Artistic Director's Notes

“Now the real adventure starts, a challenge that will truly test the best that’s in your hearts. Find the courage within, and then begin to make the world right again.”
— Aslan
At the beginning of World War II, when Axis forces began bombing London, children were evacuated to the countryside. "I never appreciated children," C. S. Lewis wrote years later, "till the war brought them to me." An inspiring moment occurred when a little girl who was staying with Lewis asked him what lay behind an old wardrobe he kept upstairs. Ten years later the first book in a series that would later be known as the Chronicles of Narnia appeared on bookshelves. Much has been made of the metaphors and allegories found in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and its musical counterpart Narnia, however at its core it is an optimistic story of hope for a better world.

Our world seems to grow more complicated each day. Watching the news and reading the paper can become a very discouraging ordeal. Idealism is challenged by a host of powerful people who seem bent on greed, hate and control. Circumstances which seem beyond our scope can dispirit us. But we can and must always have a steadfast belief in a brighter future; a better world. It is our challenge to provide tools to our children which will help them make the world right as they grow to take their place in it.

For our part, Pied Piper Players seeks to strengthen self-esteem and community through participation in theater arts programs. One of our goals is to build character; infusing participants with self-esteem, as well as tolerance and humility. Our organization is interested in the individual development of people and, further, their contribution to an enriched society.

It is a philosophy we endeavor to impart to our staff, volunteers, actors and audiences. It is what drives Pied Piper Players, Inc. to provide low-cost, entertaining family theater. It motivates us to be in partnership with the Daly City Peninsula Partnership Collaborative, with whom we provide free, after-school arts enrichment programs in Daly City and South San Francisco.

We thank you for coming out to enjoy this story of hope and invite you to join us as volunteer, actor, donor or cheerleader to help keep Pied Piper Players fighting for a better future for all of us.

— Leslie A. Stupple