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Tri-Community Arts presents ‘Frozen’

July 30 through Aug. 2 at Winthrop Auditorium

By Fritz Busch 4 min read

WINTHROP -- Tri-Community Arts presents "Frozen," a heartwarming adventure July 30-Aug. 2 about two royal sisters whose bond is tested when magical powers accidentally send their kingdom into an eternal winter.

In the kingdom of Arendelle, young sisters Princess Elsa (Elissa Ries) and Princess Anna (Savanna Sweely) share a joyful childhood as Elsa possessed the ability to create ice and snow.

Elsa accidently injures Anna with her uncontrolled powers, prompting her parents, King Agnarr (Jacob Haugen) and Queen Iduna (Acelyn Harford) to seek help from the hidden folk led by Pabbie (Derek Helget) and Bulda (Paige Berg).

Pabbie heals Anna but erases her memories of the magic to protected her, warning Elsa that fear will be her greatest enemy while love can counter her abilities.

Based on the hit 2013 film of the same name, "Frozen" reveals how true love Disney's "Frozen" is full of magic, humor, and a great musical score. It's a tale of sisterhood acceptance, courage, family and finding the real meaning of true love.

"Frozen" director Derek Helget, who also plays Pabbie, urged musical-goers to bring some warm clothing to the performance.

"It's nice and cold in the auditorium, fittingly for "Frozen," he said. "People can bring a jacket. We have a few available."

He and the cast shared their thoughts on the musical.

"The musical depicts many characters and their relationships and includes about a dozen popular songs from the movie," said Helget.

Ensemble member Tina Castillo talked about what she likes best.

"I love community theater because it creates another family from different communities," she said. "It's a lot of fun too."

Savanna Sweely said she enjoys everyone in the musical.

"The people are what make this such a great experience," she said. "I love performing on stage. Getting to do that with everybody is what makes this so fun."

Gwen Ruff said she wasn't so excited when she first heard the group was doing "Frozen."

"I have totally taken that feeling back," she said. "The music is so fun to sing. It's great. I just love it. It's an interesting story. It's not your classic princess story. It's got a good message. Every six-year-old girl is going to live it."

Scott Trebelhorn (Hans) said he enjoys hanging out with everyone in the musical.

"I like living in a world that is different from the world the other 10 months out of the year," he said. "It's fun being accepted in this weird, wonderful world of theater. After rehearsing this many times, I've learned this is not the traditional Disney show about romantic love. It's a show about selflessness. There is a lesson people can take away from the musical that they weren't expecting."

Paul Henning plays a bishop and is an ensemble member.

"I enjoy learning all the new songs I didn't know before and meeting all the people from different backgrounds and ages," he said. "I think it's interesting the son of a Lutheran pastor is playing a (Catholic) bishop."

Jared Gleisner, who plays the ukulele as Kristoff, described what he likes about "Frozen."

"This musical is so much fun because most people know the Disney movie, but people may not be aware of the music that really expands on the on it, adding lots of fun, new songs and other elements," he said. "It adds more run time to tell the complete story that's a lot of fun. The people in it are so much fun, coming together, telling the story to the communities."

The cast also includes Scott Trebelhorn (Hans), Kal Aden (Olaf), Jaiden Rebers (Sven), Yzykiel "Zeke" Rendon (Weselton), Paul Henning (Oaken, bishop, ensemble), Acelyn Harford (Queen Iduna, ensemble), Rylie Lederle (Young Esla, ensemble), Claire Schmidt (YoungAnna, ensemble), Rhonda Burkle (Handmaiden, ensemble).

Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Winthrop school auditorium.

Tickets can be purchased at the door, online at www.TriCommunityarts.com or by calling 507-207-2226.

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