For Narnia!

On Dec. 8, Evanston Dance Ensemble begins their annual holiday production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The Louis Theater at Northwestern University.

“We decided many years ago that we wanted to do an alternative story,” Assistant Director Christina Ernst says. “We wanted to do something besides The Nutcracker.”

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was adapted from the novel by C. S. Lewis. While the music, however, was all composed and produced by Steve Rashid. The production also uses all original, custom costumes to bring characters to life.

Unlike other performances the Evanston Dance Ensemble produces, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a story based on characters, while other shows are more theme based.

The performance includes ballet, modern and some jazz numbers in the show, depending on the role the dancer plays. The main character will mainly be dancing ballet.

Though the show will debut in winter, dancers have been preparing since August with auditions. “There are auditions for the company as a whole, then there are callbacks for specific shows in terms of roles,” senior Sidney Chuckas says

After the auditions the practice didn’t stop there. “Practice has been about 3 or 4 hours each rehearsal, mostly on saturdays,” sophomore Izzy Seeger says.

The show will feature 22 dancers from ETHS, brought to life with props and and projections. The projection in the show transform the stage without having so have a lot of sets.

“This show is more of a tradition, whereas other shows are more like, ‘this seems fun let’s do this,’” says Seegers. The show started in 2005 and was performed in 2006, but since then it has been performed every other year.

The production also allows students to grow with their performance. “It’s extremely rewarding doing something technically advanced, and to see all your hard work pay off,” Chuckas says.

The show’s storyline is relatable and easy to understand for all ages. The Evanston Dance Ensemble is also celebrating their 20year anniversary. For more information on where to get tickets visit https://www.communication.northwestern.edu/wirtz/special_events