"Peter Pan" was a hit last year at Eden Christian Academy, director Tina Marcacci said, but she thinks this year's show, "Narnia, the Musical," is going to be even better.

"Narnia, the Musical" is based on "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the first book in C.S. Lewis' beloved fantasy series the "Chronicles of Narnia."

The story follows the three Pevensie children as they're transported from England to a fairy-tale land where the evil Witch holds sway. The children help the forces of good, led by the lion Aslan, to battle the Witch and her followers, the Cruellies.

The musical was written by Thomas Tierney, Ted Drachman and Jules Tasca and debuted in the early 1990s with tunes that included "Aslan's on the Move."

"The music's incredible," Ms. Marcacci said. "Some of it's very affecting, some of it's creepy or comical. It's a good blend."

Her favorite number, she said, takes place during the time in which Aslan appears to be dead, killed by the Cruellies.

"All the animals come to honor him and carry him offstage. It's called 'Field of Flowers,' " she said.

Those who have read the book or have seen the 2005 film that was based on it know the story contains scenes that are intense enough to frighten young children, but Ms. Marcacci said she and her cast were taking every precaution to prevent that.

For the performances at school, they previewed the story before the play began and periodically reassured the children that "the good guys win in the end," she said. "It was really successful, and no one got scared."

Most of the cast members are in grades nine through 12. She said Matt Bonessi, who plays Aslan, and Ashley Pflugh, who plays the White Witch, are "superb" in their parts.

"I really couldn't have asked for better talent," she said.

Because "Narnia, the Musical," will be performed off-campus at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Ohio Township, the sets will stay simple, Ms. Marcacci said.

"We're focusing on portraying the Narnian forest," she said, adding that the set gradually transforms from winter to spring during the show.

The costumes will make up for the simple set, she said. "We have an incredible costume mistress," Maggie Froehlich.

"She was nominated for a Kelly award for her costumes for Robinson Township Christian last year."

Even those who are familiar with the story of the Pevensies and their trip to Narnia will love the show, said Ms. Marcacci. "It's a powerful story," she said, "and it's so much more powerful to have it performed right in front of you."

"Narnia, the Musical" -- 7 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday at Christ Church at Grove Farm, 249 Duff Road, Ohio Township. Tickets: $8; $7 for students and seniors; $5 for age 3 and older. Information: 412-741-2825.