COEUR d'ALENE - Everyone, it seems, knows the story of Narnia. And everyone feels a special connection to it, says Tracey Vaughan.

"Many of us read these stories as children, and many of our children are now reading these stories," she wrote. "The recent movie series has brought about a renewed interest in the entire world so beautifully created on the page by C.S. Lewis, now masterfully brought to life on the screen via modern cinematic technology."

Vaughan, drama teacher at Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, said each time she's participated in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," it's been "magical."

She directed the play at the Lake City Playhouse six years ago, and it sold out every performance.

"This experience directing it now is completely new and just as fulfilling," Vaughan wrote. "I don't see this production as following in the line of a long history of various versions of this story; rather, I see it as our own take on a timeless tale that holds meaning and resonance for all ages."

Which led to the academy producing its own version of the story that sends Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy into Narnia.

With a cast and crew of 80 members, it's the biggest production the school has undertaken.

It took strong support from the school with costuming and makeup to pull it off. One family, the Sauls, built and painted the scenery.

"Our challenges as a small school were to create a big-scale production with limited resources," Vaughan wrote. "Tackling the creation of a land as fantastical as Narnia is no small feat."

Charter doesn't usually do plays that have animal roles, and though it has done plays with stage combat, it doesn't often choose ones that have battle sequences to such a scale.

The play, with a running time of an hour and 45 minutes, offers a variety of acting opportunities for students.

"It is really fun for them, and it allows them to learn different acting skills," she said.

Students playing leading roles:

• Peter - Mitch Shellman

• Susan - Rachel Averett

• Edmund - Dane Wurmlinger

• Lucy - Jacklyn Adams

• Aslan - Thomas Leake

• White Witch - Sarah Marchese

• Tumnus - Jake Crotinger

• Fenris Ulf - Zach LaBenne

• Mr. Beaver - David Minerath

• Mrs. Beaver - Hannah Melton

Vaughan believes "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," is a special show to come to with your family.

"Personally, I am really excited to be able to take my 4-year-old son to finally see one of mom's shows," she wrote. "He is super excited about the battle sequences."

If you go

The Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy will present "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," 7 tonight and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and children. Performances will be at the Coeur d'Alene High School Auditorium, 5530 N. Fourth St.