STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
It was frozen in time for a year, what with summer camps shut down to the coronavirus pandemic.
But “Frozen Jr.” will take the stage today and Friday at the Sun Valley Community School Theatre. The popular children’s musical will take the stage at 2 today—Thursday, July 8—and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, July 9. Tickets are $5 for children and $15 for adults, available at https://www.stthomasplayhouse.org
The play is presented by the kids of Company B, a performing arts day camp for children from pre-kindergarten to rising ninth graders. It’s under the direction of Sara Gorby with music direction by Beck Vontver and choreography by Savina Barini.
“Frozen Jr.” is the tale of how true love can melt even a frozen heart. The fairy tale follows Anna and her friends—a mountain man, reindeer and snowman--as they embark on a magical adventure to find Anna’s sister Queen Elsa and save the kingdom of Arendelle after Queen Elsa accidentally uses her power to curse the kingdom of Arendelle with infinite winter.
It’s one thing after another, from a villain to unpredictable ice powers, as they fight to bring back summer.
But, by facing and fighting their fears Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the bonds of sisterhood.
“It feels great to be back. The kids have embraced it and they’re full of energy,” said Wyatt Root, who is assisting with the camp. “Last summer was hard because there was not much to do and the opportunities to take part in theater and other summer camps was missing. But we’re back in full force.”
Young Anna and Elsa are played by Georgie Payne and Luane Blas; Middle Anna and Elsa, by Melody Hackleman and Lucy Harris, and Older Anna by Phoebe McCance and Phoebe Everett William.
Kristoff is played by Eva Hatzenbuehler; Sven, by Sadie McCance; Prince Hans, by Santi Rico, Olaf by Sloane Connolly and Weselton by Callie England.
Others in the play include Zash Rios, Eliza Stone, Jandi Gonzales, Josie Esselman, Isla Masner, Eliott Stone, Ginger Spence, Casey Rolf, Bradley Chavez, Tessa Dondero, Justin Armas, Isabella Elkhunovich, Madeline Menzies, Emilia Menzies, Kinsley Saunders, Elliott McKinley, Seanna Milaccio, Marlo Nieves, Emma Osher, Lala Payne and Amaya Vaughan.
Also, Chloe Pawliw, Lela Pawliw, Grace Taranta, James Thomas, Hazel Wright, Josie Dondero, Eva Gonzalez, Teodora Smither and Cardiff Taranta.