The stage at Stanley Switlik Elementary School is set for an icy makeover next week as students transport their audiences to the Kingdom of Arendelle in “Frozen: Kids.”
Based on the 2013 animated hit, a cast and crew of around 50 youngsters will tell the story of beloved princesses Elsa (Ryan Bryk) and Anna (Stella Voiles), the sisters and former best friends now isolated after Elsa’s uncontrolled magical powers accidentally bring her younger sister to the brink of death.
Hidden away in self-imposed isolation, can Elsa learn to “Let It Go” and embrace the powers that make her so special to save the kingdom she’s accidentally turned into an eternal winterscape? Or will it be too late to stop the dealings of the backstabbing Prince Hans (Daniel Gomez), set on earning the throne in Arendelle at all costs?
“I knew that a show like ‘Frozen’ would be a challenge since it is so well-known, but these kids have given everything they have to make the show spectacular,” director Allison Sayer told the Weekly. “They have learned difficult music, multiple choreographed dances and most importantly, how to work together as a cast and support each other. It’s been so fun to watch many of them come out of their shell and come alive on the stage.”
Elaborate costumes, including several hand-sewn by parents of the cast, and handpainted set pieces continue Switlik’s tradition of providing a full-scale musical for parents, friends and family. And just like the original Disney film, fan-favorite characters like Kristoff (Ian Reyes), Sven (Finn Keeney) and Olaf (Landry Sayer) are along for the ride.
“I’m so proud of them, and I look forward to seeing them perform next week,” said Sayer. “Thank you to my entire crew, the parents and this amazing community for all of the support.”
“Frozen” takes the stage on Wednesday and Thursday, April 16 and 17 at 6 p.m. in the Switlik cafeteria. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door.
