Honey Pearl Productions brings The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to life

By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff

A new production company has joined Sandpoint’s theater scene in the form of Honey Pearl Productions, founded by husband-and-wife duo Connie and Stefan Kiehn. Its inaugural show, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, will begin a six-performance run on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater (300 N. First Ave.).

The Panida will host additional shows on Saturday, April 19 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 1 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m.

C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe follows the four Pevensie children, who are sent to the country to escape WWII and stumble upon a magical wardrobe with a portal to the land of Narnia. The beloved children’s tale of bravery, loyalty and love between siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter has remained popular since the novel’s release in 1950 and was adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette.

(From left to right): Siblings Lucy (Eliana Aispuro), Edmund (Rawlin Hale), Susan (Maylie Spohn) and Peter (Eli Norling) journey to Narnia for the first time. Photo by Tammy Hagen.

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has such broad appeal. Of course, Christians connect with its allegorical themes, but fantasy lovers of all backgrounds are drawn to its magic,” said Director Connie Kiehn.

“The story has remained popular for the same reason Christianity remains a viable religion. There is truth to the Christ story, whether you take it literally as Christians do or metaphorically the way someone more secular would,” she added. “The story has endured because it speaks to something timeless: the power of sacrificial love.”

The production has stayed as true to the original as possible — with the addition of a few choreographed musical elements — by using descriptions from the novel to inform the character design and by casting children in the major roles. The cast includes Eliana Aispuro as Lucy, Rawlin Hale as Edmund, Maylie Spohn as Susan and Eli Norling as Peter, all of whom are 14 or younger.

“There is also so much room for creativity for our production crew. We’ve incorporated giant puppets, vibrant sets, stunning costumes and beautifully crafted props,” said Kiehn.

Creatures like the unicorn, centaur and stag will be brought to life through full-scale, wearable puppets by Puppet Master Stefan Kiehn. Actors will also embody characters like Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Mr. Tumnus, using elaborate costumes and makeup by Costume Designer Vicki Turnbull and Makeup Designer Brittany Hagen.

“Our cast is incredibly talented — the audience is going to be amazed. But just as important are the behind-the-scenes elements,” Connie Kiehn said. “The costumes, lighting, set design, props — all of it comes together to create the magic of this show.”

Tickets are $25 at honeypearlproductions.com.