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PARKERSBURG-- The kingdom of Arendelle is coming to Parkersburg as the Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents Disney’s “Frozen,” the Broadway musical based on the animated film.
The show opens at 7:30 p.m. today, which is sold out, and runs through Dec. 5 at the Actors Guild playhouse at 724 Market St.
“Frozen” tells the story of sisters Elsa and Anna, whose bond is tested by Elsa’s mysterious powers. As Anna sets out to save her sister and their kingdom from an eternal winter, the story explores themes of family, acceptance, courage and the power of love.
Cassie Cline stars as Elsa with Ellie Yeater portraying Anna. The cast also features Garrett Honse as Kristoff, Stuart Yaden as Hans, Analeigh Bennett as Olaf, Hector Velez as Sven and Chloe Patterson as Oaken. Laurel Ware and Norah Grose portray young Anna and young Elsa, respectively.
“Frozen” is co-directed by Alexis Parsons and Josh Martin, with choreography by Parsons.
“I think what makes Frozen so special is that underneath all the snow and magic, it’s really a story about family, love, and finding the confidence to be yourself,” Parsons said. “Those themes resonate with people of all ages.”
The Broadway adaptation expands on the original film with additional songs and relationships between its characters. For Parsons, those additions, combined with choreography and creative staging, help make the production a unique theatrical experience.
“We want children to experience the excitement of seeing their favorite characters onstage while giving adults a theatrical experience they’ll enjoy just as much,” she said.
Bringing the magical world of Arendelle to the stage, however, presents some unusual challenges.
“When one of your main characters can create ice and snow with her hands, you have to get pretty creative!” Parsons said.
From costumes and sets to lighting, projections and choreography, the production requires numerous technical and creative elements to work together. Parsons said the challenge has been making those elements visually exciting while ensuring they serve the story.
Casting was another important consideration. With audiences already deeply familiar with the characters, finding performers who could capture both their vocal demands and personalities was essential.
“You want performers who can deliver vocally, but you also need people who can bring the heart and personality of each character to life,” Parsons said.
She credits the cast’s enthusiasm and dedication with helping bring the production together, noting that watching performers grow into their roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Ronnie Talbott, who portrays King Agnarr, said the opportunity to participate in a Disney production carries its own special excitement.
“Bringing to life the world of Frozen has been absolutely incredible,” Talbott said. “It’s always special working on any show, but Disney shows are especially wonderful. You get an opportunity to bring something to life that young people enjoy. I truly can’t wait for Disney fans of all ages to immerse themselves in the magical world of Arendelle.”
The cast includes Hanah Dawkins as Queen Iduna, Danny Bayer as Weselton, Tom Lodato as Pabbie and Morgan Stubbe-Fearnow as Bulda.
Parsons also praised her collaboration with Martin, recognizing the time, thought and energy he has devoted to the production.
“He has put so much time, thought, and energy into this production, and I really appreciate the dedication and care he brings to everything we do,” she said.
Although audiences can expect familiar music and characters, Parsons hopes the production will offer a few surprises along the way.
“There’s something really special about the moment when the music, movement, and storytelling all click,” she said. “Without giving too much away, I think audiences are in for some beautiful and magical moments, and I can’t wait to see their reactions, especially the kids experiencing that magic right in front of them.”
The production is rated AGP-G and is sponsored by Hughes Family Chiropractic, Family Carpet and Jan Dils Attorneys at Law.
Tickets are available at https://www.actors-guild.com/buy-tickets.html. Today is sold out, but tickets, which are $23, are available for the remainder of the shows. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5.