Flathead High wins exclusive rights to produce ‘Frozen’ musical
A musical production of "Frozen" will be coming to Flathead High School in fall 2023. The high school won the rights to produce the musical after winning The United States of Frozen competition for Montana. One winner was selected from each state. (Image provided by Educational Theatre Association)
Flathead High School will be the first school in Montana to produce Disney’s “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” after winning a nationwide competition.
One high school from each state was selected to win production and performance rights and script and score materials through the United States of Frozen competition organized by the Educational Theatre Association, Disney Theatrical Group and Music Theatre International.
“I’m excited for the story,” said Flathead High School Theater Director Wendy Putzler, who is a mother of three daughters. “The idea of sisterhood and overcoming challenges with a friend or sister is a great story to tell — that unconditional love guiding us.”
Applicants were asked to describe their vision for producing “Frozen” and how they would use the theme “love is an open door” to strengthen the school community, provide outreach to underserved groups and support inclusive and diverse theater programs, according to a press release.
“A positive and creative process is our most important outreach. When we create together, we can better reach out and share messages and storytelling with others,” she said.
When asked to interpret the idea of “love as an open door,” she said, “No matter our background or who we are … we all deserve kindness; we all deserve love; that’s what makes love an open door.”
Putzler expects to schedule four performances in fall 2023. Schools have until January 2024 to perform their interpretations of “Frozen.”
In Flathead’s application, theater staff assembled photos and images to illustrate their vision and provided examples of past work showing the department had the skills to put on a musical performance filled with grand costumes, lighting, set designs and choreography. The application showcased the work of drama assistant Jen Stebbins (staging, costumes and props), choreographer Kacie Bray, former musical directors Bray, April Williams, Liz Sykora and English teacher Luke Johnson; technical theater teacher Liz Sykora (set design) and lighting designers Patty Hodges, Bethany Shehan and Micah Horneman.
All students will be able to try out for a role in “Frozen.”
This is not the high school’s first Disney production. The school is currently in the middle of producing “High School Musical,” with performances set for Nov. 10-12. The cast and technical crew feature 67 students. In previous years, the school performed “Cinderella,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Several Flathead students previously performed in "Frozen Jr." at Kalispell and Somers middle schools.
Performances are also shared with elementary students, who receive free tickets to see a special children's show performed by Flathead's Acting 3 students.
“It’s exciting to see students who don’t always get opportunities to see a full play,” Putzler said.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.
This article has been updated to reflect that "Frozen Jr." was performed at Kalispell and Somers middle schools and that free tickets are given to elementary students for special children's performances by Acting 3 students.