Vicki Margolis and Robert Riggs in Theatre Hopkins 'Shadowlands,' opening Feb. 18.

For most of his life, British philosopher and author C.S. Lewis was considered a man whose formidable intellect could contend with life's moral riddles. But in his 50s, for the first time, he fell in love. The author of The Chronicles of Narnia became a child himself, with only his heart to guide him.

"It's the sheer availability of happiness," he said, "that takes my breath away."

On Friday, Feb. 18, Theatre Hopkins raises the curtain on Shadowlands, a play by William Nicholson that tells the story of the improbable romance and marriage of Lewis and American poet Joy Davidman.

The cast is led by Bob Riggs and Vicki Margolis and includes Seamus Dockery, Rob Douglas, Donald Hart, Jim Knost, John R. Lyston and Windy Marshall. The role of Davidman's young son will be shared by Will D'Amato and Eli Block.

The production will run four weekends through Sunday, March 13, at Homewood's Merrick Barn. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. $15 at the door; $5, student rush tickets. For reservations, partial subscriptions or further information, call 410-516-7159 or e-mail [email protected].

The season will conclude with two recently announced productions. Opening April 15 will be the vintage comedy Boy Meets Girl by Bella and Samuel Spewack, its cast led by faculty member John Astin. The season will conclude with The Royal Family, an affectionate satire about theater folk by George Kauffman and Edna Ferber. Opening June 10, it replaces Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady, originally announced as the final production of the season.

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