Helpful Resources for Children and Those Who Care For Them

If you are looking for resources to help you talk to your child about recent tragedies, you might refer to some of these links contained in this blog. Mostly curated by our national Theater for Young Audiences organization, we are hopeful that this information might be helpful to our dear parents, community supporters and caregivers who have both the burden and the privilege of surrounding these precious young lives with love and support.

As Nelson Mandela said: 

“Let us reach out to the children. Let us do whatever we can to support their fight to rise above their pain and suffering….”

Sesame Street on Violence

Child Mind Institute – Helping Children Cope with Frightening News

What Can Parents Say to Children About School Shootings

 Fred Rogers: Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News

National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Helping Children with Traumatic Grief

Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters from SAMHSA

Critical Incident Stress Information Sheet from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation with signs and symptoms of stress

image credit: unsplash

Get to know Richard Quadri – director of 10 Seconds

How would you describe Richard?

Richard is a highly dedicated theatre artist, educator, and administrator. When he isn’t teaching, directing, or in staff meetings, he divides his time between his family, completing his master’s degree in educational leadership, and exploring and contributing to the Dallas arts community. Richard is a fierce advocate for students, teachers, and those who support them. He champions equity and equality in not only education, but all aspects of life, and he is fiercely passionate about the need for arts education.

Why do you like working with young people?

Youth perspectives are brimming with imaginative ideas and innovative ways of thinking. Half the time young people don’t even realize that they are being creative. As a children’s advocate and educator, it is my duty to help young people navigate their way to the highest level of creative freedom and expression they can achieve.

What strikes you most about this script?

The script’s sensitivity to questioning all elements of the given circumstances. Officer Kent, Jimi, and even Officer Leland could be singled out and have a great deal of blame placed upon them, but I believe that most fail to consider the unique perspectives of everyone involved. To quickly blame, we make snap judgments about each other, skipping any consideration of the circumstances context and the many variables leading up to the conflict. The script’s assertion that it takes more than 10 seconds to fully understand someone strikes me deeply.

What is your observation of young people as it relates to their views on social justice?

I’ve noticed that today’s younger generations are quite open-minded and accepting of people and cultures that are different from their own. There will always be those who follow in the footsteps of their parents and relatives, whether those ideals and beliefs are good or bad, but it appears that a growing number of young people are rejecting the dogmas of their older relatives in favor of forging their own paths and building their own identities. I find these young people incredibly impressive in their thinking.

What would you say to encourage adults to come see the show?

In what ways have you put yourself in the shoes of another? When was the last time you tried to understand another person’s point of view when you were at odds with them? The character flaw displayed in the now-famous “Karen” stereotype is that they never pause to consider the hardships the person they’re denigrating has or is currently enduring. A single goal occupies the mind of a Karen: getting exactly what they want. Anyone interested in experiencing what it’s like to acknowledge the presence of various points of view and truly explore the perspectives of other humans in their own lives should consider seeing this production.

The title of the play is 10 SECONDS.  Do you have an example of someone misjudging you in ten seconds that you are willing to share?

I am a six-foot-four African-American male member of the LGBTQIA+ community living in the United States. Misjudged is my middle name. I’m not interested in delving deeper into these moments.

Can you tell us about a time when you did the same to someone else? No.

What did both of the scenarios (in #5 and #6) teach you?

Human behaviors exist as a result of the circumstances of one’s life. Nearly eight billion lives are continuously colliding on this planet for better or worse. Perhaps things might go a bit more smoothly if we allow ourselves to walk in the shoes of another more often.

Would you share some of the techniques that you are employing to ensure the audience experiences all of the takeaways? 

With the resources we’ve been given, my objective is to make this as immersive of an experience as possible. The audience should perceive the world through Ray’s eyes. We hope that viewers are confronted with multiple perspectives as a result of Ray’s frequent asides and the connection he establishes with the audience, and that they leave with at least a sliver of the idea that judging a book by its cover is a very slippery slope, and that if we continue to champion ideas that allow society to impose stereotypes and judgment on others without making any attempts to see the world from their perspective, we may face disastrous consequences.

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Buy tickets now!

Recommended for audiences ages 13 and up

Ray and Jimi are Washington DC high school students who are navigating their young adult worlds. Ray tells the story of a day and the 10 seconds inside that day, that they will never forget. We see not only their perspectives, but also those of the police they encounter. The play provides opportunities for reflection and discussion.

Each performance will be followed by a talkback facilitated by Visions for Change’s Denise Lee and Thomas Collier and will feature helpful subject matter resources from law enforcement and area youth groups. This play was originally commissioned by Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD and was written by Miriam Gonzales. DCT’s play will be directed by Richard T. Quadri.

Partners: Dallas Children’s Theater, Dallas Police Department, Visions for Change

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ATTEND   |   LISTEN   |   LEARN
Be a part of the solution!

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At Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT), there is always something magical for you!

Inspired by the world-famous book series: The Chronicles of Narnia, we present THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, a play that will transport you to the fantastic world of an eternal winter without Christmas.

In this staging, you will experience a great adventure with Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy: four intrepid siblings who, with the help of Aslan, the True King, will face the White Witch to restore hope to the kingdom of Narnia.

After the long COVID shutdown, DCT is excited to return to the mainstage with a completely immersive show…where the action happens all around you!

This extraordinary play promises to give the viewer goosebumps on more than one occasion. Between endearing characters, an incomparable visual aesthetic, and moments of pure magic; you will create unforgettable memories with your family and the other kindred spirits that surround you.

At Dallas Children’s Theater, we strive to make each visit a unique experience for our children; we believe in the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and helping each child see themselves (and their vivid imaginations) represented in our productions. This production delivers on all accounts.

Come see THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE at Dallas Children’s Theater. A great adventure awaits…

Written by Carolina Gutierrez

Carolina Gutierrez has a degree in Communications from the Universidad Iberoamericana Leon. The native of Guanajuato, México, has experience in journalism, cultural management, and digital marketing. Above all else, the theater has been the passion that has guided her life, beginning at the age of thirteen, both on and behind the stage. Currently, she serves as an apprentice at the Dallas Children’s Theater.

Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM

Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

 

Jadis the White Witch

Jadis is an ancient being who has turned Narnia into a frigid and cold place – always winter, but never Christmas.

She is actually the sole survivor from another world named Charn, where she destroyed all life by uttering a magic spell known as the Deplorable Word. She found her way out of this world and into Narnia at the time of its creation in the prequel book, The Magician’s Nephew, and has been a danger ever since.

Jadis is powerful, manipulative, and absolutely ruthless. Alongside her servants the Dwarf, and Fenris Ulf, the White Witch is determined to continue Narnia’s Long Winter forever…Will they succeed?

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Sunday, April 16, 4:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM

Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

photo credit: Karen Almond

The Magic of the Wardrobe

Without the wardrobe, there wouldn’t be a story. But how did it end up in the Professor’s house?

That is a much longer story than what we can fit in a simple e-news, but we’ll give you a hint: Digory Kirk, or the Professor – as he’s called in the LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE – has been to Narnia before.

During his trip to Narnia in the prequel book, the Magician’s Nephew, he received a magic apple. After using the apple to cure his mother’s illness, he planted the core in his backyard. This apple would grow into a tall tree, which would later fall during a storm, and be made into a wardrobe by the Professor.

Of course, to the Professor, it is an ordinary wardrobe, but to Lucy, and later all the other Pevensie siblings…it still carries the magic of that apple from so long ago—the magic of Narnia.

In THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, they will all experience that magic firsthand…

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Join the Pevensies on this unforgettable adventure…

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Saturday, April 9, 1:30PM Saturday, April 9, 4:30PM Sunday, April 10, 1:30PM Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Sunday, April 16, 4:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM

Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

photo credit: Karen Almond

Join us in the wardrobe for a magical adventure…

MONALISA AMIDAR**

Mrs. Beaver

Monalisa Amidar is grateful to be back with DCT. Her previous DCT work includes Last Stop On Market Street. She recently performed in shows with Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey, IMPRINT Theatreworks, and Shakespeare Dallas. Monalisa holds a B.A. in Theater from Pepperdine University and an M.A. in Arts & Humanities from UT Dallas. She is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency. Monalisa dedicates this show to Phillip and their pets, Chum, Rock and Mr. Turts

 

MICAH JL BROOKS

Fenris Ulf, a wolf / The White Stag / Understudy

Micah JL Brooks is excited to make his long awaited DCT debut with this special show. His selected credits include Bright Star (Jimmy Ray Dobbs), Puffs (Cedric), Jack Frost (Boreas/ Father Winter), West Side Story (Action), and Oklahoma! (Jud Fry). A huge thanks goes to DCT and everyone who is helping create safe live theater right now.

 

DOUGLASS BURKS*

The Professor / Father Christmas

A veteran of Dallas area theater, Mr. Burks has worked with Dallas Children’s Theater for many years as an Equity actor, stage manager, sound designer, and director. He is a founding member of the nationally acclaimed Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts and has earned the distinction of Master Puppeteer. A popular actor with DCT audiences, Doug will be remembered for his many roles on the DCT stage, which include The Giver (The Giver), Goodnight Moon (Larry the Tooth Fairy), James and the Giant Peach (Old Grasshopper), Peter Pan (Captain Hook), Young King Arthur (Merlin), The Emperor’s New Clothes (the Emperor), The Mummy’s Claw (Sir Nevil Blore), Jungalbook (Baloo), Holes (Mr. Sir), and Treasure Island (Long John Silver). He also portrayed the title characters in Frankenstein, The Reluctant Dragon, The Canterville Ghost, and the 2001 production of The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Mr. Burks was a member of the first graduating class of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas.

 

QUINTIN JONES, JR.*

Aslan, The Lion

Quintin (he/him) is so excited to be participating in his first production with DCT. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. BLM

 

 

 

THI LE*

Lucy

Thi Le is delighted to be returning to Dallas Children’s Theater for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe! Her previous work includes productions with Dallas Children’s Theater, Brick Road Theatre, The Firehouse Theatre, Uptown Players, and WaterTower Theatre. Thi loves creating art and having the opportunity to tell someone else’s stories, and she strives to inspire others to do the same. Follow her on social media: @littleteacup37

 

RUDY LOPEZ

Mr. Beaver

Rudy Lopez is very excited to be making his debut with Dallas Children’s Theater. Previous roles include Little Shop of Horrors (Mr. Mushnik); Bless Me, Ultima (Narciso); and Anna In The Tropics (Cheché). He would like to give the biggest thanks to his friends and family, mom, dad, and sister for always supporting him in his career.

 

ANIA LYONS*

Susan

Ania Lyons is so happy to return to the DCT stage after Dragons Love Tacos (Blue Dragon)! She returned to LIVE THEATRE in Dallas Theater Center’s A Christmas Carol (Female Swing) and Theatre Three’s touring production of The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn). Ania has also worked onstage and backstage with other DFW theaters such as Prism Movement Theatre, Uptown Players, Casa Mañana, Lyric Stage, and more. Follow her adventures @Lyons.dance543

 

JOHNNY LEE MOSS

The Dwarf

Johnny is honored to be back at DCT in his 2nd production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe playing The Dwarf again after being in the 2010 production. His other DCT credits include The Curse of Castle Mongrew; Young King Arthur; and Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Thanks to Artie for the chance to journey to Narnia again and love to Mom always

 

ETHAN RODRIGUEZ-MULLINS**

Mr. Tumnus, a faun

Ethan is absolutely thrilled to be back at Dallas Children’s Theater after appearing in Dragons Love Tacos (The Boy) earlier this year. He was also seen at DCT in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (LeFou) and the national tour of Diary of a Worm, a Spider & a Fly (Spider). He has music directed Godspell at CORP, Addams Family at NTPA, and Park-A-Palooza ll at Collin College. Favorite roles include: Grease (Doody) and Gypsy (Yonkers) at The Firehouse Theatre; Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby) at Garland Summer Musicals; The Yellow Boat (Benjamin) at Resolute Theatre Project; and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip) at Collin Theatre Center. He would love to thank his friends and family for their love, support, patience, and strength.

 

JO-JO STEINE*

Jadis, The White Witch

Jo-Jo Steine has been waiting for years to make her DCT debut and is over the moon to be here! Her past shows include A Christmas Carol (Belle, Charitable Woman, Sister) at Dallas Theater Center, Harvey (Nurse Kelly) at WaterTower Theatre, Reykjavik (Naomi/Valerie) at Kitchen Dog Theater, and Once (Reza) at Theatre Three. Thanks Mom, Dad, and Aaron!

 

LEO THOMASIAN*

Peter

Leo is thrilled to make his Dallas Children’s Theater debut! Credits include Spring Awakening (Melchior) at Serenbe Playhouse, Nobody Loves You (Evan/Dominic) at Horizon Theatre, Little Women (Laurie) at Contemporary Theatre of Dallas, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (Rudolph) at Wishing Star Productions. Leo’s band, Last Minute Alive, has made their music available across all major digital music platforms. leothomasian.com / @lastminuteleo

 

AARON VERRILL

Edmund

Aaron is very thankful to be making his DCT (and Texas) debut! He would like to thank his friends and family for their unwavering support and hopes you enjoy the show!

 

 

GENA LOE
Understudy: Ensemble Swing

Gena is excited to return to DCT! Her previous work on the DCT stage includes Dragons Love Tacos (Yellow Dragon), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Babette), The Island of the Skog (Hannah), and Ella Enchanted: The Musical (Olive). She has also performed locally with in Disaster! at Uptown Players and Sister Act at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas. She would like to thank her family and friends for encouraging her to continue dancing her heart out.

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Sunday, April 3, 1:30PM Sunday, April 3, 4:30PM Saturday, April 9, 1:30PM Saturday, April 9, 4:30PM Sunday, April 10, 1:30PM Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM

Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe photo by Karen Almond

All other photos courtesy of the actors

*Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association
**Indicates AEA membership candidate

Four humans and a prophecy…

In Narnia, humans are extremely rare—so rare, the word “human” is seldom used. Instead boys are called Sons of Adam and girls are Daughters of Eve. This is important, as the only way to end Narnia’s eternal winter is to follow the ancient prophecy and have “two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve” sit on the four thrones of Cair Paravel…

Still following? If not, don’t worry. The four Pevensie children are going to struggle a little, too – as anyone does when entering an unfamiliar land. Let’s get to know them!

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Lucy Pevensie – the youngest
Lucy Pevensie is the youngest of four siblings, and the first to discover Narnia through the wardrobe and make a fast friend. The play begins with Lucy’s second trip to Narnia, as her siblings didn’t believe the stories from her first. She’s determined to show them Narnia is as real as she is—and a whole lot of fun.

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Edmund Pevensie – the second youngest
Edmund is skeptical and rebellious, teasing Lucy the most out of all the siblings. He causes trouble sometimes, but he has a good heart underneath it all. He is the second sibling to enter Narnia, but he is not as lucky as Lucy. His love of the candy Turkish Delight makes it easy for the villains to trick him—will he find his way, or be lost forever?

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Susan Pevensie – the second oldest
Susan is the second oldest, and like Peter, takes on a lot of responsibilities. She can be a little strict with her siblings, but only out of love. She does not believe in Narnia until she sees it, but once she does, she’s just as excited as Lucy—although she tries to be a little more cautious.

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Peter Pevensie – the oldest
Peter is the oldest sibling, and very aware of it. A natural leader, he tries his best to do the right thing. In Narnia, he is determined to step up and defend his siblings against whatever foes they may face—including the dangerous Fenris Ulf.

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Because of actor proximity to audience members in this production, our actor’s union is still requiring that all audience members be masked.

Review DCT’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures

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Join the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Eve on this unforgettable adventure…
Buy tickets now before they sell out!

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Get your tickets as soon as you can; we’re known to fill up fast…

Sunday, April 3, 1:30PM Sunday, April 3, 4:30PM Saturday, April 9, 1:30PM Saturday, April 9, 4:30PM Sunday, April 10, 1:30PM Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM

Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

Photos by: Karen Almond

Fascinating Facts about the C.S. Lewis classic…

Animal Land, if you were to ask a young C.S. Lewis about it, was filled with talking animals and located on the shores of India. He came up with the idea with his brother when they were children. His brother was mostly interested in India, while young C.S. Lewis cared about the animals.

When C.S. Lewis was 16, he found himself thinking about this image, and wanting to write about it. He didn’t know what story to tell, but he apparently knew he would tell it someday. Thirty-five years later, he would!

Numerous rewrites and edits made the writing process for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe difficult for C.S. Lewis. He apparently did not have a story in mind when he started out, and the original drafts were very different.

Lucy Barfield, C.S. Lewis’s goddaughter, was the intended first recipient of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In the book’s dedication, Lewis jokes that at the time of writing he did not know that “girls grow quicker than books” – referencing the fact that he wrote the book for a four-year old Lucy, who was now fourteen.

Each book in the Chronicles of Narnia series stands alone, because C.S. Lewis did not know he was going to write them. Each book reads differently and although they all center around Narnia, many of them have fully new casts of characters.

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At this time, masks are still required by our actor’s union for safety reasons.
Review DCT’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Get your tickets as soon as you can; we’re known to fill up fast…

Sunday, April 3, 1:30PM Sunday, April 3, 4:30PM Saturday, April 9, 1:30PM Saturday, April 9, 4:30PM Sunday, April 10, 1:30PM Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM

Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

 

Whether you’re familiar with THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE and need a refresher, or are a beginner to all things Narnian – DCT has you covered.

How long is the show?
This particular play is about 1 hour and 15 minutes plus an intermission.

Why are you recommending an age of 7-and-up for this show? Can I bring my younger child?
We consider a number of factors when making our age recommendation: what grade the book is read in school, as well as what age the book is suggested for in the marketplace. We look at vocabulary, topics, and themes, as well as play length, and the likelihood of children to sit through it without being a distraction or disruptive to the rest of the audience.

Ultimately, however, these are recommendations. You know your child best, and if you believe your child would like the show and could be attentive with our other patrons, bring them!

What is Narnia?
Narnia is a fictional place created by C.S. Lewis, and featured in the book series, The Chronicles of Narnia. Talking beavers, fauns, witches and wolves are but some of the residents of this land.

During THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, Narnia is stuck in an eternal winter – but some young and unexpected heroes are about to change that.

How do I get to Narnia?
Well, you could do what Lucy does in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE and walk through the family wardrobe right into the magical land.

Who is Aslan?
Aslan is a powerful lion and the King of all Kings in Narnia.

Can you tell me some of the scarier things that happen in the show so we can be prepared?
Absolutely. A heroic figure is sacrificed and appears to die – although he does return to life later in the show. There are incidences of staged sword combat that result in the death of a villainous figure.

Sounds dark! Is all the show like that?
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE is a story about hope and family, and it remains a children’s classic for a reason. Although it dips into darker themes, there’s plenty of levity to serve as counterbalance and make the story meaningful for both children and adults. Plus, there’s a family of beavers. What’s not to love?

We hoped this answered some of your questions and got you excited for the show! See you soon.

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At this time, masks are still required by our actor’s union for safety reasons.
Review DCT’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Directed by Artie Olaisen

April 3 – May 15, 2022
Ages 7 and up

One of the most celebrated books in children’s literature and the #1 most requested DCT play returns to the stage to create a remarkable world of magic. Join young adventurers Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as they step through the not so ordinary wardrobe and into the mythical land of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. Facing fantastic creatures and fierce battles in the heart and on the land, the four siblings must find the courage to battle the treacherous White Witch in order to end the deadly eternal winter in the beautiful forest. Guided by the all-knowing Lion, Aslan, these discoverers learn to cast aside their own fears to find the heroes within themselves.

Get your tickets as soon as you can; we’re known to fill up fast…

Sunday, April 3, 1:30PM Sunday, April 3, 4:30PM Saturday, April 9, 1:30PM Saturday, April 9, 4:30PM Sunday, April 10, 1:30PM Saturday, April 16, 1:30PM Saturday, April 23, 1:30PM Sunday, April 24, 1:30PM Saturday, April 30, 1:30PM

Sunday, May 1, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 1:30PM Saturday, May 7, 4:30PM Sunday, May 8, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 1:30PM Saturday, May 14, 4:30PM Sunday, May 15, 1:30PM Sunday, May 15, 4:30PM

Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) kicks off 2022 with the installation of a new president…James (Jim) Markus, Partner at Haynes Boone, a top tier law firm headquartered in Dallas. The Board of Trustees unanimously welcomed Markus, along with a number of new trustees, this month.

Markus has been involved with DCT for more than 25 years.  He has served the nonprofit organization in numerous capacities including acting as its outside counsel, chairing the development committee and advising on legal and financial aspects of the acquisition and construction of DCT’s current facility, which was purchased in 2002. Over the years, Markus has contributed hundreds of hours of pro bono services to the theater. 

Markus and his wife, Ellen, have been ticketholders and donors of DCT for decades, and they consider DCT to be the best in the country when it comes to family entertainment. Additionally, Markus is proud of the longstanding reputation of DCT’s Academy school, which serves children ages 3.5 to 18, and DCT’s many programs that have provided children and families with an entry point to the arts in North Texas and beyond.  DCT has touched over five million people in its 37-year history.

In law practice for more than 40 years, Markus represents financial institutions, corporations, private equity firms and alternative lenders on a range of corporate finance and restructuring transactions. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and is a member of a number of industry organizations, including the Turnaround Management Association, the Dallas Bar Association, the Secured Finance Network, and the Texas Association of Bank Counsel. Markus recently served as a board member and officer of KidLinks, a local nonprofit organization providing music therapy and therapeutic music entertainment to children in need. 

“I am honored and excited to serve as DCT’s next president,” Markus said.  “After nearly two years of drastically curtailed operations in response to the pandemic, DCT is now poised to continue offering an unmatched season of Broadway-like performances as well as expanding its instructional programs.” Markus added, “DCT is a unique and beloved North Texas treasure, and this was demonstrated by the amazing levels of support we received from staff, donors and the community at large during the pandemic.”

Markus will focus on building upon the DCT successes achieved in the virtual space during the pandemic as well as ramping up for a full return to the organization’s unique brand of live, family-friendly entertainment in the 2022-2023 season.  Markus shared, “I am particularly looking forward to DCT’s presentation of 10 SECONDS, a part of DCT’s Social Justice Initiative, coming up in May.

In addition to Markus, the following eight community members have signed on to serve on the 38-member board: 

Morgan Bennett has a BS from University of Texas, an MS from the University North Texas, and she also studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh. She is currently an Accounting Manager at HBK Investments. Morgan and her husband Kilian, have a two-year old son.

Sarah Freedman went to Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, PA) for her undergraduate studies and earned her MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. She is a Managing Director for Citizens Bank and is on the board of Dallas Pets Alive. She and her husband, Chris Skoog, recently saw PADDINGTON SAVES CHRISTMAS as their first DCT show.

Jacqueline Mackewicz is Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition and People Analytics at Texas Instruments. Jacqui has worked with the United Way Tocqueville Society as well as UTD’s Jindal School of Management Advisory Council. Jacqui and her husband, Raymond, have two children.

Elizabeth “Beth” Minton got her BA from Duke University and received her JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.  She is Managing Counsel for Toyota Motor Credit Corporation and has been a board member of the Junior League of Dallas for seven years.

Tim Mullins is a graduate of Texas Tech University and is Vice President of Digital Sales at Capital One and is the Account Executive for Capital One’s CapAbilities BRG Group. He has served on UTD’s Jindal School of Management Advisory Council. Tim and his two children are avid theatergoers and daughter, Ainsley, has taken DCT Academy classes and has appeared in the teen Next Stop Broadway showcase. Tim is a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee where he is leading the Sustained Board Member Program.

Amanda Schnetzer has a BA from SMU and an MA from Georgetown University. Amanda is the Founder and CEO of  FirstThen (a pre-seed health tech start-up focused on Families of ADHD children). She has also served on the board of Church of the Incarnation and the George Bush Institute Review Committee for North Korean Refugee Scholarships. She and her husband, David, along with daughter, Reagan, have seen many productions at DCT. Amanda is a member of DCT’s Social Justice Initiative Committee.

Shanti Shahini de Venegas is the Owner/Founder of Artisan Luxury.  Shahini and her husband, Ian Venegas, have two children. Son Ian, aged 12, has attended multiple DCT Summer Camps and productions. Shahini serves on DCT’s Social Justice Initiative Committee.

Evan P. Singer went to Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate studies and attended the Dedman School of Law at SMU. He is a partner at Jones Day with a focus on Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement. He and his wife, Rachael, have three children and, as a family, have seen a host of DCT productions over the years. Singer serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee.

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About Dallas Children’s Theater 

Dallas Children’s Theater features professional actors performing for an annual audience of 250,000 young people and their families through mainstage productions, a national touring company, and an arts-in-education program.  As the only major organization in Dallas focusing solely on youth and family theater, DCT builds bridges of understanding between generations and cultures, instilling an early appreciation of literature, art and the performing arts in tomorrow’s artists and patrons.

Photo:  James (Jim) Markus

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