“I am [in your world].’ said Aslan. ‘But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”

C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia

Who doesn’t remember the first time they read Narnia by CS Lewis? For me, it was on my daddy’s knee, and I remember being transported through the wardrobe into a magical world where animals talk and cruel witches rule and good overcomes evil in the most unexpected of ways. If you haven’t taken this magical journey, now is your chance!

Jefferson Street United Methodist Church’s Youth Group is performing their annual dinner theater today through Sunday. This year they are telling the story of “Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” In this story, 900 years have passed since Aslan created the land of Narnia and the banished White Witch has returned and established her evil rule. School children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, arrive through the wardrobe to find a land locked in Endless Winter. They meet up with talking creatures who have remained faithful followers of Aslan and, apart from Edmund, journey to join up with Aslan to battle against the Witch and her army. However, as a result of Edmund’s treachery, a high price must be paid before things can be set right.

This is the epic tale of the human condition. In the journey of the children, we see ourselves, making mistakes and learning how to pay for them. We can all identify with the feelings of greed, anger, fear, and regret that play out in this story. We also learn about the love friends have for one another and the sacrifices we should all make for one another.

Starring in this year’s performance are Mary Catherine Carpenter as Mrs. Beaver, Trey Hand as Aslan, Maggie Kelly and Sarah Rodriguez as The White Witch, Anna Rodriguez as Lucy, Phillip Roberts as Edmund, Rachel Benoit as Susan, and Ty Hite as Peter.

Dinner starts at 6 p.m. today and Thursday, 7 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. It will include pork loin, green beans and potatoes, and apple cake . Tickets for adults are $16, $12 for 10-17 year olds, and tickets for children under 10 years old are $6. They can be purchased at the door, from any member of the Jefferson Street Youth, or from the church office (601-442-3795).

 

Linda Rodriguez teaches Latin, history, psychology and minority studies at Trinity Episcopal Day School.