Theatre Discovery brings story to stage

NORWALK — Area students filled the seats at the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center last week as Norwalk Arts Center's Theatre Discovery program presented "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." The performance, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, was staged by Spark Theatre4Youth, an educational theater company from Lorain County. The program serves fifth- and sixth-grade students from public, parochial and home-school groups across the area, according to a news release. The Theatre Discovery series is supported by the Norwalk Lions Club and Norwalk Kiwanis. Organizers bring in three productions each year, each paired with a study guide designed to meet state standards and provide classroom activities tied to the show. MaryLisa Boose, Theatre Discovery coordinator and Norwalk Arts Center volunteer, said weather issues affected attendance for some schools. "We were disappointed that the fog delay caused some schools to miss the program," Boose said. "We offered to delay our second showing of the production until 11:30, but several schools were unable to adjust their schedules." Boose said students who attended took part in a question-and-answer session with the actors following the performance. "We also thank Norwalk High School and Robyn Rogers for letting us use the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center since our temporary headquarters in uptown Norwalk isn't large enough for this program," she said. The production featured two actors performing multiple roles. Mike Frye, of Cleveland, portrayed Peter, Edmund, Mr. Tumnus, Aslan and Mr. Beaver. Lorna Patterson, of Mentor, played Lucy and the White Witch. Rosie Bresson, of Lakewood, served as stage manager. The group concluded its run in Norwalk after several weeks of performances across northeastern Ohio. Sandra Wilson, a fifth-grade teacher at Edison Middle School, said students responded well to the format. "One young lady commented that she liked how funny it was," Wilson said. "Another student couldn't stop talking about how she liked that it was only two people instead of a full cast. She also said that she liked how they spoke outside the circle and explained from their point of view." The final Theatre Discovery program for the school year is scheduled for May 8 with performances of "Stuart Little" for first- and second-grade students. Shows are set for 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. at Norwalk High School's performing arts center. Registration is available by contacting Boose at 419-706-4104 or mlboose22@gmail.com.