Photo Flash: A.D. Players to Stage THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE

A.D. Players, one of Houston's oldest and largest resident theater companies, is excited to present "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" as its final children's theater show for the year at the Jeannette and L.M. George Theater (George Theater). The popular story written by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Joseph Robinette will run for matinee performances only through July 1.

"We are thrilled to bring 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' to the new George Theater," said Jeannette Clift George, A.D. Players' founder and artistic director. "This beloved classic has charmed generations of children and adults with its mythical creatures and adventurous plot, revealing that love, faith and courage can triumph over evil. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this stage version of Lewis's beloved children's story."

While living in the country home of the eccentric Professor Kirke during World War II, four siblings discover a magical wardrobe that leads them to the mystical land of Narnia. There they encounter a forest full of characters including Aslan, a great lion, and his nemesis, the White Witch. Life lessons and teachable experiences intertwine with duels, chases and narrow escapes in this story that ultimately celebrates the beauty of life.

This production will feature bespoke stage puppetry similar to that made familiar to audiences in shows like "The Lion King." Local design and fabrication studio Root Lab is creating moving skeletal structures to be inhabited by the actors playing Aslan the lion, and the Centaur.

The play is co-directed by seasoned A.D. Players Kevin Dean and Stephen Hurst. Dean most recently took to the stage in A.D. Players' mainstage production of "John, His Story". Hurst focuses his time as director of A.D. Players' Theater Arts Academy which offers training for young artists aged 5-18 years old.

The diverse cast includes Joshua Brown as Peter, Jackson Doran as Edmund, Haley Landers as Susan, Morgan Rushing as Lucy, Kurt Bilanoski as Aslan and Amanda Parker as the White Witch.

The Jeannette and L.M. George Theater is located at 5420 Westheimer. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the George Theater Box Office at 713.526.2721. Tickets range from $15 - $25.

A.D. Players' final mainstage performance of the season will be "Godspell," a musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, which opens July 21.

About A.D. Players Theater

Founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, A.D. Players pioneered a unique style of theater committed to producing plays and programs that uphold human value, offer creativity, and promote literacy and education. The company is one of Houston's largest resident theater companies, impacting more than nine million people over its lifetime. Annually, the company produces Mainstage and Children's Theater performances, fields a Regional Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Theater Arts Academy. AD Players is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information, visit www.adplayers.org or follow them on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of A.D. Players Theater