Through the Wardrobe

Through the Wardrobe: O’Connell Theatre Brings Narnia to Life

By Arts Editor, Kelly Pham (class of 2026)

There’s something magical ready to be revealed about Bishop O’Connell’s stage this fall. Under the direction of Mrs. Kaylor, the school is preparing to bring the classic and beloved story of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to life in a production that promises not only visual wonder but unfeigned sincerity. ``

Mrs. Kaylor’s main goal for the play is to be able to capture the earnestness at the heart of C.S Lewis’s tale: all the courage, hope, and childlike optimism that makes Narnia so timeless and beautiful. “I wanted it to be innocent but still authentic—so none of that kind of modern jadedness,” she explained, “just to match the time period and the purity of the book.”  

This season’s production marks a first for O’Connell theatre: two principal cast of actors alternating performances. “Everyone was so talented and did a great job,” Mrs. Kaylor shared about the auditions, “so I ended up choosing two casts.” To give both groups equal time on stage, the program added an extra Sunday evening show, ensuring that all the talented actors are able to perform three times each.

The play will feature an array of new talents, including several freshmen and first-time performers stepping into major roles. Rehearsals began in late September, starting things off with blocking and scene work before moving into what will become full runs during tech week. Different casts take turns during rehearsal to make sure that everyone is granted enough preparation.

Choosing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as this year’s production was no quick impulse for Mrs. Kaylor. She disclosed that she had been exploring adaptations of books for some time: “They tend to do well, and plays are a big recruiting tool for us since middle schoolers come to see them.” And while this strategic move is sure to spark interest in any possible newcomers, there is also a personal touch—Mrs. Kaylor is, by her own admission, “a really big Narnia fan.” 

This show is not going to be just a simple retelling, but an unparalleled experience. “[The audience] should look forward to a really immersive performance,” Mrs. Kaylor said. “There will be snow on stage, some of the set is going to make it look like we’re in the pages of the book, and we’re going to have a big spinning wardrobe. We’re also constructing our own life-size puppets for Aslan, the wolves, and the beavers, so they should look forward to some really cool puppetry magic.”

Warm with winter’s charm and a guarantee of great fun, Bishop O’Connell’s production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe invites students, families, and future Knights to step through the wardrobe and believe again. Performances will run November 21–23, and admission is free for O’Connell students.