The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Performing for kids is rewarding because they don't let reality get in the way of enjoying a story well-told. Performing with kids can be equally rewarding in that they radiate lots of positive energy and youthful excitement that can't help but rub off on you.

This play was a pleasurable experience but it will always stand out in my mind for the most awkward costume that I've ever worn onstage. In this adaptation of C.S. Lewis' fantasy book, I played the Centaur (half man and half horse). The character was easy. The costume was another story.

Using a big leather belt around my waist, a large horizontal chicken-wire framework was attached to my back end. This was then covered by a heavy blanket to give the illusion of a horse's body underneath. For my front, I wore fur pants (to look like horse legs) with platform boots (which gave me an additional 8" of height over everyone else). The upper part of my body was dressed with a debonair shirt and vest. To complete the picture, I wore a pair of pointed ears and face make-up.

With practice, I developed a horse walk and mannerisms to match. Maneuvering in a crowded backstage with a 4' behind also took lots of practice.

I'm sure passersby took notice of a horse's behind sticking out the back door of the theatre (the best way I could find to be out of the way).

As the costume caused strain on my lower back, I was indebted to several cast mates who thoughtfully supported my "appendage." The expression "take a load off" came to hold new meaning for me.

An early rehearsal photo: (clockwise from left) Centaur (Trevor), Aslan (Joseph P. Miele), Mr. Beaver (Jim Robinson), Susan (Monica G.) and Edmund (Jeremy F.).