Disney Frozen JR

BCMCS Youth Theatre present the Disney favourite Frozen. Based on the Disney film, book by Jennifer Lee and Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. With a cast of thirty plus the younger members of the audience made their way into the auditorium in Frozen outfits to watch the show, so sweet to see.

The set had a raised walk way at back with centre stairs. With a view of the town on the back cloth of ramparts, bridge and river. Centre Stage was a maypole. The flats were dark red and gold with gold framed pictures on the walls. Stage Right was the Alps and even the steps had snow painted on and the Front of Stage apron was made to look like an ice wall. Various cloths and props were brought on to create other scenes including gates and the front of a wooden cabin. A filigree of plastic to look like ice was dropped down and looked effective as was the falling snow. A very magical set in all. Scenery Andy Parmar and Dennis Boulderstone. Stage Crew Andy Parmar, James Casterton and Toby Payne. Stage Manager Chris Grady. Props Jennie Pearce. Lighting and Sound all added to the effect. Sound Lea Royse and Elodie Perrier. Lighting Norman Bowers and Follow Spots Fran Shrinks and Daniell Gavin.

The costumes by Kathryn Wilkinson were magnificent - all of which she made. Elsa’s reveal was spectacular and more so was the Sven costume. The colours were lovely and there must have been some very quick costume changes backstage so shoutout to the team backstage for making that happen. The mammoth task Kathryn delivered in the time and colour coordinated outfits was amazing. Added to that were wigs and make-up including the glitter on faces of the Snow chorus and the Hillside People’s make up done by the capable Ursula Greenhalgh with help from Clarice Greenhalgh.

Jonny Cunliffe Musical Director will not have disappointed Frozen fans as the numbers lived up to expectations - the opening was strong with full ensemble on stage setting the scene. Matthew Gavin was Choreographer and the stage was utilised well with the large cast and the Snow Chorus when supporting Elsa looked great surrounding her and mimicking snow and ice with movements.

Producer was Jack Beavan and Director was Louise Ward. This is Louise Ward’s debut at BCMCS and she certainly brought the magic out of the production.  The finale Let It Go was quite emotional. The show had happiness, sadness and some magic thrown in - what a combination!

With such a large cast I cannot name everyone but the Ensemble worked really well together: just be careful of sightlines and being seen by the audience when you are not on stage. The Ensemble consisted of The Citizens, The Hidden Folk, Snow Singers and Snow Chorus. Asher Reid Played the Duke of Weselton and Riley McKee played the Bishop. The young and middle Annas and Elsas helped set the scene and show how Elsa’s magic needed to be controlled. Young Anna was played by Jenna McAllister and Middle Anna by Jasmine O’Neill. Young Elsa was played by Liberty Young and Middle Elsa was played by Mia Grady. Nathan Gaba played Pabbie one of the healers and Butler and Harriet Crompton played Bulda another healer and lovely voice too. Lewis Parmar played Hans and gave a good portrayal of  the Prince plotting against the sisters to get Arendelle, showing us his evil side.

Olivia Ramirez played the delightful Olaf who is conjured up by the sister’s imagination. Olivia not only had to act, sing and dance she had to control a puppet in front of her too.  Annabel Jenkins played Queen Iduna and it was a lovely portrayal of caring parent - she also played Mrs Oaken. Nicolas McCartney played King Aggnar and Oaken which was hilarious. You probably heard me laughing. Great character.

Jacob Harvey played Kristoff who ends up being very dependable and helps save the day with his trusty sidekick Sven played by Jacob Farnworth. Sven was adorable and Jacob really inhabited the part. Kristoff and Sven worked as a great duo.

Stephanie Stone as Anna pitched the part with great energy and sass plus a little comedy thrown in - Stephanie gives us the impulsive character with a maturity she is fast developing. Fab work. Last but not least is Elsa played by Kallea McKee. Elsa has to control her anger with the help of gloves and this is not easy as she ends up hurting the one she loves, her sister. Kallea commanded the stage and the scene where she magically changes her dress was a moment and one I could watch again. Kallea sang the songs with such ease it was if they were written for her and her voice gave us layer upon layer of delight. Vocally very mature – well done!

BCMCS must be delighted with this show and it was very moving the end when they were all on stage for the final number. Seeing so many young talented people being brought together will surely be a show they remember and it’s testament to BCMCS for nurturing and supporting such talent for the future of amateur theatre.  It takes a huge team effort and a lot of hours to put on a production like this. Included in this are the chaperones, parents and tea makers to mention a few who put in the hours. Thank you so much for invite and hospitality from my guest Dawn and I.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District Rep 5

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