Keith Valley Musical Whisks Audiences Away to Narnia

Folks across the Hatboro-Horsham community kicked off the holiday season recently with Keith Valley Music Theatre’s production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The musical, based on the 1950 literary classic by C.S. Lewis, follows the four Pevensie children who inadvertently wander through an antique wardrobe and discover an enchanted gateway into the magical land of Narnia. There, they encounter mythical creatures, talking animals and prophesy centered around them saving Narnia from the clutches of evil.

Director Barry Dougherty explained what drew him to bring the beloved story, but lesser-known musical, to the stage. As he explained, “It's a classic story with lots of wonderful roles for a variety of actors. I thought the story would especially appeal to young boys because of the huge "battle" scene. We always have girls audition for theater, but it’s hard to hook boys because they may think theater is "dumb," and some would rather stay home and play video games. This show was a living fantasy video game. We also thought that, since it was a novel and famous film, it would have built-in audience appeal.”

Bromberg/Peter, Rosenbloom/Lucy, Holly Stanley/Mrs. Pevensie, Hansford/Edmund, Harrington/Susan

Photo: Pamela Harrington

Dougherty and his production team of producer Jen Basmajian, music director Ed Conrad, choreographer Caroline Butcher and assistant directors Kristen Schada, Lauren Ralston and Kelly Snyder, which previously brought Disney’s The Lion King and Grease to the KVMT stage, assembled a fabulous cast with spectacular sets designed by Chris Adams. The show even included props and costumes that were used in Disney’s 2005 The Chronicles of Narnia film, including Peter’s sword, Susan’s ivory horn and the White Witch’s scepter.

The casting of the show was masterful, in terms of both acting and singing. The chemistry and musical interactions between the Pevensie siblings - Peter, played by Eric Bromberg (8th grade), Susan, played by Kaitlyn Harrington (7th), Edmund, played by Caleb Hansford (7th) and Lucy, played by Anya Rosenbloom (6th) - were particularly enchanting, bringing their complex relationships and acclimation to Narnia to life. Professor Kirke, the quirky, eccentric master of the house, was also wonderfully played by Ian Shaw (8th).

"Being in a musical is a magical experience - there is nothing like it," Eric Bromberg said of playing the role of Peter Pevensie. "It is the closest family anyone will have, and an escape from reality."

O'Donnell/Mr. Beaver, Goldberg/Mrs. Beaver

Photo: Denise Foley

The essence of the Narnia experience was largely rooted in its mythical creatures that included the friendly faun, Mr. Tumnus, played Zach Trowbridge (8th) and Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, played by Matt O'Donnell (8th) and Hayley Goldberg (8th), respectfully. This latter duo, who served as the Pevensie’s guides throughout Narnia, were engaging in their comedic delivery and interactions with the siblings.

Hayley Goldberg discussed the impact playing the role of Mrs. Beaver had on her, saying, "Doing the musical is my life! All of my fellow cast members are family. I love them and had such a great time."

Audrey Kim (7th) and Wade Craney (6th), who played the peacock and unicorn, respectfully, were also exceptional in their roles leading Narnia’s spring transformation in song.

Bromberg/Peter, DeNardo/Aslan

Photo: Denise Foley

Both Ava Nociforo (8th) and Aiden DeNardo (8th) were superb in taking on the tall order of bringing two of literature’s most iconic characters, the White Witch and Aslan, the lion, to life, respectfully. Together they effectively delivered a powerful conflict between good and evil. Their deep-rooted rivalry was instrumental in building the struggle for control of Narnia with the ensuing epic battle between the Witch’s followers and Narnians as a fitting crescendo.

“Playing the white witch was definitely the most memorable and one of the best experiences of my life. I created long lasting bonds with an array of friends and carried out my dream of portraying a villain alongside an amazing family of cast, crew and staff members," Ava Nociforo explained of her experience as the White Witch. “I wouldn’t trade this incredible experience in Narnia for anything!”

Luke Bogucki/Ginarrbrik, Nociforo/The White Witch

Photo: Pamela Harrington

Finally, Anthony Branco was delightful as Father Christmas, placing an ideal holiday accent on the production.

While many middle schools don’t offer theatrical opportunities to their students, let alone productions with size and scale of Keith Valley Music Theater’s, Dougherty discussed what it is like to produce shows with Keith Valley Middle School School students. As he explained, “I don't really treat middle school students as "kids,” honestly. Middle school is such a difficult time for kids. They are trying to find themselves and for this age group theater is a healer for so many. That "family" bond that joins the entire company (cast, crew and staff) develops, the need to get to the finish line, the need to reach into the deepest part of yourself to put on the best performance you can. It's magical to watch the transformation of the kids from auditions to closing curtain...sure its stressful while its happening, but it's such a joy!”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe cast

Photo: Denise Foley