BELFAST - 'Tis the season for snow in Maine, but if you're Chris Goosman, you want it winter all year long. That's because she is playing the White Witch in Midcoast Actors' Studio's new production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, running December 8-17 at The Crosby Center in Belfast.

Based on the classic children's books by C.S. Lewis, Wardrobe tells the story of the four Pevensie siblings who travel through a wardrobe to the magical world of Narnia, where the evil White Witch and her army battle against Aslan the lion and his animal followers. Aslan the lion comes to life in the form of a giant puppet, designed and built by Director Leah Bannister.

"I wanted to go more abstract and creative, incorporate something unique to the stage," Bannister says, referring to the puppet. "I didn't want to do the whole mask thing."

Aslan is controlled by three puppeteers. Nathan Roach plays the voice of Aslan, as well as one of the puppeteers. Eugene Newton and Chip Curry are the other two. Playing the four children are Gracie, Erin and Chris Hayes and Maci Burgess. The adult versions of the children are played by Roach, Curry, Deb Fournier, and Jen Hart. Portland actor John Dalton Logan is Tumnus. Bryan and Bobbi-Jo Hayes are Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. Angela Domenichelli is Maugrim. Olivia Andrews is the centaur. Danielle and Marina Bannister play the dwarf and elf. Jay Holland is the professor and Father Christmas. Various animals are played by Isabelle Holt, Esme Deschamps, Sarah Joy, Teagan Fournier, Patricia Saucier, Michaela Newton, Jadon and Edna Dodge. Reilly Newton and Daniella Domenichelli fight on the witch's army.

MAS Artistic Director Jason Bannister, who serves as stage manager, producer and lighting designer, is excited about the size of the production.

"With a cast and crew over 40, this is the biggest production for MAS yet," Bannister says. "After the enormous success of Frankenstein, I am excited to see the audiences flock to the Crosby and see our holiday show. It's a great way to get out and do something with your whole family this holiday season, right in downtown Belfast."

Both Bannisters worked together with Greg Marsanskis and Brian Ross on the set design. Linda Marie designs the costumes. Jay Rosenberg is the sound designer. Angela Bonacasa is the fight choreographer, with Roach assisting as fight captain. Ivy Lobato and Marie are in charge of props. Jen Howard, Edna Dodge and Sarah Joy head up the extensive hair and make-up design crew.

An exciting aspect of the production is a special weekday student matinee for 400 RSU 71 students grades 3-5. Artistic Director Bannister hopes MAS can continue to offer weekday matinees for large school groups for the 2018 season, which includes Peter and the Starcatcher in May and The Snow Queen in December. The Crucible in October would be offered for middle and high schoolers.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe runs December 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and December 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. Performances are at The Crosby Center, 96 Church Street Belfast. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.