Theatre Palisades Youth’s ‘Frozen Jr.’ to Open at Pierson Playhouse

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Though the weather is warming up around the Palisades, it’s staying nice and cool at Pierson Playhouse where Theatre Palisades Youth presents “Frozen Jr.”—a 60-minute adaptation of the 2013 top-grossing animated Disney film and 2018 Broadway musical.

Program director Lara Ganz revealed to the Palisadian-Post that this will be her ninth major production as director with Theatre Palisades Youth.

The cast is comprised of 41 young actors who have been rehearsing three days per week since January 11 and are eager to bring this show to life.

“In order for us to showcase all the talent that we have, we created three separate casts,” Ganz explained. “So all 41 children are in every single show. If they’re not playing their main roles, they’re playing in the ensemble.”

For those unfamiliar with the story, “Frozen Jr.” follows Princess Anna, mountaineer Kristoff with his sidekick-reindeer Sven and Olaf the snowman as they join forces to find Anna’s sister, Queen Elsa, who has created an eternal winter in the kingdom of Arendelle.

The storyline challenges the traditional Disney fairytale by unveiling the beauty of sisterly love, as opposed to an act of “true love” between a handsome prince and beautiful princess.

“I remember sitting in the movie theater and crying,” Ganz said to the Post. “It’s a story that was really innovative and took everyone by storm when it came out.”

Ganz shared that the cast has a connection to the character Elsa, who is initially taught to hide her magical powers, but eventually leaves that fear behind as she sings the iconic track “Let it Go.”

“Theater kids have these special gifts, their sensitivity that allows them to be such creative, young actors,” Ganz said. “When they get to the theater, they get to be themselves and share their gifts with the cast and with the audience.

“I hope that by portraying these characters on the stage, it reinforces that theme in them, that they could walk away feeling a little more empowered like Elsa does at the end.”

The musical adaptation features a number of songs that aren’t in the film, including an opening number, “Let the Sun Shine On” and “Dangerous to Dream.”

The production also depicts community theater at its best, with siblings of the cast helping backstage and parents volunteering their time by producing, publicizing, building, painting and beyond.

“There is absolutely no way this show could come together without them,” Ganz said about the community involvement.

The show opens on Friday, February 21, and runs until March 1.

To purchase tickets or view a complete list of showtimes, visit theatrepalisades.org.