What a gift life is on this earth. What a joy it is to sit together and listen to a story be told. As parents, this is one of the sweetest gifts we can bestow on our children. Reading aloud. Stories are the vehicle by which we learn to navigate life after all; we learn language that way, we learn about right and wrong, we learn history, culture, social behavior. We owe so much to the written word and the ability to bring it to life. Bringing this particular tale to life has been no easy feat as we grapple with and consider the iterations that have come before ours, but it has been worth it.

This story is one that has stood the test of time because of its rich symbolic truths and, after 74 years, has proved to be a true literary classic. This is a story that gets told because it stirs things in us! Compassion, a need for justice, and hopefully, a need for hope.

It is my prayer that this story would inspire hope in you. Hope for a future and for the joy to come. The night may seem dark but morning is coming, and our King is on the move!

Dedication

With heartfelt esteem and respect, Cincinnati Christian Schools dedicates this production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to the Marquis and Baker families. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis is Natalie Marquis’ lifelong favorite book series. In it, the children fight against evil to give glory to their king. The stories have become woven into the lives of all who knew Natalie, and the beautiful imagery certainly applies to the devotion and faith of her family. Still broken, we continue to stand steadfast with Natalie’s family and loved ones, praising God’s goodness and promises. “But if not…” (Daniel 3:18a).