By Sue Moore
“Frozen, Jr. is about family, friendships and sisterly love,” said Melissa Sparks, long-time director of plays on the Vicksburg stage. The animated film version became one of Disney’s all-time hits in 2013. The stage musical has been released for local performances, and Sparks believes Vicksburg’s performances will be the first in the area.
It is a huge production, with 50 cast members and 30 in the crew, a challenge for Sparks’ organizational skills though she has successfully met similar challenges before. It will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26 and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 27. The musical portion will be directed by Dusty Morris, the high school choir director. There are 20 songs for the chorus to learn, all for voices from 4th grade to 8th grade.
Stella Reitenour an 8th grader who was Junie B Jones last year, was chosen to play Anna, a princess, with Margaret Williams as her sister Elsa, who becomes queen. Jacob McGehee will be Kristoff and newcomer in his first production is Jack McCaw as Hans, the dashing prince.
Frozen, Jr. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart, according to the press release.
Staging the show is a big technical challenge, Sparks said. “We have to make an ice palace that appears on stage with Elsa’s wave of her hand. There are lots of other magical items along with the cost of royalties. all of which are a beast to pay for.” Rehearsals are from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and the set crews work on Saturday to paint and construct. “It’s a game of chess,” Sparks said.
Tickets for the event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students 18 and under. Order before October 19 and families of between 4-6 members (same household) are $30. Reservations can be made now by visiting http://www.vicksburgschools.org/pac or by calling the Vicksburg Performing Arts center ticket office at 321-1193 beginning October 21.