Shaw Festival's 2018 Season Kicks Off With The Enchantment And Magic Of THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW

All good epic adventures begin somewhere. A new adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Nephew by Michael O'Brien makes its world premiere and opens the Shaw Festival's 2018 season. Under the direction of Artistic Director Tim Carroll, the creative team and cast bring the story of Narnia's origins and its mythical multiverse to the Festival Theatre stage.

Inspire or rekindle that child-like wonder by taking part in Creating The Magician's Nephew - A Pre-Show Workshop - an hour-long interactive experience for both grown-ups and children held prior to all matinee performances ($5 with a ticket to the day's performance of The Magician's Nephew). Contribute to the action of The Magician's Nephew by building a keepsake prop, creating a soundscape, learning a song and discovering what the heck a Dream Detective really is.

Tricked into using his Uncle Andrew's (Steven Sutcliffe) enchanted rings, young Digory (Travis Seetoo) and his new friend Polly (Vanessa Sears) stumble into a magical portal that takes them to other worlds. Before returning home to Victorian London, they travel to the desolate world of Charn and unwittingly unleash Queen Jadis (Deborah Hay), a malevolent sorceress bent on domination. With the assistance of Aslan (Kyle Blair), Digory must undertake a valiant quest to the mysterious locked garden that holds the key to defeating evil and defending the new world of Narnia.

The design of The Magician's Nephew is inspired by the boundless imaginative world that a child can make from an ordinary cardboard box. Set designer Douglas Paraschuk's stunning landscape of screens allows simple cardboard structures to transform into theatrical magic. The costume designs by Jennifer Goodman feature hints of the Edwardian period with modern touches, while the use of Wintercroft masks bring the magic of Narnia to life. Lighting design by Kevin Lamotte, projections by Cameron Davis and a soundscape and original music produced by Claudio Vena further manifests The Magician's Nephew's multiverse on the Festival Theatre stage. Mask and movement work by Alexis Milligan makes use of the creative force of the imagination and brings the animal inhabitants of Narnia into existence.

On stage at the Festival Theatre (10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from April 4 to October 13 (Media Premiere, May 9), including a relaxed performance on October 4 at 2 p.m.

Cast: (in alphabetical order)

Kyle Blair
Andrew Broderick
Starr Domingue
Deborah Hay
Patty Jamieson
Madelyn Kriese
Emily Lukasik
Matt Nethersole
David Andrew Reid
Vanessa Sears
Travis Seetoo
Jeremiah Sparks
Steven Sutcliffe
Michael Therriault
Jay Turvey Aslan
Ensemble
Cabbie's Wife
Jadis (White Witch)
Mother / Letty
Ensemble
Ensemble
Strawberry
Ensemble
Polly
Digory
Ensemble
Uncle Andrew
Cabbie
Ensemble

Creative & Production:

Tim Carroll
Michael O'Brien
Douglas Paraschuk
Jennifer Goodman
Kevin Lamotte
Cameron Davis
Claudio Vena
Alexis Milligan
Dora Tomassi
Théa Pel Director
Playwright
Set Designer
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Projection Designer
Music Director / Composer
Movement & Puppetry Direction
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

The Shaw Festival's 2018 season is on stage April 4 with a playbill that features The Magician's Nephew, Grand Hotel, Mythos: A Trilogy - Gods. Heroes. Men., The Hound of the Baskervilles, Stage Kiss, Of Marriage and Men: A Comedy Double-Bill, O'Flaherty V.C., Oh What a Lovely War, The Orchard (After Chekhov), The Baroness and the Pig, Henry V, Secret Theatre and A Christmas Carol (on stage November 14 - December 23).

Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express begins April 4. Patrons can choose to come for a day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. New this season: the Shaw Express will stay for two performances on some Saturdays - departing Toronto at 10 a.m. and leaving The Shaw at 11 p.m. Schedule is subject to change. Please confirm dates and times with the Shaw Festival Box Office. A ticket to a 2018 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.

For information on Creating The Magician's Nephew - A Pre-Show Workshop, or to purchase tickets for the 2018 Festival season and Shaw Express, please contact the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.

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