Somer's Middle School Theater presents 'Frozen Jr.'
Cast members from Somers Middle School Theater’s production of “Frozen Jr.” rehearse for this weekend’s shows.
The royal gates of Arendelle open with Somers Middle School Theater’s production of “Frozen Jr.,” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Somers Middle School.
In its third season, Somers Middle School Theater presents Disney’s modern classic story of love’s ability to overcome pain. Anchoring the Norwegian-inspired court of Arendelle, the royal family, headed by King Agnarr (Jack Thompson) and Queen Iduna (Sophia Ilin), seemingly embody harmony in a joyous kingdom. The family hides a magical secret, however, and Young Elsa’s (MacKenzie Murray) mesmerizing abilities bring both delight and disaster to her bubbly young sister (Anna Bain). With an accidental ice strike, coldness splinters the family harmony.
When the king and queen suffer tragedy at sea, the young girls’ relationship is fractured even further, but as the girls age, fun-loving Anna (Marley Bain) longs to connect with her older sister (Isabelle McCoy) and welcomes her sister’s coronation as an opportunity to mingle with a world she’s been denied. Embracing her newfound sociability, Anna (Clara Haag) immediately falls in love with Prince Hans (Collin Olson), but Elsa’s (Mary Beard) power spirals out of control, sending the kingdom into winter.
With help from new friends — a gruff but caring ice-harvester named Kristoff (Jordan Shallcross), a friendly, fun-loving reindeer Sven (Bailey Newton), and magical, warm-hearted snowman Olaf (Gracyne Johnson) — Anna begins a quest to heal the broken bonds of family.
Additional roles are played by Emma Maxeiner, Ali Putzler, Alana Wilcox, Kayden Strash, Oaklie Breslin, Maddie Mahlen, Isabelle Guardado, Kayla McConkey, Isabelle Brewer, Gwynnevere Cattron, Madeline Brooks, Charis Wendle, Marli Pluid, Kayleigh Murray, Veronica Saavedra, Zaria Mcdowell, Giovanna Dragon, Riley Adams, Sophie Brown, Bailey Chollman, Melody Hantz, Naomi Becker, Dublin Carter, Bella Wolfe, Essence Burdick, Katelyn Thompson, Jenny Gillette, Gabrielle Ek, Chance Barker, Maya Graham, Natasha Ilin, Charis Wendle, and Jessie Hoover. Mason Derrick and Allie Zemke compose crew.
Although numerous hours and a whirlwind of energy have been put into this captivating show, the student performers and crew have learned more valuable lessons than how to act or manage lights.
“The best part of acting is that you can make your personality shine through your character, and you don’t have to be afraid to be weird in front of people,” eighth-grader Gabrielle Ek said.
“What I like best about being a part of ‘Frozen Jr.’ is that I can surround myself with nice people from every grade. I think being part of a production like this enables you to bring together a family of friends from every grade,” seventh-grader Ali Putzler said.
“I like being part of something that is powerful and amazing, being a part of something that people will remember,” seventh-grader Charis Wendle added.