Most children and their parents are familiar with C.S. Lewis's beloved tale of four siblings in wartime England who venture through a coat-lined closet and are transported into another world: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
But what if, instead of merely reading or watching this story unfold, it was possible to experience the "deep magic" of Narnia by exploring its enchanting landscape firsthand? Kitsap Forest Theater's spring performance of Narnia extends to theatergoers this opportunity, as it has for decades through the performance of countless plays.
As director Jenny Estill explains, "I am convinced that if wardrobe doors to other worlds exist, they are somewhere in the stand of old growth forest that surrounds you right now."
Adapted for the stage by Jules Tasca with music by Thomas Tierney and lyrics by Ted Drachman, Narnia is brought to life by the Mountaineers Players on a tree-ringed stage, considered one of the oldest outdoor theaters in North America. Located a short 15-minute drive from the Bremerton ferry dock, the 20-acre property – owned by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated to outdoor education – is surrounded by a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve that represents some of the last virgin timber in Kitsap County.
The annual spring play, originally timed to coordinate with the blooming rhododendrons, has taken place on this site (except for a three-year hiatus during WWII) since 1923. Currently, two productions are staged each year, rain or shine. After Narnia finishes its run on Father's Day, June 16, the summer production of The Secret Garden will be performed from July 27 to Aug. 18.
Narnia offers its share of suspense and surprises. Acting performances of note include a chillingly malevolent White Witch, played by Jenny Dreessen, and her wolfish, skulking sidekick, played by David Cravens-O'Farrell, whose villainous laugh echoes long after the performance has ended. The children assigned to parts both large and small also lend to the performance a bright enthusiasm and a sense of wonderment that is both charming and contagious. From the moment Lucy Pevensie spots a lamppost deep in the forest or her brother, Edmund, tastes his first morsel of Turkish Delight, audience members realize they have been ushered to the threshold of a great adventure.
As an extension of its location, the stage feels all-encompassing rather than separate, crafted from the diversity and abundance of nature's elements: earth and stones; filtered sunshine (or rain, depending on the weather); leaves, fronds and branches; birdsongs; delicate pink-flowering wild rhododendrons; stage wings made of cedar bark and creeping moss. As the sun moves across the sky, the setting takes on somber notes or is suddenly brightened by a shaft of light.
The most challenging part of the theater experience for my 4-year-old daughter was waiting for the friendly volunteer assigned to gather tickets to pull aside the cord spanning the trail's entrance an hour before show time. From this point, it's a quarter-mile jaunt along a wooded path accompanied by storybook signs and homespun displays that elicit gasps of delight from both young and old who pass. Stuffed animals have been turned to "stone," a glass dish is filled with squares of enticing (though soap-carved) Turkish Delight, and a collection of whimsical windows and doors are strung as though from the air.
Abi Brittle, 10, from North Seattle, attended the performance with her mother and friends. She agrees that "the experience was such a fun adventure, like we were really going to Narnia … I also really liked that there were no lights and no set changes because we were all outside."
It's a good idea to read the story with children prior to viewing the show, which can lead to discussion about the "Blitz" in London during wartime or the darker moments in the story when swords clash or characters observe a tragic scene and are reduced to tears.
Deb Harrick considers this forest theater her home away from home, and for good reason: her husband, Tod, plays Mr. Beaver; her daughters Jasmine and Eliana are cast as Lucy and a puppy; and she scored the roles of the grouchy Mrs. Macready and a Zen-like eagle. The dynamic and tight-knit Seattle-area family is often together, sharing ferry rides, meals and sleeping quarters in a pitched tent under a blue tarp on Saturday evenings between weekend performances.
Harrick reflects that this experience has let her kids get to see their parents learn. "There have been times when I've felt truly honored to be sharing the stage with my family members," she explains. "As a parent, you feel tremendous respect for the work your children are doing because it's the same thing you are doing."
A quick perusal of the program shows that more than a few actors share a last name. Some participating families represent second or third generations of participation with the theater, though there are plenty of "single" actors too. The cast and crew often use the word "family" to describe what this community, and this legacy of togetherness passed on year after year, means to them. They are known to gather in the historic Kitsap Cabin for dinner, play games, hike or swim at nearby Wildcat Lake.
For Seattle-area families, this experience makes a great daytrip. Theatergoers can prolong the magic of Kitsap Forest Theater by taking a hike to "Big Tree," the second largest Douglas fir in Kitsap County. It's recommended that families with children either set out on the hike after the performance or begin the hike around 11 a.m., then return to the parking area and enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees. A shuttle to the theater for patrons who aren't able to navigate the trail's terrain departs at 1 p.m., when the trail leading to the theater is opened as well.
Though theatergoers are welcome to bring their own snacks and water bottles to the show, refreshments are also available before the show and during intermission (there are $2 hotdogs and $4 polish dogs, chips, candy, root beer and other drinks such as bottled water). Be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy and comfortable shoes for walking the trails. Seating is festival-style, and those who prefer not to sit directly on the terraced earth seats can bring their own cushion or stadium-style folding seat and blankets or rent a cushion at the theater for $2.
Narnia performances begin at 2 p.m. and run about two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. After the performance, everyone is invited "backstage" to meet the characters and check out props such as the White Witch's sleigh.
Photo credit: Lucy's (Jasmine Harrick) adventures in Narnia being when she meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus (Jim Welch), her first friend in Narnia. Photo by Jenny Estill.
IF YOU GO
Where: Kitsap Forest Theater, 3000 Seabeck Highway, Bremerton.
When: Remaining Narnia Shows: June 8, 9, 15 and 16. The Secret Garden will run July 27 and 28 and Aug. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. All shows begin at 2 p.m.; the trail to the theater opens at 1 p.m.
Cost: $16 for adults; $14 for students, seniors and military; $10 for youth ages 6 to 12; kids younger than 6 are free. Tickets purchased at the door are an additional $2. Credit cards can be used for tickets, but only cash or check is accepted for food and drinks.
Contact: 206-542-7815, www.foresttheater.com.
Transportation: Families traveling from the Seattle area have three options to reach the theater: the Seattle/Bremerton ferry, which loads from Pier 52; the Edmonds/Kingston ferry; or driving around via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (takes about 1 ½ hours from Seattle). Extra time should be allowed during the summer due to ferry lines (you can check wait times online). The spring schedule currently posts a 10 and 11:10 a.m. sailing time to Bremerton, which work out well for the show, with return times at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. Ferry fares depend on the number of passengers in each vehicle.
Julie Gunter is a Seattle-based freelance writer and a parent to two energetic and fun-loving daughters. She enjoys writing about interesting people and places near to home.
