This year’s all school musical is Frozen! Set in Arendelle, this musical tells the story of sisterhood, overcoming your fears, and what it truly means to be a family. From less than a second quick changes, to stunts, to a four legged reindeer, this show truly had it all.
Summary:
Frozen begins with young Elsa and Anna who love to play together. Anna pushes Elsa’s icy powers too far and her head gets struck by Elsa’s magic. The queen calls on the Hidden folk who heal Anna, remove her memories of Elsa’s powers, and warn Elsa of her powers. Her parents help Elsa to keep her magic a secret from everyone, including Anna. They live sheltered lives inside the castle; Elsa keeps her sister safe by staying locked up in her room, but Anna doesn’t understand. Their parents go on a trip and end up dying in a shipwreck.
Finally Elsa’s coronation day arrives. The gates are finally open again! This is a very stressful day for Elsa, but super exciting for Anna! Anna meets a man named Prince Hans and after the coronation, Anna gets engaged to him. When they tell Elsa, she accidentally loses control of her powers! Anna runs after her, leaving Hans in charge of the now snowy and freezing Arendelle. While searching for Elsa, Anna meets a man named Kristoff and his reindeer, Sven. Together they start a magical journey to the North Mountain. Elsa and Anna share a very heartfelt moment in a song called “I Can’t Lose You.”
Unfortunately, Elsa accidentally strikes Anna with her magic once again, but this time in her heart. Elsa, terrified, tells them to leave. Kristoff calls the trolls to help Anna, but they misunderstand and think they’re a couple. After they realize Anna is hurt, they try to help her, but cannot heal her frozen heart. Only an act of true love can help Anna! Kristoff helps Anna get back to Hans. Hans betrays Anna and reveals his evil scheme to become King of Arendelle. Olaf shows up and helps Anna get to Kristoff, the one who actually loves her.
While they’re searching, Anna sees Hans about to kill Elsa! Anna saves Elsa’s life but freezes like an ice sculpture in doing so. Elsa sees Anna and feels horrible! She was trying to avoid this but ended up doing it! Eventually, Anna unfreezes, Elsa unfreezes the whole kingdom, and is able to bring back summer! Hans is punched in the face by Anna, and everyone is happy! Sisterhood is restored, and everyone is glad to have the gates open once more!
About the show:
This musical was Ms Fernandes’ first time as a director of both the cast and crew. She worked tirelessly to ensure a beautifully done performance, which left everyone in awe. Being in charge of tech means she also directed sound, lights, and bringing sets on and off the stage.
Then, there’s always Mrs. Rios who has been our amazing music director for many years. She is patient with all of us, and gets things done, while making it fun at the same time. Although we had a shorter amount of time than usual, she helped us learn harmonies for this difficult music.
We can’t forget Mrs. Nicholson, our wonderful choreographer who made all the dances up herself! As Keira Hyatt said in gratitude after closing night: “You know the dances are good when people are dancing them backstage.” This is especially true for fixer upper, a dance the trolls do that has harder moves than usual. These include the coffee grinder, the worm, and even a stunt: the bicycle!
And last but definitely not least, Mrs. Wanner! She created ALL of Elsa and Anna’s costumes from scratch with her own designs! She designed all the other costumes with help from Anna Rose Marshall and Briar Haskins, members of the tech crew who assisted with costumes. They also assisted with numerous quick changes during “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and Elsa’s dress reveal in “Let It Go.”
Our leads, Elsa and Anna, were played by Maria Silveyra Dodds and Lucy Elliffe, both very talented and awesome seniors who added another level of acting to the show. Two boys from local high schools (Kevin Brynczka and Aidan Christie) played the roles of Hans and Kristoff, respectively. Speaking of Kristoff, another highlight of the show was Sven! This reindeer was built by Mrs. Vitello who, in her free time, added bits and pieces to it. Sven was played by Nina Derendorf (the front) and Abby Kolinski (the back). Special shout out to Abby who was bent over most of the show! We can’t forget our fun, warm-hug-loving snowman, Olaf! Olaf was played by Gabby Hasenjaeger who was AMAZING! She was a great Olaf and really funny! We love her and can’t wait to see what amazing role she’ll get next year, in her senior year!
One of the biggest laughs of the show was the scene of Oaken’s Traveling Trading Post, easily the most comedic of the show. Sorina Yeghian, an amazing senior, played Oaken and went all in to create a hilarious (and accented) character. With huge facial expressions, beautiful singing, and energetic disposition, Sorina sold Oaken’s huge personality.
We can’t forget Weselton, our funny, odd duke, played by Emeline Sullivan-Liberge (Em). With two lackeys: Sophie Donovan and Elizabeth Ziegler. They were amazing and added comical relief as well as a new perspective to the show.
In all, the product of all the hard work, talent, and dedication was a beautifully done show, which reflected everyone’s time and effort. While it is sad to say goodbye to our wonderful seniors, Kendra, Annie, Lena, Lucy, Maria, Shaylagh, Mary, Keira, Sorina, Allie, Maria Elena, and Natalia, we are super happy for them as they continue their journey beyond Montrose. Thank you to everyone who supported and came to the show, I can’t wait to see what next year brings!
By Gabri Ottaviani ‘30, Faith Editor and Luisa Silveyra Dodds ‘30, Contributing Writer
30gottaviani@montroseschool.org and 30lsilveyra@montroseschool.org
