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Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Youth on Stage program is producing Disney’s “Frozen Jr.,” which features, from left, Calliope Chrobak as Young Elsa, Victoria Panzenhagen as Middle Elsa, Anna Steiger as Elsa, Riley Birsul as Anna, Charlotte Boon as Middle Anna and Kenzie Luyk as Young Anna.
Photo provided by Grosse Pointe Theatre
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and the rest of the “Frozen” gang are skating into town for a production designed with young audiences in mind.
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Youth on Stage program is mounting a production of the Disney musical “Frozen Jr.” from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods.
A story of love, adventure and self-acceptance, “Frozen” follows brave Anna as she and mountaineer Kristoff go in search of Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa, to break the spell of perpetual winter that Elsa has placed upon the kingdom. The original 2013 animated Disney movie was turned into a Broadway musical in 2017.
Grosse Pointe Theatre Executive Director Linda Zublick is directing GPT’s production of “Frozen Jr.” She said the junior version is designed to be a bit shorter, being condensed into a single act with a run time of a little over an hour. Zublick said this version is better for both young audiences and the young actors in the show.
“It’s basically the same story,” Zublick said. “It’s got all the same characters you know and love.”
GPT’s Youth on Stage has been increasing in popularity in recent years. Zublick said there are typically waiting lists for their programs, which fill up quickly.
“For our Youth on Stage program as a whole, we have found that the young actors are so excited to get on stage, and there has been a real interest in performance and live theater,” Zublick said.
Doing these shows is about more than just having an opportunity to be in a play, though.
“I guess the best part about live theater for students is it gives them an opportunity to develop confidence … and that translates into many things in their lives,” Zublick said. “There are a lot of ways it helps kids grow.”
There are 57 young actors in the cast, as well as student and adult crew members.
“The kids are so excited to bring the magic of Arendelle to life,” Zublick said.
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 2 and 1 p.m. Nov. 3. The 1 p.m. Nov. 2 production is sensory-friendly. Parcells Middle School is located at 20600 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 for parents. For tickets or more information, visit gpt.org or call (313) 881-4004.
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