Someone very wise once said that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Not to make light of what we have gone through in the world these past 18 months, but that is truly what we tried to do at TCP. To make the best of an uncontrollable and unparalleled situation. This has been a very trying time for all theatre groups, but it has forced TCP into new directions. We have tried three new styles of performance this year to try to reach our loyal fan base and TCP family; beginning with two online based programs, and following those up with a completely new venture into a series of two person plays, all rehearsing and running at the same time. There were many times this past Spring where we were faced with difficult choices, when the reality of the situation around us put the future of this project into peril. I am proud that we pushed through those moments of uncertainty and that we made it here today to present you with five shows, five talented casts, and five incredible creative teams.

At TCP, we do try to make creative and structural decisions that help us to grow and learn as an organization. Some of this process of “Take Two”, has been to provide a mentor-ship opportunity; to train new talent in the areas of stage management, and direction. I can say wholeheartedly that this has been a tremendous success as I watch and witness growth and accomplishment in real time. These directors and stage managers alongside a veteran production team have put together beautiful shows, all different in their own right. This has been an investment in the future of TCP. And you, our audiences will be able to reap the rewards. Sit back and enjoy…and I’m sorry you can’t have any chocolate covered pretzels, or a glass of wine in your hands. But I personally promise that when we can meet again without any restrictions, masks, or socially distanced rules, you will all get a glass of lemonade on me. Thanks for the continued support!

Danielle Guistini-Crouse
Artistic Director,
The Community Players of New Hamburg

Magic. Wonder. Adventure. Possibility. 

These are the words that come to mind when I think of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia stories.  

Although my very favourite books growing up were The Lord of the Rings and other tales from Middle-Earth written by Lewis’ good friend J.R.R. Tolkien, the Narnia series were easily a close second, and Lewis’ created something very different and very special.  While Tolkien crafted a mythology made up of inspirational tales of great and small heroes from long ago, the Narnia stories were aspirational, declaring that we ourselves, at any moment, could be swept into an epic adventure of our own.  I’ve certainly checked the back of more than a few wardrobes in hopes of finding my way to Narnia.  

Although written over 70 years ago, the lessons found in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe seem particularly timely for the world we live in today.  Lucy reminds us to always keep exploring and to never lose our sense of wonder and joy.  Peter reminds us to step up and protect others, and to be brave in the face of uncertainty.  Mr. Tumnus teaches us that even if you start down the wrong path, you can always choose to do the right thing.  Mr. Beaver teaches us to hold onto hope, even when all seems lost.  The White Witch reveals the corruptive influence of power.  Edmund shows us that there is a path to redemption for everyone.  And the great Aslan himself teaches us the importance of loving others sacrificially, echoing the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Each one brings something for us to learn, and you may even see yourself reflected in characters at different points in the story as we journey through Narnia together.

Countless children (and adults) have visited Narnia since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950, through books, radio, stage, television, and film.  Regardless of where and when your journey into Narnia began, I hope that today’s show will take you back to the wide-eyed wonder of childhood and your first time through the wardrobe, and that you will remember that at a moment’s notice, you may indeed be called to an adventure of your own.  

In fact, whether you realize it or not, you’re actually on an adventure right now!  Most call this adventure “life”.  So as our time together ends today and we head past the lamppost, through the trees, out of the wardrobe, and back into our everyday lives, take a look around, and be ready for what magic you may find right around the corner.  And if you are sharing today’s show with one of the little people in your life, remember to take time to look at the world through their eyes, and hear what they have to say. As Lucy’s role in our story demonstrates, children have more to teach us than we sometimes realize.

I am so proud of the countless hours of work, talent, and sense of fun that Kerri and Jared have brought to the rehearsal process in order to bring these characters to life on stage, and immensely grateful to the amazing team working tirelessly behind the scenes who have created the magic that will come to life right before your eyes today.

Welcome to Narnia!  Are you ready for an adventure?

Aaron Balzer, 
Director
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

An entertaining and innovative treatment of the classic C.S. Lewis story. The heroic tale of love, faith, courage and giving; the life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of the triumph of good over evil has enthralled audiences of all ages.

Runtime 45 minutes