Find yourself in Creative Light Theater's 'The Realm'

Sometimes it takes a journey to another world to see the problems with your own world.

This is one of the lessons of "The Realm," the latest production from the Creative Light Theater at the Church of Glad Tidings in Yuba City.

"This is a moving and touching and entertaining story," said the play's director and co-writer, Issac Farrer.

The play opens with Adam (played by Johnny Jackson), a typical rebellious teenager. After a fight with his parents over his grades and performance at school, he hears a mysterious voice who tells him he will be transported elsewhere.

That elsewhere is the Realm, a world of strange creatures and places different from our own world. "There, he gets to find out who he is," Farrer said. "He goes to different places (in the Realm) to find himself."

One of the greatest inspirations for the play is, of course, "The Wizard of Oz."

"I love (that), I love Narnia. And I wanted to do something like (those places) in a theater forum," Farrer said. "I saw 'Mary Poppins' on Broadway and I said 'We have to do this.'"

Because of how elaborate and detailed the sets are for "The Realm," the production is dinner theater.

"This is the best forum for what we wanted to do," Farrer said. "Each act is a different location, which requires a massive set change. We have a 15-minute dinner intermission and dessert intermission, so you'll be in a totally different place every time the curtain comes up."

While the play has an obvious religious theme to its plot, Farrer said "The Realm" will also appeal to more secular audiences. "It's written as more of a parable," he said. "Even though it has some biblical ideas, it's ultimately entertaining, and will appeal to all ages and all walks of life."

Proceeds from the production will benefit the Feather River Men's Center.

"I love things that are shock and awe, and this (has that) as much as possible," Farrer said. "People should come to be entertained and enlightened."