One of Disney’s most beloved films is making its way to the Renner Theatre. Frozen Jr. debuts Friday, January 23, at 7:30. There will be eight chances to see the production between January 23 and February 1 as local young talent embody popular characters like Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Prince Hans, Sven, and, of course, Olaf, among many others.
The show is being directed by Andie Schmitt, with musical direction by Nate Kearns. This is the second time that Andie and Nate have directed a show together.
Other members of the production team include Addy Weck – producer, stage manager and program, Hayden Weck – choreographer, Ganriella Stotts – featured dancer, Hannah Fasilis – property manager, Hannah Fasilis/Sara Newell/Hayden Weck – stagehands, Sean Starcher – lighting designer, Waylen Mauller – lighting board operator, Katelyn Dotson – assistant music director, Andie Schmitt/Eric Turner/Mayah Dalton/Kasey Kelley/Cast – set design, Brittany Ramey – photography, Stacy Katz – website, Jesica Cunningham – social media and house manager, Bruce Revennaugh – tickets, Andie Schmitt/Shannon Eubanks/Shelly Tolliver/Cast – costumes, Brook Rose/Donna McFee/Leslie Every/Tina Gundelfinger/Teri Neff/Eric Turner/Andie Schmitt/Addy Weck – Alteration Team, and Addy Weck/Hannah Fasilis/Brittany Ramey/Bruce Revennaugh – audience choice.
“I found that I really enjoy working with the kids. It’s nice to give them a second home, a safe space, as well as give them maybe some more discipline than they’re used to in school and at home,” said Schmitt.
The cast was divided into two groups, the “Ice Cast” performing on Friday evening and Saturday matinees, and the “Snow Cast” performing on Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees.
Members of the “Ice Cast” are Elsa – Alaina Roberts, Anna – Sarah Wray, Kristoff – Jaxson Preston, Hans – Ty Caudill, Kristoff & Hans Understudy – James Every, Young Elsa – Emmalynn Lefever, Young Anna – Vivian, Gundelfinger, Middle Elsa – Kiernan Blair, Middle Anna – Amelia Nicholopolous, Queen Iduna – Bailey Rice, King Agnarr – James Every, Olaf – Carson Rose, Sven – Nico Griepenstroh, Oaken – Ellesyn Gibson, Duke of Weselton – Elise Clark, Pabbie – Ash Dalton, Bulda – Aubrey Thompson, Oaken’s Husband & Cook – Jackson Mount, Steward & Butler – Maddox Turner, Bishop – Arlina Lipps, Housekeeper – Kinley Pulley, and Handmaiden – Peyton Brown.
One the “Snow Cast” roster are Elsa – Laney Gebhart, Anna – Ashlynn Smith, Kristoff – Jaxson Preston, Hans – Ty Caudill, Kristoff & Hans Understudy – James Every, Young Elsa – Brenna Curry, Young Anna – Elise Kelly, Middle Elsa – Gianna Pozzuoli, Middle Anna – Mara Pozzuoli, Queen Iduna – Ariel Miskovich, King Agnarr – James Every, Olaf – Sadie Finck, Sven – Scarlet Sparks, Oaken – Kate Hoover, Duke of Weselton – Tyler Mauller, Pabbie – Ash Dalton, Bulda – Aubrey Thompson, Oaken’s Husband & Cook – Jackson Mount, Steward & Butler – Maddox Turner, Bishop – Arlina Lipps, Housekeeper – Kinley Pulley, and Handmaiden – Peyton Brown.
Lucille Bradford, Indika Budd, Paris Dieujuste, Kendie Gibson, Elizabeth Gillian, Judah Griepenstroh, Caramia Gross, Izzy Householder, Cora Kim, Karsor Kirkpatrick, Lars Kuhn, Colson Landry, Arlie, Leasure, Gracelynn McConnell, Athena Middleton, Waverly Miller, Cordelia Plance, Everly Rose, Jenalyn Shafer, Izzy Stotts, and Paislee Watson are all part of the ensemble.
“They adore the storyline. They adore the parts and the people in the show. So it was very exciting to have every single kid just know the show before I even worked with them. So it allowed for me to get into the nitty-gritty of teaching them acting, teaching them the vocality of the songs rather than, okay, this is the storyline, these are the characters, because I already knew that. So that was nice. So a lot of this allowed for them to be able to put their passion on the stage. So I think people will look forward to seeing that passion that all these kids have.”
The Renner Theatre is located at 148 North 7th Street, Zanesville. Showtimes for Disney’s Frozen Jr. are January 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and January 24, 25, 31, and February 1 at 2:30 p.m. Seats are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (55+) and students, and $8 for children. Additional fees may be applied when ordering tickets online. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door, although they are quickly dwindling. Visit zanetraceplayers.ludus.com to see availability and to order online. For information on upcoming shows, visit
therenner.org.
