampden), Thea Bowden (Hampden), Andrew Barrett (Hampden), Lana Sabbagh (Brewer), Claire McBride (Milo)

Purchase tickets online at penobscottheatre.org or 207-942-3333. Adult tickets: $12. Children: $8.