By Dana Davis
Reporter, Carbon County Comet
This past weekend marked an exciting milestone for the Platte Valley Drama Club, who staged three successful performances of the popular Disney musical Frozen Jr. Based on the Oscar-winning animated film, Frozen Jr. tells the heartwarming story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, who were once the best of friends until Elsa’s uncontrollable ice powers drove a wedge between them.
The talented young actors and production team brought the magical kingdom of Arendelle to life on stage through elaborate costumes, creative choreography, and catchy musical numbers. Under the direction of drama coach Marie Christen and costume designer Cathy Fairbanks, the cast dazzled audiences across three nights.
Starring as the sisters were Jeannine Lamourex as Elsa and Bayla Berger as Anna, with Cora Scott and Mariah Espinoza playing the middle-aged versions and Bryndal Berger and Isla Christen as young Elsa and Anna. Josie Martin shone as the rugged ice harvester Kristoff, while Madi Dunning elicited laughs as his loyal reindeer Sven. Elizabeth Vannett schemed convincingly as Prince Hans, and Mollie Martin was lovable as the huggable snowman Olaf. Levi Goodwin rounded out the cast as the jovial trader Oaken. Through elaborate hand-sewn costumes evoking the style of 19th century Scandinavia, inventive choreography with dancers to mimic Elsa’s magical icy powers, and the cast’s impressive vocal talents on songs like “Let It Go,” the production transported the audience to the snow-covered mountains and icy fjords of the kingdom of Arendelle.
After each show, refreshments were served while donations were collected in the lobby, as the Platte Valley Drama Club operates on the generosity and support of the community. The impressive productions and the evident talents of these devoted young thespians proved worthy of the community’s support. Frozen Jr. provided a fun theatrical experience as well as an important lesson about the power of family, love, and acceptance.
