Overlake Christian Church presents an original ‘Prince Caspian’

With the release of the big screen version of “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” only a few weeks away, fans might want to consider getting in a “warm-up” by going to see an original production at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond.

The original production is written and directed by Redmond residents Melinda and Rick Tyler, adapted with permission from the C.S. Lewis Co.

Aslan will be played by Redmond resident Grant Goodeve of “Northwest Backroads” and “Eight is Enough.” The art director and set designer is Sammamish resident Lynnea Washburn, a former SAMMI Award winner.

The process started in 2005 when some of the same ensemble put on a production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Now, they’re thrilled to be back together hard at work on a new piece.

“Our friend who played Lucy (Virginia Jordan) battled leukemia in 2006, and I’m thankful to say that she has come through treatment,” Director Melinda Tyler said. “It originally started as a way to bring the children back together again and look forward to doing another production with our friend who played Lucy.”

The group has been rehearsing since the end of January, and has faced scheduling challenges with the students’ differing break schedules.

Tyler said she’s most excited about being back together with the former cast and crew, sharing C.S. Lewis’ allegories and giving the young members a chance to further their experience.

“It’s just such fun to not only share it with our audience but also give the kids in our cast this opportunity for good theater,” she said.

Sammamish resident and Eastlake sophomore Brian James, who plays Peter, said he heard about the first production through a drama class at school. He was thrilled to be selected for the role of Peter, and is excited to be back, he said.

“I’m glad I was able to do that because it’s fun,” said Brian, 16. “I like the atmosphere. It’s serious but at times can be fun as well.”

His favorite part is the fight scene between himself and King Miras, played by Redmond resident Evan Christiansen. Brian and Evan are doing their own choreography, which has been a fun challenge, Brian said.

“We’re putting a lot of work into that,” he said. “All the hard work really makes it pay off at the end.”

The play will run at 7 p.m. May 1 and 2, at 5 and 8 p.m., on May 3 and at 7 p.m., on May 5 at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond. Tickets are $7.50 for general admission, and are available by calling the church at 425-702-0303.

In addition to those already listed, local crew members include:

Producer Dave Morgan of Redmond

Producer Sue Tag of Kirkland

Costume director and designer Lesley McCartney of Redmond

Music director and composer Traci Snaring of Redmond

Make-up designer Sherrill Taylor of Redmond

Photographer Denise Shaffer of Redmond

Stage manager Olivia Christensen of Redmond

Part of Susan played by MacKenzie Brown of Sammamish

Part of Edmund played by Nick Hayward of Redmond

Part of Prince Caspian played by David Tyler of Redmond

Part of Professor Cornelia played by Caitlin Snaring of Redmond

Part of Trumpkin played by Court Captain of Sammamish

Part of Trufflehunter played by Martin Lammers of Sammamish

Part of Sopespian played by Henry Mark of Kirkland

Part of Bulgy Bear played by Sam Hayward of Redmond

Part of Patterwig played by Julie Grimm of Bellevue

Part of Camillo played by Rebekah Tag of Kirkland

Part of a Narnian soldier played by Daniel Grimm of Bellevue

Part of a Naiad played by Melissa Grimm of Bellevue

Part of a river-person played by Kyli Lora of Issaquah

Part of a Telmarine villager played by Elizabeth Kumbera and Kristen Kumbera of Bellevue

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