By ZOYA KHAN and SIENNA FELDMAN
After winning the United States of Frozen competition and becoming one of only 50 schools to get the rights to perform “Frozen: The Musical,” Jericho Theater is working harder than ever to produce a show that is worth melting for.
The students who are part of the Jericho Theater program entered a contest to produce “Frozen: The Musical” by writing 3 essays and submitting videos of past productions. The first essay was about their vision of the musical on stage. The second was about how their group establishes inclusivity. The third was a response to the contest’s theme “Love is an Open Door.”
Shubhan M., one of the students who helped write the essays, described how well he felt the Jericho theater program fit with the goals of the contest. “The competition with its themes and prompts, we felt, fit perfectly into the ideals of our theater program,” he said.
Jericho Thespian Honor Society president, senior and actress Lauren Marchand said, “I honestly didn’t think we were going to get it, which is kind of sad, but we did. And I wouldn’t trade it for any other show ever.”
Jericho Theater celebrates as they are announced as one of the winners of the United States of Frozen competition.
To audition, the students had to submit videos of themselves singing a clip of the “Frozen” songs. They then had to come in person to perform a dance that had been assigned to them and read a script. Many of the students who auditioned recorded in their homes, where they felt the most natural. Marchand said, “I feel like that’s what matters the most, that you’re your most authentic self when you’re auditioning for a show.”
With props, costumes, effects, stage work, acting, dancing and singing, all of the cast, crew and staff have to work extra hard to produce a show that people will love. Director Ms. Theone Rinaudo is quite clear that she can not do it alone. She said, “It really does take more than that person that has the title director. I could never do all the things I needed to do on my own.”
The show incorporates new ideas and effects that have not been used before. Jericho Theater Production Organizaiton advisor Ms. Tara Pillich is excited about new techniques. “We’re integrating technology we haven’t had before. We’re looking at projections and having some new and interesting magical lighting and sound. So we’re really excited to be able to explore the more magical side of this,” she said.
To help raise money for the show, the cast and crew have been soliciting local businesses for sponsorships, donations and more. In addition, they have been working hard on sales of boba tea and baked goods to boost the theater’s funds since they receive very little financial assistance from the school district.
Jericho Theater students host a bake sale to raise money.
The Jericho student body is waiting for the show’s premiere on March 9th. Freshman Sharanya S. said, “I think it’s cool that you guys are creating it and coming up with cool ideas for it.”
Freshman Tanisha S. said, “I’m excited for it because it’s so fun and new, and I’m excited to see how it plays out.”
Other students are excited to see how the movie is going to be adapted on stage. Freshman Aarna T. said, “I can’t wait to hear Jericho’s rendition of the iconic Disney song ‘Let It Go’.”
While always concerned and excited about the final productions of the shows, director Rinaudo cares most about the atmosphere created by the entire cast and crew. “When we’re here, we’re together, we’re a family,” she said.
Ms. Rinaudo added, “I try to really work hard to keep it a safe space.”
“Frozen: The Musical” will be performed in the High School Little Theater on Thursday, March 9th at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 12th at 2:00 p.m. At time of publication, the shows are sold out, but there will be a paid livestream available for the Friday and Saturday performances.
Use the QR code to access the livestream ticketing and viewing service.