03/14/2026
From the grateful director:
I would like to begin by thanking you for taking time to come support live theatre. I realize there are so many things that pull for our time, money, and attention, yet the art of telling a story in person remains important. I would also like to thank the generosity of the members of Epworth Church for their support financially, spiritually, and in the Methodist tradition with lot of great food. Without that support none of this would be possible today.
I must thank this cast to whom has been an absolute treasure to get to know and work with, in my eyes they are all on top of Chaddy Lee Miller’s pyramid, that’s a joke they will understand and I mean it genuinely. The level of talent, dedication, bravery, and hard work these young people have put into this show is tremendous.
There have been many people behind the scenes that make this magic happen. June Galvin, Alan Lepard, Ronnie & Doug Gorsuch, Joe Lindsey, Sharon Grant, Payton Krueger, Erin Hart, Mike Siwajek, Stephanie Chamtcheu, Savanna Duncan, Lillian Huyghe, Lindsey Stanley, and Caitlin Slattery, thank you for your time and talent in helping me create something magical from an “idea I have”.
To my production team: Chad Stallsworth you have been more than a theatre game magician, teaching acting techniques in a fun way, you have become a dear friend, thank you. Pastor Liz Trigg your intentionality, organization, and support have been a gift. Caleb Schoesler, I have never met a young person who is more organized, problem solving, and hard-working, thank you for your dedication. Aidan Fisher, your encouragement and help making my vision come to life have been a true blessing. There are so many that have contributed and that I am grateful for but one that I must acknowledge is the wind beneath my wing, the incomparable Megan Lindsey, I could not imagine a better partner on this adventure. Thank you.
To my family, thank you for dealing with my constant absence, lack of cooked meals, and dog walking. I could not have done this without your patience, support, and love. I am blessed to have you.
Why did all these people dedicate so many resources and time to creating this play? I believe it’s because the lessons we learn from the stage simply connect a little differently and move us. The author, C.S. Lewis, wrote this story in England in the 1940’s during World War II after witnessing children with luggage tags pinned to them waiting for a train to escape to the countryside. These children had been sent by their families to live with strangers to flee the bombings in the city. Lewis wondered what would happen to these children and he dreamed up the story of Narnia for them to escape too.
In Narnia the children experience betrayal, courage, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Many of the themes of this story reflect my Christian beliefs and I believe most people’s belief in the adage of the Golden Rule to do unto others what you want done to you. Sadly, the themes of children being displaced, oppressed, and searching for hope remain present in our world today in 2026. The good news is that there is hope and we do have the ability to work together to create change, to empower good, and to let our lamppost shine light in this world.
Romans 12: 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
