Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 5, 1994 TAG: 9405050146
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Other performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. General admission at the door is $3 ($1.50 for students).
The story is part of Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series of fantasy tales, set in Edwardian England. This adaptation takes place in a contemporary inner-city setting and the characters have been modernized as well.
"It won't be the typical 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,'" said Jason Gearhard, one of the student performers. "We kind of got tired of England."
Their previous production, based on Franz Kafka's story, "Metamorphosis," was set there, too.
In this adaptation, his fantasy land of Narnia has become a modern-day junkyard. Its animal characters have taken on new ethnic characteristics. The rat creatures get around on skateboards while a Nazi wolf rides a motorcycle.
The Father Christmas character has become an Andrew Dice Clay version of Santa Claus. The swords and shields with which he arms the children have become plumbing plungers and trash can lids.
Contemporary music from MTV and movie soundtracks ranging from "Hellraiser" to "Last of the Mohicans" provides more background for the story. "Everything has been screened for language and appropriateness," said Rhonda Welsh, drama teacher and director.
The Players originally planned this show for last spring, but school closings due to weather wrecked the rehearsal schedule.
"We waited a long time for this show," Welsh said. "I gave the students major free rein. They opted for a lot of contemporary music and some wild effects."
by CNB