More than 50 young performers ages 12-18 from Giles and surrounding counties are taking the stage to present “Disney’s Frozen Jr” at the STAAR theatre at Antoinette Hall at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14 and on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman, harsh conditions and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter’s cold grip.
This show is co-directed and choreographed by Sandy Slayton-Mavrotheris and MaryAnn Trimble.
“We are truly blessed to have such fine women who care about these young people in this way,” said Tammy Pierchoski, Executive Director at STAAR, who is also producer of the show. “We could not have become the regional cultural arts center that we are without the dedication of educators such as these ladies.”
Pierchoski said that an additional 30 volunteers behind the scenes “make the magic happen.”
“This show is such a great show to allow middle school actors the opportunity to excel in their craft,” Trimble said. “So many cast members have been in other shows in minor roles. Frozen has given the directing team opportunity to work with each cast member and instruct them in individual stage development.”
Trimble explained the educational benefit of having several age groups of performers work together on one complex production.
“The older performers have been such a delight to see their performances peak,” Trimble said. “These actors are learning to truly entertain the audience. The middle schoolers have been fortunate to be in a show with such dedicated performers. The directing team is very pleased with the efforts and the quality of all the cast in this delightful fairy tale.”
Cast members include (Young Anna), Cooper Miller (Young Elsa), Emelia Wilbanks (Middle Anna), Talor Paule (Middle Elsa), Violet Pooley (Older Anna), Addie Smith (Older Elsa), Morgan Pooley (Kristoff), Garth Marchant (Sven), Tristan Pooley (Prince Hans) and Camden Hinojoso (Olaf).
“Directing “Frozen” has been an absolute delight,” said Slayton-Mavrotheris. “The talent of the children in this show and their enthusiasm is fantastic. I can’t wait for everyone to see this magnificent production.”
Other cast members include Tala Gvozdas (Bulda), Sarah Madura (Pabbie, Mycah Galloway (Queen Iduna), Nick Mavrotheris (King Agnarr), Cole Bussell Duke of Weselton), Jack Curry (Oaken), MaeLee Williamson (Oaken Wife), Laura Cox (Housekeeper), Simon Gray (Butler), Savanna Willbanks (Cook), Gabe Risner (Steward), Zachary Anthony (Bishop), Elizabeth Gaines, Olena Woodward, Karlei Williams, Andi Guess, Graham Hoover, Levi Gray, Avery Williamson, Kylee Griggs, Tatum Kelly, Trinity Madura, Gately Pfeiffer, Emma Pickett, Ella Risner, Sidney Willbanks, Conner Kelly, Timmy Pickett, Beau Pooley, Maggie Altomere, Abby Burch, Katelin Burch, Hudsen Gilbreath, Brelynn Hallmark, Kylan Harvey, Addie Jo Lewter, Rachel Madura, Delia Marchant, Carrington Thomas and Mattie Witt.
Tickets ranging from $12-$15 in price are available online at www.antoinetehall.com or at the Box Office Pierchoski Law Firm located next door to STAAR on the historic downtown Pulaski Square.
“Tickets will also be available at the door but this show is expected to sell out so purchasing in advance is advised,” said Pierchoski.
Identification of actors and actresses in each submitted photo and the character they are playing.
Photo 1:
Graham Hoover, Karlei Williams, Andi Guess (Oaken Kids), Jack Curry (Oaken), MaeLee Williamson (Oaken Wife)
Photo 2
Zachary Anthony (Bishop), Addie Smith (Older Elsa), Violet Pooley (Older Anna)
Photo 3
Garth Marchant (Sven), Morgan Pooley (Kristoff), Kate Barnes (Young Anna), Violet Pooley (Older Anna), Nick Mavrotheris (King Agnarr), Addie Smith (Older Elsa) Cooper Miller (Young Elsa)
Photo 4
Addie Smith (Older Elsa), Violet Pooley (Older Anna)
Photo 5
Violet Pooley (Older Anna), Tristan Pooley (Hans)