In live theater, there exists a special relationship between the actors and actresses and the audience. If the performers pour enough of themselves into their characters, the audience can be whisked away to another place and time.

That's exactly what the performers of Warwick High School's upcoming fall play are going for.

"(The actresses and actors are) running on adrenaline, and I think that adrenaline hits its peak during the shows," said Connie Hilliar, the director of Warwick High School's presentation of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." "I don't usually worry about the energy that comes from the audience, but the more people you get, the better the performance. The audience is just as important as the actions and the hard work. Whatever the message is, people are going to interpret it differently. But hopefully it will be uplifting for all, the kids and the audience."

Adapted from the novel by C.S. Lewis, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" will be performed at Warwick High School's Performing Arts Center, 301 W. Orange St., Lititz, on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the box office an hour before the show.

The performance will consist of an hourlong first act, a 15-minute intermission and a 30-minute second act.

"It's about good versus evil," said Hilliar. "During World War II, four children enter Narnia through a wardrobe. According to the prophecy, the four children will defeat the White Witch and rule Narnia. It talks about how leadership is so important and that leaders need good people and good people need leaders. I thought it was a good message for right now. I wanted it to be something that resonates with the world today."

Production of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" involves 45 Warwick High School students in grades nine through 12. The cast features Christian Wolf as Aslan, Aubree Hamer as Lucy, Jaxon King as Edmund, Carly Ruchalski as Susan, Jacob Soslow as Peter and Jordan Privette as the White Witch.

"I've got a lot of seasoned actors and actresses," said Hilliar. "These kids leave me, and they go to band. These kids have rigorous classes at school. They're here all day. They are very, very involved. That will give you an idea of the kind of kids I have. They're amazing. One of the skills they learn is how to budget (their) time."

"This show is a heartwarming show appealing for all ages, young and old," said Tya Wolgemuth, a student assistant director.

The student performers' hard work on the fall play began on Sept. 9 with tryouts, read-throughs and rehearsals. All those intensive after-school practices, the tweaks and the fine-tunings have been in preparation for these upcoming four live performances.

"(The performers) love being in front of the audience," said Hilliar. There's something to be said for that feeling. It's the love of the stage. There's also a camaraderie here; they're together and they work it. It takes skills to be in front of people and deal with pressure. They're all skills you need to be successful in the business world and everyday life. I know kids who take that with them. That confidence, that stage presence, they carry that with them."