Bashaw School’s junior high drama class is well prepared and ready to bring all the magic needed to their production of Disney’s Frozen JR. on Jan. 19, 20 and 21.
The students have rehearsed hard and were in a “really good spot,” as far as performance level goes, before the holiday break, said producer Lori Miller.
Miller said other school productions she’s been involved with that were at this level of preparedness were The Lion King and Madagascar, if that gives audiences an idea of what to look forward to with Frozen JR.
“It’s such a good production,” said Miller. “I’m really proud of it.”
The production follows the plot of the animated movie, compacting the familiar story line and music into about an hour and 10 minutes of heart, humour, drama, comedy and “all the good things,” said Miller.
There are about six big leading roles in the play: Olaf, Kristoff, Hans, Anna, Elsa, and of course — the lovable, goofy reindeer pal Sven.
Miller said junior productions are great because while the is focus on the main characters there’s also a lot of other characters and ensemble pieces.
There are about 30 Grade 7, 8 and 9 students in the cast and crew.
Some of the seasoned Bashaw theatre kids have returned to lend their performance and singing prowess to the production while a number of newcomers to drama have “gotten brave” and “hit an inspiring level,” said Miller, adding she is very proud of them all.
Miller said the students came up with about half of the choreography themselves and they “just stepped up in a big way.”
She explained the best choreography makes sense with the story being told and the students “did that so well.”
A junior production is “led and guided by the heart of the kids in it,” said Miller. “It’s really, truly about them finding their own creative voice and they have in every way done that.”
During the time off school, props, sets and costumes were completed, so the production members will hit the ground running once school begins again.
A dress rehearsal has been set for Jan. 11, and the cast and crew will go through a full tech rehearsal on Jan. 15, ensuring they are ready for opening night.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19 and 20, and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 21, at Bashaw United Church.
Tickets are still available at Bashaw School or the Bashaw Community Resource Centre. They are $10 per person or $40 per family.
On the day of the performances, some tickets may be available at the door. Miller said efforts will be made to accommodate anyone who wants to come watch a performance and support the students — even if extra chairs need to be added.
Frozen JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.