When Cara Alexander was a child, her mother, Mary Alexander, would often read C.S. Lewis' classic novel, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," aloud to her.
The mother and daughter followed the book's four siblings through a wardrobe and stumbled in amazement upon the magical world of Narnia. Glued to the tale of good versus evil, they learned about the wicked White Witch's plan to keep Narnia in her possession and end the reign of the honest, strong lion, Aslan. They watched Edmund's temptation by the White Witch, helped fight off wolves with Peter, and witnessed Aslan's resurrection with sisters Susan and Lucy.
Now, Cara and Mary can bring the storybook characters to life on stage as they co-direct Stained Glass Theatre's presentation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." The shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today and Friday, then 2 p.m. Saturday, and running through Aug. 5.
"It truly is a beautiful story," Mary said. "Cara started off with organizing the auditions and early directing while I was in Australia for six months. Now that I'm back, we are doing it together. It has been such an extra special experience."
Mary relived the timeless story 10 years ago, directing the same dramatic version by Joseph Robinette for Stained Glass Theatre. She loves the adaptation of C.S. Lewis' original story, but she wanted to make sure it wasn't the same show local audiences had seen before.
"We had a different set idea, and we've gone a whole different direction with costumes," she said. "The story remains unchanged. Lovers of C.S. Lewis, specifically 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' won't be disappointed."
The cast of 28 actors is a healthy mix of adults and children. Stage veterans Nathan and Melissa Ortega play two of the main Narnia characters, Aslan and the White Witch. Maria Brown is new to the stage and is capturing one of the main characters, Lucy, wonderfully, Mary said.
"She was just meant to play (Lucy)," Mary added. "We have veteran actors who have been involved in Capital City Players and The Little Theatre, and others who just came out because it is Narnia. The gentleman who is playing Father Christmas (Randall Howard) came down from Sedalia to be in the production."
There's also about a dozen individuals working backstage and on the crew, assisting with the many sets, lighting and more.
"It is a big production," she said. "We have a lot of people involved, which is exciting. That volunteer spirit in Jefferson City is amazing. While auditions were taking place in the lobby for the next show, we were working on sets. People offered to help with painting, wanting to volunteer their time."
With approval from the directors, Mary said, the actors and crew were individually creative in thinking outside the box with their costumes, props and sets, enhancing the innovative vision of the Alexander family.
"Everyone has gone above and beyond, and it is just visually stunning," Mary said.
Jefferson City residents have already proven their love of Narnia, completely selling out tonight's opening show.
First Assembly of Jefferson City and Concord Baptist Church are main sponsors for "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."
Tickets are $9 for all remaining shows. Ticket reservations are strongly encouraged.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call 573-634-5313 or visit SGTMidMo.org.