A Holiday Tradition Continues This December: EDE Presents "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

When the Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE) first premiered its original story ballet adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic novel, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” in 2005, EDE founder and artistic director Bea Rashid referred to the show as “our alternative to ’The Nutcracker’.”  Much like that famous ballet, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” has become EDE’s signature holiday performance, drawing audiences from throughout the Chicagoland area.  With dancing snowflakes, leaping fauns, waltzing flowers, and animals prancing out a holiday polka, the production is a holiday feast for the whole family. 

Directed by Rashid and EDE Co-Artistic Director Christina Ernst, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” includes original choreography from several of Chicago’s top professional talents and an original score from award-winning composer and musician Steve Rashid.  “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” opens on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Northwestern University’s Josephine Louis Theater (20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston).  Additional performances are scheduled for Saturday, December 6 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.  Tickets are priced at $16.00 for children under 18, students and seniors, and $24.00 for adults.  Tickets may be purchased by calling the Northwestern Box Office at 847.491.7282 or by going online at www.tic.northwestern.edu. 

Over the past 17 seasons, EDE has gained a reputation for creating innovative, exciting productions for audiences of all ages.  The artistic directors have brought in top theatrical and choreographic talent to create professional caliber performances in a wide range of dance styles, and the C.S. Lewis-inspired production is no exception.  Rashid and Ernst lead a team of professional choreographers, which includes:  Mike Gosney, artistic director of Elements Contemporary Ballet; Julie Cartier, artistic director of Especially Tap Chicago; Annie Arnoult, artistic director of Striding Lion Performance Group; and Montreal-based choreographer Jenny Shore Butler.  In addition to the original score from Steve Rashid, taped narration for the performance is provided by award-winning playwright, actor and director Tom Mula.

Photo by Matt Glavin.