The Ames community theater group, ACTORS, will be presenting the first play of their “Winter Festival Around the World” season with The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, a Joseph Robinette adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel, beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the ACTORS theater in West Ames.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is the story of Aslan, the great warrior lion, and his adventures in reclaiming a stolen kingdom from the White Witch, aided by four children. The play is “fairly short” and will include a “special appearance by Father Christmas,” said Joe Pundzak, president of the ACTORS Board of Directors.

“We chose this production because it is a seasonal, flexible story involving themes of hope and faith and good over evil, and it would provide an opportunity for younger people to get involved,” Pundzak said.

“You will be taken to the mystical land of Narnia,” added Linda R. Blakely, artistic director. “It promises to be a good show for the whole family.”

Composed of volunteers of varying ages from Ames and surrounding towns, the ACTORS theater group is now in its 40th season of production and will help celebrate the many years of volunteer community theater with the Winter Festival Around the World, a pre-show display of different cultures through children’s dress, food and poetry.

The festival is a fund-raising activity for ACTORS, hoped not only to entertain with and educate on the various cultures presented before curtain time, but also to help pay for some of the expenses associated with putting on the play, such as the detailed make-up work provided by a 15-person crew to a cast of more than 35, Blakely said.

Pundzak said that ACTORS wishes to add to the Iowa State students already involved.

“We are in the process of reorganizing and taking a long step toward a new mission to provide live theater and performing arts to central Iowa,” he said. “Community theater gives an awful lot back to the community.”

Doors will open for the Winter Festival at 6:30 p.m., with curtain promptly at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Saturday, Dec. 8-9, and 15-16. Matinee doors open at 1 p.m. with curtain at 2 p.m. on Sunday, and Dec. 10 and 17.

Tickets are $9 for students and are currently available at the John Huber Clothier, 404 Main St., or at the door.

The ACTORS Theater is located at 120 Abraham in West Ames.