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After waiting, planning, and preparing for two years, Rock Ridge Performing Arts (RPPA) finally performed “Frozen,” a musical about two sisters — one human and one with powers –who face adversity together in order to protect each other. The first show was performed on Friday, April 26.
“Frozen” was highly anticipated by students, and for good reason. The “Frozen” movie was one of the most successful animated Disney films and had a lasting impact on younger audiences when it came out.
The story of Frozen follows the two sisters, Elsa and Anna. When it is revealed to the kingdom of Arendelle that Elsa has magical powers, she flees, and Anna runs after her in an attempt to get her back. However, the two clash when Anna’s fiancé, Hans, threatens to kill them both in his pursuit of the crown.
Due to its sheer popularity, the rights to perform “Frozen” as a musical are extremely difficult to attain, and only one school in each state gets the chance to do so per year. “There was a competition called ‘Fifty States of Frozen,’ and we submitted an application two years ago,” Anthony Cimino-Johnson, the director of RRPA, said. “We were accepted as the only school in Virginia to do the musical. [We had to include] set design, how many students, how many performances, [and] photos from previous productions. It was a competitive process.”
The cast and crew of “Frozen” acknowledged the privilege they had to be able to perform the musical. “It’s actually pretty cool to have permission for ‘Frozen,’” freshman Divitha Mathe, a background actress in the musical, said. “We have [one of] the biggest theater programs and we have been preparing for ‘Frozen’ for a long time. There is a really beautiful set and the costumes are so pretty. The actors and tech crew are doing an amazing job. If I would want to shout out to anyone, it would be Mr. CJ and Mrs. Hess because they are really pulling the show together, and I am glad to have them as my teachers.”
Freshman Camille Conner, an actress who performed as a castle guest, was encouraged to audition after watching the past works of RRPA. “My dream has been to be in “Frozen” ever since I was little when I first watched the movie, and now my dream is coming true,” Conner said.
A challenge that the team faced during production was time. “We always feel like we have more [to do] and it always comes down to the last second, especially with big productions like this,” junior Kaylie Rivers, who plays Anna, said.
Some students also had to juggle two roles in the production. “I play the role of Anna, as well as a special effects designer,” Rivers said. “It’s very common for actors to do tech, and [for] technical designers to be actors because everybody in this company is incredibly talented.”
The cast’s hard work paid off. The performance was truly magical, fit with fake snow that cascaded from the ceilings, jaw-dropping dress transitions, and a detailed set.
RRPA will run for its second weekend May 2 through May 4.
