Montgomery Evangelical Free Church, producers of the popular "Drive Through the Christmas Story," will be branching out into "showbiz" by presenting "A Day in Narnia," a nine-scene, indoors walk-through of "The Chronicles of Narnia," the children’s classic by C.S. Lewis.
The first book in the "Narnia" series, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," was released last year as a major motion picture by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media.
The Montgomery church’s event will take place Friday, March 17 at 7, 8 and 9 p.m., and on Saturday, March 18, at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., noon, and 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
In tour groups of 25 to 30, visitors will sign in with Mrs. Macready, the housekeeper, before entering through the wardrobe into the woods by the lamppost. Next the group will have tea with Mr. Tumnus, then walk through the land of Narnia as a tour guide tells the story of Aslan.
At several locations during the tour, actors will act out part of the story as the tour guide narrates. As they walk through Narnia, winter will turn to spring, and the tour will end with the four children crowned at Cair Paravel.
Following the 20-minute tour, the children will go to classrooms based by age group (ages 6-7, 8-10, and 11-12). The children will have games, activities and refreshments related to the story.
"The activities in the classroom will present the ‘story behind the story’ the real story of redemption in Jesus Christ. During that time, there will also be a class for parents to hear more about C.S. Lewis and his life and writings," said Senior Pastor Dwight Hodne.
"A Day in Narnia" was the vision of Rev. Hodne. Pennington resident Debbie Banks is the creative director and Montgomery resident Ginny Sweeton oversees the administrative details.
"The church wants to do this as an outreach to our neighborhood children. We have Vacation Bible School and Music Camp, and now want to add another outreach activity for the community," Ms. Sweeton said.
Between 75 and 100 volunteers are involved in the project, from painting scenery to donating trees and fur coats for the wardrobe.
Montgomery Evangelical Free Church is on Belle Mead-Griggstown Road in the Belle Mead section of Montgomery Township. The church is located one mile east from Route 206.
There is no fee. Reservations are required by calling the church at (908) 874-4634 or visiting www.mefc.org. For more information, call the church office.
