Syracuse Stage Tackles ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

Prepare yourself, musical theater lovers, because the Syracuse Stage is about to put on its first musical of the 2011-2012 season, just in time for the holidays. While the stage isn’t showcasing a classic musical, like last year’s “Cabaret” or “Rent,” it is a classic story, with the musical element as an added twist.

“The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” is a classic book by C.S. Lewis and more recently has been adapted as a popular Disney movie. The book is part of a series called the “Chronicles of Narnia,” but let’s face it, no one ever read any of those.

Set in World War II England, four siblings find an entrance to a magical world in the back of a wardrobe (a closet, for us Americans). Of course, the siblings are faced with a wicked witch who they must fight with the help of a talking lion. Lewis must have had a hard time coming up with an original title for this one.

An Ode to Cabaret

The set. Beautiful.

The music. Beautiful.

The production. Beautiful.

It’s hard not to be biased when I write this review since there were maybe three people in the cast of Cabaret that I don’t know on a personal level. However, judging from the other comments I’ve overheard and the Post Standard review of the show, I’d say that my judgment is pretty accurate.

I was impressed by the talented vocals and downright stunned by the acting of many of the cast members. (I won’t give anything away, but parts of this show will leave you in awe and reflecting for days). I’d have to say that the highlight of this show was unquestionably the Emcee, Chris Dwan. He brilliantly embodied this classically androgynous Master of Ceremonies, making him likeable and evoking empathy from the audience. That being said, everyone was fantastic, and I’m so proud of all of my friends who are in this show.

To sum up, you don’t have much time left. Go see this show RIGHT NOW. You CANNOT miss it.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a video of Dwan’s performance, but I can show you one of my favorite actors in the entire world Raúl Esparza rocking this role.

Don’t you just want to marry his vocal chords? Well, back off, they’re mine.

~Amelia Bienstock