This story was produced by the OC Theatre Guild as part of a community media partnership with Culture OC. It was written and edited independently by the Guild’s selected contributors. This collaboration supports our effort to celebrate and amplify the vibrant arts and culture scene in Orange County.

‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’ at Alchemy Theatre Company — From Left, Vihaan Sammi, Madeleine Claire Colburn, Sam Aguirre, Maria Wang and Emma Hanson. Photo courtesy of Katelyn Abaya

By OC Theatre Guild

September 2, 2026

Written for OC Theatre Guild by Shannon Cudd

Alchemy Theatre Company

‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’

When: September 4-27, 2026

Where: Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center, 4802 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda

More Info: (909) 896-0676, AlchemyTheatre.com

Growing up isn’t easy, especially when the fate of Narnia, a magical alternate universe, is at stake. This is the very predicament the four Pevensie siblings find themselves in while staying in the countryside.

Bibliophiles will recognize the central conflict of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Since their performance space is located right next to the Yorba Linda Library, Alchemy Theatre Company is proud to bring this beloved book from the page to the stage. Both director Kathleen Switzer and producer Hannah Schill fondly remember reading it during their formative years. Switzer has even directed a previous production.

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Schill is excited “to be able to reinvigorate it for a new generation while also hopefully pulling on the nostalgia” for longtime fans.

Switzer, a high school theater teacher, normally either takes a break from directing during the summer months or flexes her own acting muscles. “Wardrobe” was just too good an opportunity to pass up.

“I think it is a gateway show for young kids who haven’t seen theater because it’s not super long and there’s just so much magic in it. It just was something that I was really drawn to,” she explained.

Switzer is inspired by the literary origins of the story.

“I am leaning heavily into the idea that books have this power to sort of transport you to another world.” she explained.

Alchemy is even teaming up with the library to promote literacy during this production.

While kids can enjoy this show from the audience, some are taking the stage instead. So many talented young actors showed up to auditions that Switzer and Schill found ways to give more opportunities.

“The level of talent that we had in terms of children coming out was really astounding,” Schill gushed. “So we ended up with seven kids in the show that only needed four because we had such an amazing turnout.”

These kid actors, their adult counterparts and the whole creative team are working hard to create the fantastical world of Narnia. There will be talking animals, magical elements and stylized movements. Loralee Barlow Boyes and Andrea Birkholm are designing playful costumes. Campbell Hicks will set the mood with her lighting design. Original music is also being created by David Chorley.

Oh, and let’s not forget Sean Arnold’s puppets. The character Aslan will be voiced by one actor while two others work the puppet.

This production is not just for kids but anyone who needs a little joy and whimsy in their life. Alchemy has mastered the art of creating intricate worlds through impressive set pieces despite the limitations of not having a permanent space. Set designer Liz Doubrovsky and set builder Jim Lowe know how to make it work. The sets are built in Lowe’s backyard and carefully moved into the Virginia De Land Theater at the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center.

“Wardrobe” reminds adults and children alike that despite the convenience of modern technology, imagination is an important tool for everyone.

“People don’t have to use their imagination as much anymore,” Switzer stated. “Everything that they need an answer to, they can literally open up their phone and ask ChatGPT. We’ve lost the willingness to lean into imagination and not be afraid to risk being vulnerable. This reminds us that having an imagination is a wonderful thing.”

The production also touches on themes of forgiveness and bravery through the four Pevensie siblings.

“Edmund was tempted. His ego got the best of him and he didn’t show humility and those are flaws. But a person can be flawed and still be a good person,” Switzer mused.

Even though it is not easy, his siblings and the rest of Narnia ultimately choose to forgive him, which is both mature and brave.

“As the older brother, Peter has to maintain and appear brave in the face of danger, even if maybe inside he’s trembling,” Switzer added.

Lucy believes in the power of Narnia, even before the rest of her siblings do. Susan is always responsible and not afraid to take a deeper look.

When the siblings arrive in Narnia, they are walking into an oppressed world where hope is scarce. Switzer sees the parallels to our current timeline. In both, there is the desire for something better.

“You’re walking into a world where there are some people who are willing to do anything to fight to make the world better for other people,” she stated.

“I think audiences should see this show because it is a beautiful and heartwarming reminder of what a world that is dark can look like with some hope. And because it is a reminder of the power of books to transport us to another world,” she added.

Schill agrees.

“Things are hard right now. The world around us is a trying and difficult place. Being able to step away for a little bit and come back to that whimsy and that joy of both childhood and fantasy is just such a nice reprieve from everything that could be going on around you in your personal life,” she concluded.