Written by C.S. Lewis, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" is the first novel of "The Chronicles of Narnia," a beloved children series containing magical fantasy and meaningful morals.

This weekend, the Orefield Middle School Theater Department will bring this magic to life with its production of a play based upon the same.

The cast and crew have enjoyed participating in this play and have been busy rehearsing since the onset of school.

Nicholas Hausman, who plays the part of Father Christmas commented on the preparation work.

"Since September we have been practicing three, sometimes four times a week," Hausman said. "The results are well worth it."

Lauren Bracccili, an eighth grader, who plays the White Witch, notes she would love to make a career out of acting, a sentiment shared by many of her fellow actors.

"I love being on stage, whether playing a role or a part in the ensemble," Braccili said, as she smiled. "It's just fun."

Others in the cast agree, including eighth grader Andrew "AJ" Syslo who is heard rather than actually seen as he gives a kind, but forceful voice to the creatively designed Aslan, the lion.

The roles of the Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, are played by Matt Melchior, Mackenzie Lynch, Aaron Finkle and Emily Babinchak, respectively.

Before dress rehearsal, all embraced with a hug as A.J. Syslo shouted, "We really all have become like one big family."

Since 2009, Jonathan Lynch has been directing theater productions for Orefield Middle School.

Having directed more than 30 productions and performing in many more, Lynch said he is very excited to present this particular play.

"Narnia has always been a favorite story of mine and to be honest, I always have wanted to travel there through a wardrobe," Lynch said. "It reminded me of 'Alice in Wonderland,' and I love all of the Disney Narnia movies."

Lynch was asked about the storyline for the show.

"Narnia tells the story of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, four young brothers and sisters who go on an adventure to the magical land of Narnia where they meet an evil witch and a kind lion," Lynch said. "They soon learn Narnia is not the happiest place and they must restore the peace in the land.

"It is a great show for the whole family no matter what the age."

Actor Akaash Kapoor as Tumnus smartly opens the show, and there are delightful performances throughout by the dancing "Wood Nymphs" choreographed by Payton Sherry.

The show will be presented 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Orefield Middle School auditorium.

Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the box office or at the door.

For further information, visit JLynchProductions.org.