The Magician's Nephew Program

Est. 1991

C.S. Lewis' the MAGI C nephewIANS

SEASON

the MAGI C nephewIANS

C.S. Lewis'

SPONSOR: PRODUCTION SPONSOR: REHEARSAL

Adapted by Michael O'Brien and Tim Carroll

NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 16-19, 2022 @ 7:30 PM

MATINEES: NOV 12 & 19 @ 2:00 PM

STUDENT MATINEE: NOV 15 @ 11:00 AM

Time & Place: London, 1900 & Narnia, at the beginning

Running Time: Approx. 120 minutes plus one, 20-minute intermission

FEATURING

Aslan Andrew Abrahams

Dream Detective/Boy Zachary Born

Dream Detective/ Mother/Letty Tamara Charman

Dream Detective/Helen Genevieve Dougan

Digory Rebecca Dougan Jadis Karis Duncalfe

Dream Detective/Girl Makenna Marples

Uncle Andrew Marcus Miller Cabbie Brady Moore

Director

Gabe Kirkley

Fight Choreographer Stephen Elcheschen

Dance Choreographer Paige Fraser

Stage Manager Nelly Fargeon

Set Designer Jeff Kiers

Costume, Hair & Make-Up Designer Jenn Mamchur

Polly Shana Pierce

Dream Detective Alyssa Strauss

Dream Detective Julie Tam

Dream Detective/ Strawberry/Fledge Sarah Green

Lighting Designer Ken Hildebrandt

Sound & Projection Designer

Gabe Kirkley Props Designer Dianna Lewis

Concessions available in the lobby. You are welcome to bring these items back to your seats to enjoy during the performance. Please place a lid on coffee cups and open cans and packaging prior to the performance.

PLEASE turn CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES off before showtime

• Please remain seated during the performance

• Please save the discussion and talking until intermission

• Videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

• Children under 3 unfortunately cannot be admitted into the theatre.

• Out of respect for your fellow audience members, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances while at the theatre.

Land Acknowledgement

facebook.com/ gallery7theatre twitter.com/ gallery7theatre instagram.com/ gallery7theatre youtube.com/ gallery7theatre

Gallery 7 Theatre’s mandate is to share stories that explore the relational, social, and spiritual aspects of the human experience with a vision towards hope, reconciliation, and redemption. In that spirit, we’d like to acknowledge we carry on our artistic endeavors on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sto:Lo people, Sema:th First Nation and Mathxwi First Nation and we are thankful for this opportunity. May there be healing and peace as we seek to build a stronger, respectful, and more unified community together.

The Magician’s Nephew was commissioned and first performed by the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON in 2018, directed by Tim Carroll. The Magician’s Nephew is produced by arrangement with Kensington Literary Representation, 34 St. Andrew Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1K6, kensingtonlit@rogers.com

Director’s Notes

Like many of you, I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia. We all loved the idea of wandering through a wardrobe or falling into a picture frame - or putting on rings made of faerie dust - and finding ourselves in a magical land where animals could talk, children could be heroes, and Good would always, somehow prevail. It’s been such a privilege to bring that world to life.

Despite being a prequel, The Magician’s Nephew was the last book finished and the secondto-last book published of the Narnia series. It seems to have been the most challenging for C.S. Lewis to write—it took nearly five years to complete from 1949-1954. The story features many autobiographical parallels with his own life: both he and Digory were children in the first decade of the 20th century, both were separated from their parents, and both were faced with the death of their mother at a very young age. Lewis’ mother died of cancer in 1908 when he was just 10 years old. Keep that in mind as you watch today.

Consequently, I believe The Magician’s Nephew is the most mature of all the Narnia stories. It has the epic Good vs Evil struggle of the others and strong parallels to Genesis, but, at its core, it’s about grief, friendship, forgiveness, redemption, and the responsibility we have to our friends, to all living creatures, and to God’s creation. We have a responsibility to protect what has been given to us, including each other.

I loved this script when I saw it at the Shaw Festival back in 2018 as much as I loved reading the novel as a child. My hope is that we’re making so much “theatre magic” that we make some real magic for you along the way. I also hope it brings light and joy to your inner child and all the children in the audience today.

Enjoy!

Greetings from the Artistic Director

Welcome to the first mainstage production of our ‘Happy 30(+2) Birthday’ season here at Gallery 7 Theatre. We’re particularly excited to be the first company outside of the Shaw Festival to produce this exciting new adaption of C.S. Lewis’ magical tale, written by Canadian playwrights, Michael O’Brien and Tim Carroll. The Magician’s Nephew was always to be a part of our 30th anniversary season, and while the wait was longer than anticipated, it has certainly been worth it.

The Magician’s Nephew is pure Gallery 7 Theatre material: it’s a classic tale of Good vs. Evil, of community and relationship, and of faith and spirituality. Like all plays, it also celebrates the imagination, fosters a spirit of exploration, and arouses a sense of wonder and curiosity. Plus, it’s wonderfully theatrical. What a perfect fit for a celebration of 30+ years of theatre-making here in Abbotsford.

Gallery 7 Theatre’s beginnings were quite humble. A group of 7 individuals with an interest in drama gathered in the basement of the Ebenezer Mennonite Church, and without knowing what the future would hold, formed a theatre troupe with a mission to perform plays with a particular focus on faith and spirituality. In the following decades, this theatre has grown and expanded so much.

While the people and venues have changed, our main mission has not: to produce entertaining and thought-provoking theatre that explores the spiritual, relational, and social aspects of the human experience with a vision towards hope, reconciliation and redemption.

Over the years, our goal has been to engage the community with meaningful theatre with heart, soul and mind content that contributes to our spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social health. It’s been a wild ride, filled with many joys, trials and everything in between. I am grateful to be a part of this journey, and I am thankful to our Creator for carrying us through these many years. It is truly a privilege to be part of building this organization with so many passionate and dedicated artists, volunteers, staff, board members, sponsors, and donors. In the end, though, we could and would not do this if we didn’t have you, our valued audience, attending our shows. Thank you so much for joining us today, and for celebrating with us our 30(+2) birthday.

Curtain Up!

Greetings

from

the Gallery 7 Theatre Board President

Hello, fellow theatre goers! On behalf of the Board of Directors for Gallery 7 Theatre, I would like to welcome you to the 2nd-ever live production of this adaption of The Magician’s Nephew. Whether you’re familiar with C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia book series, or a newcomer to his fantastical tales, you’re sure to have a fun time.

If you aren’t aware, our AGM was held last month, and we’ve added several new members to our Board. We’ve hit the ground running on our Strategic Plan for the fiscal year and we’re looking

forward to growth internally as a non-profit society and externally for our sponsors, members, and ticketholders alike. If you aren’t already a member or a sponsor, consider reaching out to learn more about us. Gallery 7 Theatre has been around for over three decades and counting - our steady growth over that time hasn’t been possible without you, so thank you for coming and enjoy the show!

Andrew Abrahams (Aslan) Andrew has performed in over 40 theatre productions. His past performances include Charlie in The Foreigner, CS Lewis in Shadowlands, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. He has not performed for Gallery 7 Theatre over the past few years but is now glad to be back and performing in The Magician’s Nephew

Zachary Born (Dream Detective/Boy) Zachary is thrilled to perform in this year’s production, The Magicians Nephew! It’s his first time ever performing with Gallery 7 Theatre and he has enjoyed every moment. His previous theatre comes from performing with Xtreme Theatre and School drama productions.

Tamara Charman (Dream Detective/Mother/ Letty) Tamara has been doing productions with G7 since 2007, most recently appearing as Esther in A New Normal in 2021. Tamara is thrilled to be a part of The Magician’s Nephew and thanks Gabe Kirkley and Ken Hildebrandt for the opportunity. Enjoy the play!

Genevieve Dougan (Dream Detective/Helen) Genevieve couldn’t be more excited to perform her first show with Gallery 7 Theatre! She is so thankful to the cast and directing team for making it so memorable. Genevieve has performed with various other theatre companies in shows such as Mary Poppins, We Will Rock You, and Tarzan

Rebecca Dougan (Digory) Rebecca is honoured to be performing for you today! Past Gallery 7 Theatre credits include Around the World in 80 Days (Swing), Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee), and Reflections (Jesse). Thank you to Gabe and the crew for all your dedication and hard work to make this show a success!

Karis Duncalfe (Jadis) As a kid, Karis’ dad introduced her to Narnia, and she’s obsessed. She has a Narnia tattoo and played Jadis in her high school production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Since cast, she’s gotten engaged to her best friend (and co-villain), Marcus Miller!

Sarah Green (Dream Detective/Strawberry/ Fledge) Sarah is a UFV Theatre Alumni and recently directed a compilation for the Abby Theatre Festival as well as another piece for the Harrison Festival and the UFV Directors showcase. In 2021, she played Helen in A New Normal (G7) and has been on stage, backstage,

and part of the production team for 20+ Gallery 7 Theatre shows since its inception so many years ago. Sarah is delighted to be playing Strawberry/ Fledge as well a Dream Detective for this energetic and engaging production that takes viewers back to the inception of Narnia.

Makenna Marples (Dream Detective/Girl) Makenna is a high school student who discovered the stage when she was 9 years old and has been in love with theatre ever since. She has performed with Abbotsford Children’s Theatre for six years in shows such as A Christmas Carol, Anne of Green Gables, and Beauty and the Beast. This is her first show with Gallery 7 Theatre and she is very excited to help bring The Magician’s Nephew to life.

Marcus Miller (Uncle Andrew) Having loved theatre and the world of Narnia since childhood, it’s been an incredible joy for Marcus to bring Uncle Andrew to life. An even greater privilege is getting to perform alongside his darling fiancé, Karis, who encouraged him to return to theatre in the first place!

Brady Moore (Cabbie) Brady is an award-winning actor and in this show, he’s very happy about both of those facts. He has been in many Gallery 7 Theatre shows, but he is a male and in theatre so don’t be too impressed. Lastly, he hopes you enjoy the show.

Shana Pierce (Polly) This is Shana’s first Gallery 7 Theatre production and she is so excited to be involved! Shana is thrilled to play Polly and hopes everyone enjoys the show. Her previous productions include New Words New Works, Narnia: The Musical, and Anne of Green Gables: The Musical.

Alyssa Strauss (Dream Detective) Alyssa is excited to be involved in her first-ever stage production. She thanks the cast and crew for all they taught her through this experience and thanks Gabe for giving her the opportunity to help bring this story to life.

Julie Tam (Dream Detective) Julie is excited to be acting in her first play with Gallery 7 Theatre. Last year, she starred as Ariel in her school’s production of The Little Mermaid. It was during this production that her love of acting, singing and performing was born!

Pat Davis (ASM - Costumes) Pat has no need to say that she has missed her G7 family these last two years. She is glad to get back to the full shows people are used to from this amazing theatre group. Once again, she is backstage taking care of the talented actors and their costumes.

Stephen Elcheschen (Fight Choreographer) As one of the founding producers of Shadows And Dreams Theatre Co, Stephen can be found in the bandshell at Queen’s Park every summer in better times showing off his Shakespeare. Recent roles include Rev. Teller in Cariboo Magi (Far From The Tree) and Arthur, Sir Bors, and half the other characters in Spamalot (White Rock). When not on stage, he is often called upon as a Fight Choreographer, recently having worked on Ghost of a Chance (RCTC), Holy Mo and Spew Boy (Gallery 7 Theatre), and We Are The Body (Pacific Theatre).

Nelly Fargeon (Stage Manager) Nelly has been working with Gallery 7 in multiple behind-thescenes roles for several years now but especially loves the challenge of stage managing. She would like to thank the cast and crew of the show for all their efforts and for making her laugh and smile throughout the entire process. She also extends a huge thanks to the staff at Gallery 7 Theatre for their patience and tireless work, and all you patrons out there for helping to keep theatre alive! Finally, shout out to all my students and staff at ASIA North Poplar for supporting me on this wild adventure.

Ken Hildebrandt (Artistic Director/Lighting Designer) Ken is the founding Executive/Artistic Director of Gallery 7 Theatre. In addition to managing the organization, Ken occasionally directs, acts, or does lighting design. Select lighting design credits include Hamlet (UFV), The Fantasticks, Mary’s Wedding, Pride and Prejudice, Last Train to Nibroc and This Wonderful Life. When not doing theatre, Ken enjoys announcing at air shows, going to the movies, and relaxing at home with friends or video games.

Jeff Kiers (Set Designer) Jeff graduated from Redeemer University with a double major in Theatre Arts and Mathematics. He spent the following 25 years teaching math and drama in local Christian high schools. Jeff has produced and directed 29 shows including Goodrich’s The Diary of Anne Frank, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

This is the fourth set Jeff has designed for Gallery 7 Theatre. It is his hope that the set design will guide you as you experience the magic Narnia.

Gabe Kirkley (Director) Gabe is thrilled to be directing this production of The Magician’s Nephew. He previously directed The Little Prince (G7), Dinner With Friends (TIC, co-directed with Thomas Smith), Frank Amends/A Number on the Roman Calendar (G7 One-Act Festival), Peter Fechter: 59 Minutes (UFV), and The Dumb Waiter (UFV). He also assistantdirected Miss Somewhere (CPG) and has acted in or designed for a bunch of shows at G7 and elsewhere. He’d like to thank the cast, designers & crew, especially Nelly and Michelle; Paige and Sephi for their infinite support; and all of you for coming!

Dianna Lewis (Props Designer) Dianna is back at G7 for another season of fun! Being creative has always been a part of Dianna’s life. She’s been a professional photographer for over 30 years and enjoys the challenge of capturing live theatre action. She has worked as a prop designer for ages and likes the satisfaction of seeing ideas and sweat come to life on stage.

Andrew Potts (Construction Manager) Andrew has built sets for Gallery 7 Theatre since 2017. He is known as “Uncle Andrew” to a few people and is not sure how he feels about that. Enjoy the magic!

Michelle Potts (Assistant Stage Manager) Michelle has been involved with G7 for over 20 years. With her multitude of talents, she has been an actor, assistant stage manager, backstage runner, concessions helper and usher. Michelle thanks her family for their support, as well as her best friend, the stage manager.

Production Team

Assistant Stage Managers // Michelle Potts, Pat Davis

Running Crew // Mira Green, Ruth Green, Phoebe King

Lighting Operator // Mark Stevens Sound Operator // Chris Williams

Hair & Make-Up Assistant // Brenna Tinworth

Livestream Technician // Aaron Dawson

Head of Construction // Andrew Potts

Construction Assistants // Karen Street, Linda Scenic Painters // Jeff Kiers, Mikayla Kiers, Mackenzie Markwart, Mike Neudorf House Managers // Linda Funk, Louise Reimer

Discussion Guide Editor // Angelika Dawson

Program Layout & Design // Justin Keitch, Ignite Creative

Gallery 7 Theatre Staff

Executive & Artistic Director // Ken Hildebrandt

Theatre Administrator // Amaris Henri

Theatre Administrator (on Mat leave) // Mikayla Froese Production Manager // Charlene Crawford Marketing Associate & Webmaster // Gabe Kirkley Bookkeeper // Marion Witoszkin

Front of House Coordinator // Amaris Henry

Front of House Coordinator // Jenn Suess (on sabbatical)

Head of Properties & Company Photographer // Dianna Lewis Graphic Designer // Justin Keitch, Ignite Creative

Gallery 7 Theatre Board of Directors

Matt Forster // President Alison Chisholm // Secretary Ryan Boese // Vice President Rudy Ouwehand // Treasurer Russel Reitsema, Raymond Robyn, Fran Vanderpol // Directors at Large

Acknowledgements

Gallery 7 Theatre extends a HUGE thank-you to all our volunteers for their hard work, dedication and support. Without them, this theatre would not succeed! We would also like to thank the following for their contribution to this production:

Abbotsford International Airshow Society – Jim Reith, Dave Reith & Sandra Bater // RCTC // SAMC Theatre // ASIA - North Poplar

If you would like to volunteer or contribute to our productions, please contact us at 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

The individuals listed below are heroes of Gallery 7 Theatre. They have contributed some of their hard-earned cash to help us navigate through an incredibly challenging time and to help us continue creating entertaining theatre that stirs the heart, challenges the mind and elevates the soul. Thank you! Every effort has been made to make this list as accurate as possible but if you see an error or omission, please let us know at 604. 504.5940 or at info@gallery7theatre.com so we can correct things. Our donors are very important to us!

Family Gallery ($1 - $99)

Faye Naples

Shirley Funnell

Cheryl Mulder

Cornelius and Christine DeRuiter

Jill McGrath

Shawn Brynelson

Jocelyn Phillipps

Sandy Petrica

Sarah Cherry

Jenny Vnderheide Anonymous

Judith Doyharcabal

Natalie Hoogstra

Patricia Davis Leone Hopwood Linda McRae

Jacquelin Goudal Neelam Mann Scott Sampson David Smith Maria Denholme

Patron’s Gallery ($100 - $249)

John Crawford

Gordon and Frances Bates Cindy Coles

Ardis Janzen

Lando Klassen

Gareth and Cynthia Brandt Laura Kehler Dorothea McCallum Susan Cuthbert

Harold and Carolyn Krahn Tamara Charman

James and Margaret Reith Robert Boughen Elizabeth Winn Janette Thiessen

Bruce McLaughlin Anonymous Nora and Lloyd Arnett United Way Ontario

Actor’s Gallery ($250 - $499)

Rudy and MaryAnna Ouwehand Louise Oppel Ken Hildebrandt Elizabeth Doerksen

Director’s Gallery ($500 - $999)

Karen Vandongen Anonymous

Producer’s Gallery ($1,000 - $4,999)

Doris Darvasi John and Angelika Dawson

Artistic Director’s Gallery ($5000 +)

You can be a hero of Gallery 7 Theatre too! All donations above $10 will receive a tax deductible receipt. Make a one-time contribution or set up a monthly donation program. Every contribution, big or small, is a HUGE help to us. Give us a call at 604-504-5940 or go to www.gallery7theatre.com to make your donation today!