For those just joining us, I'm a C. S. Lewis hater. In the face of all opposition, I remain resolute in my conviction that Lewis's fantasies were incoherent and his nonfiction only slightly more rational. I suspect, therefore, that Jen Ankrum, director of Lakewood Playhouse's holiday retelling of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (a co-production with Lakewood Institute of Theatre, LP's youth program), warned her innocent charges I'd be Grinchy. But apparently, my small heart has grown three sizes since October, because ... are you ready for a Christmas miracle? I liked her production. Why, you ask? (Pretend you asked.) Its approach benefits from what may have been an accidental boon, in the form of what directors and critics call a "concept" or unifying vision. Ankrum's take simply works.

By casting dozens of children, some of preschool age, she creates the impression of adults guiding happy kids through Narnian playtime. In that light, Virginia Yanoff's cheap but imaginative costumes make perfect sense, right down to their modern-day sneakers. This impression is reinforced when James Wrede, who initially portrays Professor Kirke, turns up later as Father Christmas. I wish the same concept had been applied throughout. Deya Ozburn, for example, who's delightful as Mrs. Beaver, or Casi Wilkerson might've been used in the framing story to help tie things together.

When I asked Jefri Peters, LP's education director, about the show's concept, she said it was "to keep things simple," but that's not what happened here at all. On the contrary, this production emphasizes the importance of ambition, even for plays that star children. All four of these Pevensie siblings speak with lovely English accents. You couldn't ask for better, harder work from adults. No one lowered the bar for Mason Lahd (Edmund), Ashley Mowreader (Susan), Sage Samuels (Lucy), or Caleb Wilkerson (Peter); they rise ably to the challenge they've been given. The same goes for Ian Ball, who's only 11 years old but earns consistent laughs as Wolf 2, especially for his gruff Slavic gloating. Even younger cast members, like Augusta and Cordelia Greenwell (the White Stag and Peacock, respectively), are deployed for optimal effect.

Paul Richter makes a lovable Tumnus, and Casi Wilkerson plays the White Witch with regal disdain. I detected some opening-night clunk, especially one mangled line and protracted scene changes, but the soundtrack (by Ankrum and stage manager Nena Curley) is really quite lovely. It's fun to watch Elliot Weiner stride through his final Tacoma production (he's moving east) as Aslan, the Lion King of Kings. The adaptation, by Joseph Robinette, is brisk and amusing. Mostly, though, the takeaway is dozens of gleeful tots in animal costumes, cartwheeling into the spotlight and chirping lines with urgent conviction. As holiday entertainments (or memories) go, you could do a lot worse.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 22, Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood, $15, 253.588.0042

See Also

South Sound holiday stage productions