SEP 11 - DEC 19, 2026 | NARNIABRANSON.COM | THELOGOSTHEATRE.COM
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in Taylors, South Carolina, reaches thousands of people every year with the vision of “Making the Bible Come Alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling.”
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TAYLORS, SC
4 A WORD FROM THE DIRECTORS _________________________________________________________________________________ CAST OF CHARACTERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Noah Stratton
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Nicole Chavers Stratton
Hello & Welcome
Hello & Welcome to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Branson, Missouri! For more than a decade, we have been privileged to bring The Chronicles of Narnia to life on stage, and it is a tremendous joy to now share C. S. Lewis's most beloved and enduring story with audiences here in Branson this fall. The Academy of Arts' mission is to "make the Bible come alive in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling," and it is both an honor and a calling to present this production. We never produce theatre simply for entertainment's sake. Every production is prayerfully chosen and crafted with the desire to impact the hearts of every cast member, crew member, and audience member who experiences it. Few stories have captured the imagination of generations like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Through unforgettable characters and breathtaking adventure, C. S. Lewis masterfully weaves timeless biblical truths into a story that speaks to audiences "from 1 to 92." Aslan's sacrificial love, the triumph of light over darkness, the call to courage, and the hope of redemption continue to inspire hearts as powerfully today as when Lewis first penned these words. Thank you for joining us this season. It is our prayer that as you journey through the wardrobe, you will leave encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of the steadfast love of the true Lion of the Tribe of Judah—Jesus Christ. FURTHER UP AND FURTHER IN,
Noah & Nicole Stratton
5 HIGHLIGHT _________________________________________________________________________________
Douglas Gresham (stepson of C. S. Lewis)
The Logos Theatre's internationally recognized adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia all began with an email from Douglas Gresham, stepson of the famous author of the series, C. S. Lewis. Douglas Gresham became a close friend of The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre after his first collaboration with Nicole Chavers Stratton for the script of Prince Caspian and expressed his joy at such a "pure" retelling of Lewis's beloved series. Gresham attended the opening nights of the World Premiere of Prince Caspian and the North American Premiere of The Horse and His Boy at the Logos Theatre in Taylors, SC, and has since shared his support for Nicole's efforts in adapting all seven books in the series. Though he has stepped back from full-time work, Nicole is honored to have known him and called him a friend. She is excited to continue the Logos Theatre's partnership with the C. S. Lewis Company to fulfill Gresham's vision of bringing the remainder of these stories to life on stage.
THE ACADEMY OF ARTS IS A 501(c)(3)Non-Profit Ministry
6 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
NICOLE CHAVERS STRATTON
WRITER & DIRECTOR
Nicole Chavers Stratton is the third daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Nicky Chavers, the founders of The Academy of Arts, and a graduate of their college program, with a Master's in Dramatic Production. She’s been privileged to not only grow up in this ministry but to help lead as Artistic Director alongside her husband, Noah, the President of the ministry.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian (a world premiere) and The Horse and His Boy (a North American premiere), all of which received personal vetting from Douglas Gresham, stepson of C. S. Lewis. Each of these scripts premiered on the Logos Theatre stage in Taylors, SC, headquarters of The Academy of Arts.
Nicole currently serves as Artistic Director for The Academy of Arts and has been privileged to be at the helm of bringing C. S. Lewis’s works to life on stage. She and the creative team at the Logos Theatre have previously produced three original scripts from the series:
All of this has clearly been the Lord’s leading as Nicole never desired to be the one to bring the Narnia series to life. Like so many, the books always held a special place in her heart since it was her father who used to read them to her as a child. It was this love and respect for these books that made her hesitant to do anything to limit their amazing power or imagination in people’s eyes. The Lord had other plans, and once His will for her was made clear, she decided to step out in faith to adapt these beloved books for the stage. One of Nicole’s main concerns in bringing the books to life was the character of Aslan. Like many of us, she had seen several sad renditions of the great lion on stage and did not want to do the same. Her decision to do this series really hung on the question, “Could we do Aslan well?” It was this desire to do a respectful job with Aslan that first began the Logos Theatre’s journey into the world of large theatrical puppetry, and this skill has become a defining part of the Logos Theatre. It is the prayer of Nicole and the entire creative team of the Logos Theatre that many will come to know the Lord as their personal Savior, and those who already know Him will be drawn to Him on a deeper level than ever before.
7 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
JUSTIN SWAIN
PUPPET MASTER Justin Swain, the Puppet Master of the Logos Theatre, was born and raised in Upstate SC. He graduated from The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory in 2015, where he began his training in puppetry, mechanics, and information technology. Justin’s abilities in design and mechanics were discovered under the mentorship of Ken Hines, the retired Technical Director and Puppet Master for the Logos Theatre. Since officially stepping into the role of Puppet Master in 2019, Justin has created over 25 large scale puppets for Logos Theatre productions, such as horses Bree and Hwin for The Horse and His Boy, living trees, Bulgy Bear, and the wild bear for Prince Caspian, and Aslan the lion, for all of The Chronicles of Narnia productions at the Logos Theatre, as well as several puppet commissions within the United States. Justin is an avid student of the Stan Winston School of Character Arts and has been recognized internationally for his puppetry design and mastery of puppeteering on stage. Justin’s greatest joy in puppeteering is conveying the truths each puppet represents and knowing how each has been used to bring life and hope to all who see them. Justin incorporates his children, Bransen, Elias, Ja’az, and Shelby, into his work as much as possible and enjoys serving alongside his wife, Jenn (Chief Marketing Officer). Their goal as a family is to know God and to make Him known.
8 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
VOICE of ASLAN
Dr. Nicky Chavers
Nicky Chavers, the founder of The Academy of Arts, voices the character of Aslan, the great Lion, for our Narnia productions. Nicky and his wife, Sheri, launched out by faith in 1971 to begin a ministry that would put Christ back in the center of the creative arts. They faithfully worked side-by-side in the ministry for 50 years until the Lord called Nicky home on June 1, 2021. Nicky was a child TV star with all the open doors to go to Hollywood, but he chose instead to follow Christ and use his talents for the audience of ONE. Since its founding, The Academy of Arts has seen hundreds of thousands of young people come to Christ or make decisions for Him through this unique and powerful ministry. We could not think of a better person to voice the character of Aslan than Dr. Chavers, and we are so thankful to have recorded his voice for the rest of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series before his passing! Dr. Chavers has faithfully run his race, but his voice lives on through each production and will always be with us as we continue to bring the Narnia books to life on the stage.
9 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
SAVANNAH MARTINEZ | Lucy Pevensie Savannah Martinez is so excited to be returning to the cast of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as Lucy Pevensie. Some of her credits include Ms. Wimble in Kingdoms Dawn, a Flying tree in Prince Caspian, Anna in Frozen, and Jovie in Elf. When she is not performing she loves spending time with her family and church family. She is looking forward to growing closer to the Lord and seeing how He will move in this production. It is her prayer that many will find hope and salvation through this powerful story.
RYDER MALARKEY | Edmund Pevensie Alternate Ryder Malarkey is thrilled to join the Logos Theatre for the first time, playing Edmund Pevensie. Ryder is a 6th grade student in Nixa, MO and has appeared in numerous productions with Springfield Little Theatre and the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts. He thanks his grandparents for their constant support and the Logos team for welcoming him. He extends his thanks to all of the directors who have supported him throughout his previous performances. A big shout‑out goes to his band, The Troubadours, and his oldest friend, Ryder G. He appreciates the opportunity to be part of this beloved story and assures everyone he has not accepted any turkish delight… yet. JACOB MARTINEZ | Edmund Pevensie Alternate Jacob Martinez, 13, is so excited to be in his first ever LOGOS production in the role of Edmund Pevensie. Not new to the stage, he has performed in Branson since he was eight years old, taking on roles such as Young Simba, The King of Hearts, and Olaf at King's Academy of Performing Arts. Jacob loves to sing, play the ukulele and is happy to be able to glorify God through the arts.
MIA BRIN | Susan Pevensie Mia Brin is thrilled to be playing Susan Pevensie. She began doing The Academy of Arts drama seminars when she was 14 years old, playing roles such as Ingrid in The Lions of Trondheim. She performed with the Logos Theatre on Tour in The Horse and His Boy as a cat puppeteer and dancer, as well as in Prince Caspian as a dwarf and Telmarine. When she’s not on stage, she enjoys photography, traveling, and spending time with her family. It is her prayer that this performance encourages you with the redeeming hope found only in Christ.
10 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
PHILIP SIMPSON | Peter Pevensie Alternate, Leopard 2 Alternate Philip Simpson is overjoyed to be part of this production as Peter Pevensie. Acting onstage has been Philip’s lifelong dream, so he is extremely grateful to his heavenly Father for opening this door. He hails from Virginia and is working to finish his associate’s degree at Blue Ridge Community College. He loves to play the piano, sing, and serve in his home church, Grace Baptist of Harrisonburg, VA. The highlights of his acting experience are two Christmas cantatas at his church (Then Jesus Came and A Son Is Given) and a few theatre camps (notably, two drama camps at The Academy of Arts: The Lions of Trondheim (Henrik Rogstad) and The Pilgrim’s Progress (Pilgrim/Christian). With each role, the Lord has grown Philip spiritually, and now he prays that audiences will be challenged and encouraged by the truths presented in this production. ZACHARIAH RIDGEWAY | Peter Pevensie Alternate, Leopard 2 Alternate Zac Ridgeway is excited to be playing Peter. This is his first year acting with The Academy of the Arts. He started being interested in acting when doing several plays with KAPA and King's Chapel Branson. When Zac is not on stage he enjoys learning and playing instruments of all kinds.
ALLISON JAMES | White Witch Alternate Originally from Atlanta, GA, Allison began her acting career in high school, where she discovered a love for the stage. She later attended The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Dramatic Production. Her favorite roles include Asenath in Joseph: God Meant It for Good, Naomi in The Story of Ruth, and ensemble and puppeteer roles in Narnia productions by the Logos Theatre. In addition to her roles on stage, Allison serves full-time with The Academy of Arts as Donor Relations Manager. Her prayer is that the story you see today will touch your heart and serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, God will never leave nor forsake His own. LYDIA MILLER | White Witch Alternate Lydia Miller began her time with the Logos Theatre as a student in the Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory and is now on staff as a costume designer, Assistant Director, and actress for the Logos Theatre and Venture Films. She has had the privilege of playing many roles through the years, some of her most memorable being Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables, Queen Susan and Aravis’s Stepmother in The Horse and His Boy, a one-woman performance of The Magic Fishbone, and Mrs. Macready and the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Lydia is excited to return to the role of the White Witch and prays that audiences will hear and receive the message of the gospel that is so evident through the story.
11 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
CALEB MANN | Mr. Tumnus, Ensemble Caleb Mann began his journey into drama as a computer science student at Pensacola Christian College. At first, drama was a hobby, but the Lord had bigger plans to use drama in Caleb’s life to share His truth! He led Caleb to the Logos Theatre in 2022. Since then, Caleb has led three summer drama teams, where he learned the importance of discipleship. Caleb has been a part of several Logos tours, including Hind Puppeteer for Bree in The Horse and His Boy, Aslan Hind puppeteer in Prince Caspian, and Hypocrisy in The Pilgrim’s Progress. His desire for the character of Tumnus is to remind people that making the right decision is worth the cost. Caleb desires to share Christ whether on or off the stage. PATRICK JONES | Professor, Mr. Beaver Patrick is honored to be a part of his first Logos Theatre production. Before joining the cast of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, he spent his time as an actor and director for various shows. His favorites include Ollie Stewart in Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the director for the premiere of No Room for a Picture of the Blank Wall. When he isn't performing, Patrick teaches theatre as an adjunct professor at the College of the Ozarks. He would like to thank Logos Theatre for this wonderful opportunity, the cast and crew for welcoming him in, and his family for their undying love. All glory to God!
KRISTEN GOODFELLOW | Mrs. Beaver, Lucy US, Ensemble Originally from New Bern, NC, Kristen Goodfellow is so excited and grateful to be playing the role of Mrs. Beaver. She began her journey with The Academy of Arts in high school, where she participated in several camps. This led to being a GAP student at the Christian Conservatory, leading two summer drama teams, and touring with the Logos Theatre for the past two years. Some of her favorite roles include Hopeful in The Pilgrims Progress, Young Amy in The Child Stealer, Pattertwig in Prince Caspian, Ruth in The Story of Ruth, and a cat puppeteer in The Horse and His Boy. Her prayer for the audience is that each person would be fully struck by the power of Jesus’ love and sacrifice as represented by Aslan and that the truths seen and experienced would permeate their hearts and minds! TROY LAVERGNE | Father Christmas, Ensemble Troy feels blessed to be a part of such an amazing production and cast. Troy is playing the role of Father Christmas in his debut performance with Logos and The Academy of Arts. Troy originally moved to the Branson area in 2005 from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to participate in the production of The Promise at The Mansion Theatre. He also played Grimsby in The Little Mermaid at The Whitehouse Theatre. Troy also sings with various groups and churches and hopes to continue to use his gifts to honor his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
DAREN EVERSON | White Witch's Pet Dwarf A longtime Narnia fan, Daren Everson is honored to help bring this beloved story to life on stage in the role of the White Witch’s Dwarf. Daren has spent his life ministering through singing and traveling with his family. He enjoys painting, writing poetry, cooking, and singing. It is his prayer that audiences see the deeper truths woven throughout the story: Jesus is good, and He is always on the move.
BRANDON EVERSON | Maugrim, Older Edmund, Ensemble Brandon Everson is honored to be playing Maugrim. This production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was Brandon’s first production with the Logos Theatre, and whether he was playing a wolf, an Older Pevensie, or a Butler, he is so excited to be a part of this production. When he isn’t occupied on stage, he loves traveling, cooking, videography, film editing, and spending time meeting new people. He prays that each audience member is impacted by the story!
NICOLE STRATTON Narrator
KATRINA MCMINDES: EMMA BRYANT Mrs. Pevensie, Spring Dancer, Spring Dancer, Ensemble, Older Lucy Older Susan
RACHEL SORGIUS Susan US, Female Swing
MILES EVERSON Stilt Tree, Leopard, Older Peter, Ensemble
13 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
BEREND SANDERSFELD Male Swing
AUDREY LIPPERT Ensemble
DARIEN HUTCHINSON Mr. Fox, Ensemble
SALEM PALOZZI Ensemble
DRU RIDGEWAY Oreius, Ensemble
REBECCA HUTCHINSON Ensemble
BROOKLYN PILGRIM Betty, Spring Dancer, Ensemble
JENNA WASHER Mrs. Macready
LAUREN MERRIMAN Ivy, Ensemble
MORIAH ADDISON Squirrel 1, Ensemble
RACHEL RUPNOW Ensemble
MADISON KINSLEY Margaret, Ensemble
RAEGAN MILLER Squirrel 2, Ensemble
STEPHANIE SIEMINSKI Ensemble
AMELIA WORTHINGTON Spring Dancer, Ensemble
JONATHAN PARDO Wolf 1, Ensemble
BENJAMIN VALUSEK Giant, Ensemble
JORDAN SMITH Wolf 2, Ensemble
ELIANA BURCH Ensemble
PUPPETEERS
JUSTIN SWAIN: Foreman, Ensemble, Reindeer, Aslan Puppeteer BEN PILGRIM: Stilt Tree Alternate, Reindeer, Ensemble, Aslan Puppeteer SOL RIDGEWAY: Stilt Tree Alternate, Aslan Puppeteer, Ensemble ANDREW RIVERA: Stilt Tree HOPE FIELDS: Bird Puppeteer, Ensemble, Mrs. Fox CHARLOTTE STODDARD: Robin Puppeteer, Spring Dancer, Ensemble ESTHER KOREN: Salvation Army Worker, Leopard, Eagle, Ensemble
CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE
GROUP 1: Bransen Swain, Elias Swain, Ja’az Swain, Shelby Swain, Amelia Dale GROUP 2: Brooklyn Sims, Lane Sims, Leland McPheeters, Annalise McPheeters GROUP 3: Mia Hatten, Luke O’Sullivan, Norah O’Sullivan, Levi O’Sullivan GROUP 4: Roey Palozzi, Remy Palozzi, Crusoe Palozzi, Wilder Palozzi
14 MEET THE CAST & CREW _________________________________________________________________________________
TECHNICAL TEAM SOUND: BETHANY DAVIS PUPPET VOICES: JENNA WASHER LIVE AUDIO: NATHAN WEAVER LIGHTING: ELI JACKSON
DEPARTMENT MANAGERS SCENIC MANAGER/FLIGHT CAPTAIN: BEREND SANDERSFELD PROP MANAGER: KRISTEN GOODFELLOW MAKEUP MANAGER: RACHEL SORGIUS COSTUME MANAGER: LYDIA MILLER PUPPETRY MANAGER: JUSTIN SWAIN GIFT SHOP MANAGER: JENNIFER SWAIN MEDIA MANAGER: NATHAN WEAVER
ARTISTIC TEAM WRITER/DIRECTOR: NICOLE STRATTON SOUND DESIGN: OLIVIA SINGLETON, NICOLE STRATTON SET DESIGN: JESSE GOULD GRAPHIC DESIGN: LIZ PRESTON, JEREMIAH GOULD VISUAL EFFECTS: JEREMIAH GOULD COSTUME DESIGN: SYLVIA JACKSON, LYDIA MILLER, SEAN BASTO, ALICE OVERSTREET, KATRINA MCMINDES PROP DESIGN: KAYLA GOODFELLOW, KRISTEN GOODFELLOW PUPPETRY DESIGN: JUSTIN SWAIN MAKEUP AND HAIR DESIGN: RACHEL SORGIUS
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GOD’S CALL!
Every production at the Logos Theatre is the result of a remarkable team effort. Our cast and crew are made up of Logos Theatre staff, dedicated volunteers, and talented performers from the Branson community who have united around a shared mission of reclaiming the arts for Christ. At the heart of our work is a philosophy of servant-leadership—we don't place value on individuals in the spotlight but rather seek to operate as a team by serving one another and our audiences with excellence, humility, and authenticity in everything we do on and off the stage. If you have ever dreamed of being part of a production like this, we would love to meet you! Opportunities to audition and serve with our team are available through the Commission, a program where performers can exercise their gifts in a Christ-centered environment.
SCAN FOR INFO TheACADEMYOFARTS.org/commission/
Scan the Commission QR code to learn more about opportunities to be involved! information@theAcademyofArts.org
VISIT THE
STATION SHOP BEFORE YOU GO!
LOCATED IN THE LOBBY
ME... AN ACTOR?
”
All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts... - William Shakespeare
YES, YOU ARE AN ACTOR!
”
And you’re a good one! In fact, your performance is so good, you have convinced your family and friends that the way you are “acting” is the way you really are—the “real” you. You may even have yourself believing your own performance!
BUT THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO SEES THROUGH YOUR “ACT”—and LOVES YOU all the same. ...Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. - I Samuel 16:7b
GOD SEES THROUGH YOUR MAKEUP AND YOUR COSTUME.
He looks right into your heart. No matter how you present yourself to others, He can see who you really are. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”- Hebrews 4:12-13 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” - Jeremiah 17:9
GOD KNOWS HOW THIS “DRAMA” YOU CALL LIFE WILL END. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. - Proverbs 14:12
BUT HE OFFERS YOU AN ALTERNATE ENDING—
A HAPPY ENDING.
HERE’S HOW TO KEEP YOUR LIFE’S STORY FROM BEING A TRAGEDY:
STOP ACTING!
We must all humble ourselves and admit that we are sinners.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23
ACKNOWLEDGE your destiny if your present “act” continues.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
BELIEVE
that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and that through Him you can face yourself and life as it really is.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8
ASK
Christ to save you!
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” - Romans 10:9
IF YOU HAVE ASKED CHRIST TO SAVE YOU, PLEASE LET US HEAR FROM YOU!
We would be glad to write you a personal letter of encouragement.
WERE YOU IMPACTED BY TODAY'S SHOW?
We'd love to hear what touched your heart or prompted any decisions in your life through this production. (Scan to share)
"If the Witch could have looked further back, into the stillness and the darkness before time dawned, she would have read that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and death itself would be overcome"
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
KEEP THE MAGIC
Alive GIVE NARNIA A PERMANENT HOME IN BRANSON.
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