The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Disney’s Frozen, Jr. on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre September 13, 14, and 15 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at rentickets.org.

A free sensory-friendly performance of Frozen Jr., presented in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, will be offered Saturday, September 14 at 1:00 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.

Set in the mythical kingdom of Arendelle, young sisters Elsa and Anna share a sisterly bond full of warmth and love until they are separated by an accident involving Elsa’s magical powers.  Years later, as Elsa is crowned Queen of Arendelle, she panics and unleashes a blast of ice. Rather than cause another unfortunate accident, Elsa flees, which moves forward the prophecy of an eternal winter.  Her sister, Anna, sets off to bring her back to their kingdom; setting into motion a magical and humorous adventure which includes mountain man Kristoff, reindeer Sven, and the sisters’ magical childhood snowman, Olaf. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale The Snow Queen, Disney’s Frozen, Jr. is based upon the 2013 animated film, and the 2018 hit Broadway production about hidden potential, true love, and the powerful bond of sisterhood.

“The story is very loosely based on elements from the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, The Snow Queen, however the story of Frozen is an original one.  While The Snow Queen focuses on the primary character, Disney has focused on the loving relationship of siblings and family, which allows the audience to see the vulnerability of the characters as they try to protect each other.  As a result, the story is a little deeper one, and becomes a more universal message for the audience.  An additional layer of memorable music created by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, for both the film and Broadway, seamlessly adds to the epic tale,” shares Maloney.  “Disney pieces never fail to disappoint—as is expected, there’s an almost magical, lyrical aspect to Disney’s Frozen, Jr.  And, of course, we have the good fortune to have very talented young performers to tell this story, so families will love the experience!”

The cast is composed of nearly 60 students ages 7-18 from the following schools: Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Discovery – Mansfield, Foundation Academy, Homeschool, Knox County Career Center, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Mansfield Christian, Mansfield St. Peter’s, Mapleton, Ohio Connections Academy, Ontario, Pioneer CTC Performing Arts, Richland School of Academic Arts, Shelby, St. Edward’s – Ashland, Willard, Wooster and Wynford.

The cast is led by Kristin Kaufman and McKenna Stoffer as Anna, as well as Ellie Nickoli and Hayley Sleek performing in the role of Elsa.   The roles of Kristoff and Hans will be played by Christian Shepherd and Drew Owens, respectively.  Queen Iduna will be portrayed by ESaeLynn Cameron, with Padraig Browning as King Agnarr. Corlynn Stauffer and Makenzie Wynn will play the roles of Young Anna and Young Elsa; with Kadelyn Becker and Anna Perkins playing Middle Anna and Middle Elsa.

The cast also includes: Katlyn Shrewsberry – Bulda; Carter Underwood – Pabbie; Zavier Alterio – Bishop; Addie Lamb and Gillian Donley – Sven; Cassandra Kurek and Madison Kearney – Olaf; Seth Tackett – Oaken; Ian Barnes and Gavin Hull – Weselton; Joshua Browning – Steward.  The ensemble will be comprised of: Zavier Alterio, Ian Barnes, Joshua Browning, Isla Donley, Makenna Kennard, Gavin Hull, Caroline Martin, Emma Martin, Grace Masi, Lysandra Owens, Stella Powers, Bella Rayburn, Naomi Schag, Caroline Secrist, Olivia Slaubaugh, Ariella Waters.  Children’s Chorus members include: Tilia Ames, Violet Ames, Ella Aquino, Bella Briggs, Lacie Flint, Landon Flint, Logan Gehrisch, Nakiyah Johnson, McKinnley King, Steliana Kruer, Lilly McCready, Annesley Martin, Jackie Metz, Carlie Schnittke, Emma Secrist, Luke Stauffer, Graycen Stevens, Alex Trolian, Ethanah Waters, Shirah Waters, Sophia Wilson, Madelyn Yoha.

Based upon Disney’s 2013 Academy Award-winning animated film of the same name, Disney’s Frozen debuted on Broadway on March 22, 2018.  The musical features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Oscar winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus new songs written for the Broadway production. The book of the show was written by Jennifer Lee.  The Broadway production was directed by Tony winner Michael Grandage and produced by Disney Theatricals.  Disney’s Frozen is currently in it’s the second year on Broadway and will tour at major cities throughout North America beginning in November 2019.  The show has been recognized with numerous theatre awards internationally, including having been nominated for three Tony Awards.  The Disney film was written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.

Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association

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